Volunteers are essential to the work of Port Orchard Parrot Rescue & Sanctuary. Without you it is impossible to provide the care our parrots need and deserve. Thank you for all that you do!
Who May Volunteer?
We accept volunteers of all ages. Of course we have to keep in mind the safety of our volunteers and our parrots, so we require that all volunteers under 16 years of age be accompanied at all times while on premeses by parent(s) or legal guardian(s). Minors who are 16-17 years old may work unaccompanied after we have met with their parent(s) or legal guardian(s) and have received a signed release of liability.
How to Volunteer
Just show up! It’s that easy. Further down the page you’ll find a section entitled “Volunteer Work Guidelines” that detail when we work with the parrots and what work needs to be done at the various times. Just pick a shift (2 hours maximum) that fits your schedule and show up ready to help. We will have you fill out a short application form for information and liability purposes only, but we don’t turn away helpers who are willing and able to work. We need all the help we can get!
Work Credit / Academic Credit
Does your organization or school offer credit for volunteer work done in our community? Ask them if volunteering with Port Orchard Parrot Rescue & Sanctuary qualifies. We will happily work with them to ensure that you get the credit you deserve for the help you provide us and our parrots.
Volunteer Work Guidelines
Morning Feeding and Cleanup
Hours
10:00 a.m. to noon – Tuesday through Saturday
Tasks (do in order listed as much as possible to avoid messing up earlier work)
- Turn on lights (if they’re off)
- Parrots must remain in their cages while work is in progress. This is for their safety and yours.
- Mist bath for all birds
- Prepare fresh dishwater
- Put away dry dishes
- Remove any remaining food and water dishes from cages (throw out remaining food and rinse food and water dishes to keep dishwater clean)
- Wash and rinse dishes
- Pick up, sweep, scrub away debris from inside cages, especially in crevices and areas covered by trays.
- Use Poop-Off to pre-treat any dried on poop inside and outside of cages.
- Use hot-water/vinegar mix to clean cages. Pay special attention to any organic (food and fecal) matter which can attract pests and spread disease if left in cages.
- Remove soiled papers from cages
- Put clean papers in cages.
- Sweep up any food droppings and other debris from floor.
- Spot clean with mop as needed.
- Provide food and water in clean dishes.
- General tidying up (make sure everything is where it belongs)
- Feel free to socialize with the parrots as much as you like after all the other work is finished.
Helpful hints:
Talk gently to the birds as you’re working, especially if you’re going to be carrying boxes, trash cans, food bags, and other unusual items around them. This helps calm them down and gets them used to the sound of your voice.
Afternoon Feeding and Cleanup
Hours
2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. – Tuesday through Saturday
Tasks (do in order listed as much as possible to keep from messing up earlier work):
- Parrots must remain in their cages while work is in progress. This is for their safety and yours.
- Put away dry dishes
- Remove any remaining food and water dishes from cages (throuw out remaining food and rinse food and water dishes to keep dishwater clean)
- Wash and rinse dishes
- Provide food and water in clean dishes
- Move any items on floor in preparation for mopping
- Sweep up any food droppings and other debris from floor
- General tidying up (make sure everything is where it belongs)
- Empty trash (new trash bag if needed, but definitely every Saturday afternoon – needed or not)
- Prepare clean mop water
- Dump out old mop water (if any) in toilet. Be sure to flush.
- Fill mop bucket with hot water (as hot as you can make it).
- Add 2-4 cups of distilled vinegar depending on how much cleaning is needed.
- Add 2-4 drops of Dawn dish washing liquid after bucket is full.
- Mop floor to clean up any poop and dried on food droppings.
- Leave mop water for spot cleaning through the next day.
- Feel free to socialize with the parrots as much as you like after all the other work is finished.
- Turn out the lights at 4:30 p.m.
Helpful hints:
Talk gently to the birds as you’re working, especially if you’re going to be carrying boxes, trash cans, food bags, and other unusual items around them. This help calm them down and gets them used to the sound of your voice.
Rescue / Sanctuary Work vs. Retail Store Work
Because the Rescue and Sanctuary currenly shares facilities with Port Orchard Parrots Plus (a for-profit business) it is very important that volunteers refrain from doing any work that may be construed as benefitting the for-profit business. If you’re not sure, please ask.