Organization Policies
Volunteer Requirements:
- All volunteers must be permanent residents of Cape Cod or the coastline south of Cape Cod to the Rhode Island border and must be at least 18 or older
- If your application does not meet these requirements, your application will not be considered
- All volunteers must be initially trained in stranding response prior to assisting with the Dolphin Rescue Center in Orleans
- There are additional trainings that must be completed in order to assist at the Dolphin Rescue Center. More information will be provided after the initial training process
- Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
- Field volunteers should be in good physical condition, able to lift 30 - 50 lbs., and able to swim.
- Note: there are some roles a responder can be assigned at a response that do not require as much physical exertion so please do not let the lifting requirement deter you!
- New volunteers must complete/attend the Stranded Marine Mammal Response Team (SMMRT) trainings series in its entirety and pay the one-time training fee of $25.00 to be activated as a volunteer
- Trainings consist of one online course and two in-person trainings
- New volunteers must read and sign the “IFAW Marine Mammal Rescue and Research Volunteer Agreement” and "IFAW Marine Mammal Rescue and Research Liability Release and Assumption of Risk" to be activated as a volunteer.
- You will receive these documents to sign if you have been selected as a volunteer responder.
- All volunteers are required to attend one training session annually to maintain active status.
List of considerations before moving forward with the application:
- Strenuous activity: heavy lifting, walking in difficult terrain, operating for long hours, etc.
- Operation in remote areas and in dangerous terrain: ice, rocks, mud, areas of tidal change, shallow water drop-offs, surfzone waves, areas with limited cell phone reception, areas without vehicle access, etc.
- Long durations outdoors in adverse environmental and weather conditions: cold, wind, heat, sun, etc.
- Possible physical injury, exertion, dehydration
- Physical hazards: trip hazards, overhead hazards
- Possible exposure to zoonotic diseases via live or dead animals or handling contaminated gear, tools, or equipment
- Other wildlife interactions: birds, coyotes, sharks, etc.
- Hazardous materials and chemical exposure: animal treatment medications, sample storage solutions, cleaning and disinfecting agents, etc.
- Persons who are immunocompromised, pregnant or breastfeeding are advised against handling animals (live or dead) and/or handling animal-soiled materials.
