WIRES volunteers work within the WIRES branch network and each branch works as a team. WIRES is a non-profit organisation where animal welfare always comes first. All WIRES rehabilitators are trained volunteers, and give their time and care free of charge.

WIRES Rescuers and Foster Carers

After completing a WIRES training course you can conduct rescues of injured native animals. This can involve the relocate animals from unsuitable environments or the collection of animals that members of the public have taken to a vet for attention. Many rescuers will then deliver the animal to a carer's house if they are not able to care for the animal themselves.

If you would rather care for animals already rescued you can specialise in foster caring and look after injured, sick or orphaned native wildlife until they can be released. The role of a carer can be demanding. Most carers start by looking after small birds and can later undertake specialised training in the care of mammals, reptiles and raptors after they complete specialist courses.

WIRES Rescue and Immediate Care Course
The Rescue and Immediate Care Course is a 2 day training course. The cost of the training course varies between Branches. This covers your first year’s membership; a manual covering WIRES policy; detailed notes on rescuing native animals and basic foster caring techniques; an annual authority to rehabilitate wildlife under the license held by WIRES, branch fees and costs of running the course.

For insurance purposes, WIRES members must be 18 years or over. Rescue and Immediate Care Courses are usually held between February and September.

After the Rescue and Immediate Care Course has been completed specialist animal courses may be attended, which are designed to deliver the skills necessary to care for a greater range of species. Members are advised when Specialist Courses are available.

What equipment will I need?
Some equipment is essential to carry out wildlife rescue and care. Equipment does not need to be expensive or sophisticated to begin with, and may be accumulated over time. WIRES courses will provide you with information on what you need.

Every branch is self sufficient and fundraises for its own needs, including the purchase of  equipment needed to successfully care for native animals. Many members wish to purchase their own equipment which alleviates the financial pressure on the branch but where this is not possible, the Branch can usually help. All WIRES equipment remains the property of WIRES.

What level of commitment is necessary?
You decide on the level of activity you are comfortable with. Time and equipment are the major considerations. If you have a lot of time and space in your garden for aviaries your commitment level may be quite high. Not all animals need an aviary, smaller animals may need only a cage for a few days care.

If you make the commitment to become a foster-carer/rescuer, there are experienced carers in every branch (co-ordinators) who will guide and support you. Rescuing an animal does not necessarily mean you will foster care it.

The animal co-ordinator will assess the animal's needs and make a decision. Almost all young animals need to be "buddied" with their own species for their best chance of survival. That may mean giving the animal you have just rescued to someone who already has that species in care, or it may mean you will foster care animals that someone else has rescued.

All native rehabilitation organisations in NSW are licensed by the New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and are subject NPWS policies and licence conditions. Caring for our unique wildlife is a challenging and rewarding experience and a privilege.
 
What about my pets?
Having pets and being a wildlife carer are not mutually exclusive. Common sense is the main ingredient. Our main aim is to release healthy, independent animals back to their habitat.

It is not in the native animal's best interest if, at release, it is comfortable with humans and their pets (their predators). All animals in care should be wary and instinctively flee from humans and pets, your dog/cat might be benign but the next dog/cat your native animal meets on release might not be, and days or weeks of care is completely wasted.

The native animal's welfare will always be the main priority.

Other ways to help
Many people are unable to take on the role of animal foster carer or rescuer but there are lots of other ways you can volunteer to help. It can be a very rewarding experience. WIRES relies on the help of volunteers to fundraise, answer phones, co-ordinate animal care, enter records into WIRES database, speak to community and school groups and assist with other administrative tasks.