Want to volunteer?

What does volunteering mean?

Volunteers clean cages and floors, and make and distribute toys. They socialize birds by playing, talking, singing to them, or just sitting near them. They do data entry and update computer files. Some may assist in feeding prep. Typically, a volunteer will clean for an hour, then spend an hour making toys or working hands on with birds.

How much time will it take?

We schedule most days between 10am-4pm. Most volunteers are needed during morning hours, but we can work with your schedule. You must be reliable… When we schedule a time for you to come, we are counting on you being here. We typically run on limited time through the day, so when we have to pick up the extra work, it means our schedules are skewed.

Who can volunteer?

Anyone! Volunteers under 18 years old must be accompanied by a guardian or parent the entire time they are in the building. This means no drop offs.

Volunteers must not be smokers. Even if you don’t smoke here, nicotine sticks to hair, clothing, and skin, making it a danger to our birds.

We will conduct a criminal background check. A record won’t necessarily disqualify you, although it may depending on the offense and how recent it was.

Is it safe?

Mostly. We train our workers and volunteers carefully and we know which birds are dangerous and/or tricksters. Despite this, ALL parrots bite sometimes and some parrots bite ALL the time. We require anybody entering the building to sign a waiver releasing IPR from responsibility to injury and damages. We do not leave volunteers alone with birds, so somebody will always be around to assist.

Iowa Parrot Rescue will not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex, gender identity, orientation, or veteran status. We will reject you if you're hard to get along with, prejudiced, or just generally a jerk.