Georgia Wildlife Network

Welcome & Next Steps

Thank you for signing up to volunteer with Georgia Wildlife Network (GWN). After you complete the form below, you should receive an email within five (5) days containing a link to join our Slack app workspace. Please be sure to check your spam or junk folder.

What to Expect as a Volunteer

Volunteer activity varies depending on the needs in your area. You may receive requests weekly or only once a month. Wildlife emergencies are unpredictable.

We take calls statewide throughout the year, with peak season occurring April through July. During peak months, the hotline may handle 50–60 cases per day. Most calls involve education or providing wildlife rehabilitator information to the finder. Many situations do not result in a transport request, as we strongly encourage finders to transport animals themselves whenever possible so the animal can receive help immediately.

When transport requests are made, they typically require at least one hour, and some may involve multiple volunteers coordinating a transport that lasts several hours. We will never request transport until a licensed rehabilitator has confirmed they are able to intake the animal.

Volunteers do not keep animals overnight, except in rare circumstances when same-day transport is not possible. Volunteers also typically do not handle, feed, or offer fluids to animals unless specifically instructed to do so.

All transport requests are posted ONLY in Slack. To receive requests, please remain signed into the app. Notifications can be muted or threads exited at any time as needed.

Slack Channels & Communication

Once you join Slack, you will be added to private channels representing wildlife rehabilitators, centers, and veterinary clinics within a 60–90 mile radius of your home address. You will also be added to a statewide “Georgia” channel for requests that cannot be filled locally.

All volunteers are automatically added to the public “general” channel, where we share announcements, updates, temporary closures, educational opportunities, and more.

Please note that GWN typically closes the hotline during the winter, which is a slower season, so our hotline volunteers can enjoy time with their families.

If you are interested in volunteering on the hotline and can commit at least 6 hours per week responding to wildlife-related texts, please email us.

Required Slack Display Name

When setting up your Slack profile, please format your Display Name as follows:

First Name Last Name – VT (City)
Example: Sally Smith – VT (Alpharetta)

This helps identify you as a volunteer transporter.
Using an email address instead of your name will delay your addition to the appropriate channels.

Required Documentation

Please email a copy of your driver’s license to Help@GeorgiaWildlifeNetwork.com for our records. Once you have reviewed the volunteer handbook, notify us via Slack messenger.

We cannot activate you for transport until all steps are completed.

Why is a copy of your driver's license required? As a volunteer transporter, you may be going to private residences, entering private property, and occasionally transporting federally protected wildlife. For the safety of our volunteers, the public, and the animals in our care, Georgia Wildlife Network must be able to verify the identity of everyone representing our organization. Having this information on file allows us to respond appropriately should any safety, legal, or logistical concerns arise.

Responding to Transport Requests

When a transport request is posted in Slack, respond directly to the original comment thread. The volunteer who responds first, is closest, and can arrive within a reasonable timeframe is typically selected.

Requests will be updated once filled or canceled. Updates will appear in the original post and will be clearly labeled “UPDATE.” Please check the post and comments to confirm the request has not already been accepted, as some requests are filled within minutes.

In some cases, you may be asked to text the hotline volunteer if they are working and unable to see Slack notifications.

Once You Accept a Transport

After accepting a transport:

Contact the finder and provide an estimated time of arrival (ETA).
Once the animal is picked up, contact the rehabber with an ETA for drop-off.
After completing the transport, comment in the original Slack thread that the transport is complete.

Types of Transports

Most transports involve picking up already contained injured or orphaned mammals, songbirds, reptiles, waterfowl, amphibians, raptors, or fawns and delivering them to a licensed rehabilitator or wildlife-triage veterinary clinic.

Occasionally, a transport may involve capturing wildlife such as raptors, waterfowl, turtles, or fawns. We have two specialized teams for this:

Raptor Rescue Team
GWN Rescue Team
Venomous Snakes
Rabies Vector Species (vaccinations required)

These roles are for volunteers who enjoy more hands-on situations, including activities such as kayaking or trapping wildlife (yes, even otters).

Participation is always optional. No volunteer is expected to do anything they are uncomfortable with or that could risk injury. Your safety is our top priority, and your level of involvement is entirely up to you.

We always aim to re-nest or reunite young wildlife when possible and continue to encourage finders to transport animals when able. This is the fastest and most effective way to help wildlife and fosters shared responsibility for Georgia’s wildlife.

We strictly follow state and federal wildlife regulations. Many species we assist are federally protected, and it is illegal in Georgia to possess or rehabilitate wildlife without the proper license. GWN does not transport animals to unlicensed individuals.

Training & Transport Guidelines

There is no formal training class; however, you are required to review the volunteer handbook. Guidance will be provided on a case-by-case basis, and most learning is hands-on.

During transport:

Do not place containers in direct sunlight or near AC/heat vents
No loud music or smoking
Heating or warming instructions will be provided if needed
Animals must be transported in a ventilated box or appropriate crate
Never hold animals in your lap or allow them loose in your vehicle

Volunteers may not open containers or handle animals, except in rare cases when specifically instructed. No photos during transport unless directed by GWN, a rehabilitator, or veterinary staff. Please do not bring domestic pets during transport.

Some wildlife can die from stress-related heart attacks. Minimizing stress is critical.

We do not contain rabies vector species. We may transport them only if they are already safely contained and no handling is required.

All wildlife transport is done at your own risk. Georgia Wildlife Network is not liable for injury.

If You Are Capturing Wildlife

We can recommend gloves and equipment based on species. In most cases, a cardboard box or Rubbermaid container with proper ventilation and a secure lid works best. The goal is to provide enough space for the animal to lie down or sit comfortably while limiting excess movement.

We do not recommend kennels or pet crates for birds with flight feathers, as feathers can be damaged through the openings.

Resources & Additional Information

GWN works with a network of state- and federally-permitted rehabilitators, all of whom are listed on our website:
www.GeorgiaWildlifeNetwork.com

Our website also includes Species-Specific Information covering when to intervene, how to capture safely, educational resources, and ways to donate.

We also recommend Animal Help Now to locate nearby rehabilitators or wildlife-friendly veterinary clinics if resources are limited in your area. Not all rehabbers choose to be listed publicly, so there is no single comprehensive directory.

Wildlife Emergency Assistance

For wildlife emergencies, please text the GWN Hotline: 678-827-5496
Hotline hours are:

Mon–Sat: 9am–8pm
Sunday: 10am–6pm

Hours may change without notice based on volunteer availability.

About Georgia Wildlife Network

Georgia Wildlife Network is a 100% volunteer-run, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. We receive no government funding. Donations support website and hotline costs, transport equipment, and help offset rehabber expenses such as food, housing, and medical care.

Questions & Final Steps

If you have questions, please email Help@GeorgiaWildlifeNetwork.com or text 678-827-5496.

If you are ready to sign up, complete the form linked here. If you do not receive a confirmation, please email us.

Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook!

Thank you for taking a walk on the wild side with us!

Georgia Wildlife Network Volunteer Transporters