Volunteer with Phoenix Landing
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with Phoenix Landing! As a volunteer-based organization, we would not be able to run our adoption and education programs without volunteers just like you. By working together, we can help more birds.
Volunteer opportunities vary by area. But, here are a few ways to get started, regardless of where you live:
Volunteer opportunities vary by area. But, here are a few ways to get started, regardless of where you live:
- Attend one or more of the educational events. Volunteers need to have an understanding of the care standards we advocate concerning food, enrichment, training, building trust, and more, as you may receive a question from someone while helping us as a volunteer (even to transport a bird.)
- Transportation is always a big need. Sign up to be a Parrot Taxi, and then join the Phoenix Landing Volunteer Group on Facebook to learn about transportation needs for birds, and other volunteer needs.
- Sign up to help store cages or other parrot items for adoptable birds who may need them.
- If you have time and room, consider adopting or fostering a bird.
Volunteer opportunities at the Adoption Center, north of Asheville, NC
All Adoption Center volunteers are required to attend a core parrot care class first (one of the classes that count as part of the adoption process), to have an understanding of the standards of care we provide and recommend. Upcoming classes are listed on the Events page.
There are plenty of opportunities for interested volunteers. We are happy to welcome volunteers who have been vaccinated for COVID-19 back onsite at the adoption center.
There are plenty of opportunities for interested volunteers. We are happy to welcome volunteers who have been vaccinated for COVID-19 back onsite at the adoption center.
- Parrot Care: Preparing and serving their breakfast or dinner, changing papers, cleaning cages and food/water bowls, sweeping, and more. Our parrot care volunteers are vital to making sure our parrots are nourished, clean, and healthy! This opportunity is a great way for anyone to get involved with our adoption center. Whether you want to learn a little more about parrot husbandry or you are already an experienced parrot caretaker looking to contribute your efforts, this is a vital role for onsite volunteers.
- Enrichment: There are also endless opportunities for enrichment once routine duties are finished. Toy-making is always a need. You can make toys for the birds at the adoption center using supplies available onsite. This helps us keep the birds busy! Volunteers also get creative with other forms of enrichment, like reading stories to the birds, or dance parties with the birds as they eat their dinner. If you have other ideas we’d love to hear them -- the possibilities are endless!
- Training: If you have experience with positive reinforcement training already, help teach the birds here basic husbandry behaviors like touching a target stick, stationing, taking juice from a syringe, and trimming toenails through cage bars. Previous experience with clicker/positive reinforcement training required at this time.
- Horticultural Opportunities: We always need help weeding to maintain the grounds at the adoption center. If you are looking for an excuse to work outside in the dirt, this task may be for you! There are other opportunities for gardening, and grounds maintenance depending on your interest and skill level -- but no experience is required to get your hands dirty and help maintain the grounds on our beautiful mountain campus!
- Helping Parrots Store: Our Helping Parrots store is volunteer run. Experienced volunteers may opt to be trained on helping with the physical and online store. Proceeds from the store go to Phoenix Landing's adoption and education programs, so it is another way to help the parrots of Phoenix Landing. This is a great way to get some business experience for a good cause!