Learn basic emergency response for wildlife 

Wildlife Aware

Learn how to identify wildlife in distress and how to safely transport them to your nearest wildlife hospital. You will receive a 'Wildlife Aware' certificate at the end of this course.

We are a registered charity. Course fees go toward patient care.

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This course will cover:

  • Biases toward wildlife 
  • Common hazards for wildlife
  • Signs of distress in wildlife
  • Safely securing and transporting wildlife to a hospital
  • Helping wildlife thrive in your community
  • A live virtual Q&A with SPWC staff

Course Sections

Videos

Activities

Hours

Become an advocate for wildlife

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What is the purpose of this course?

To equip members of the public with the confidence and knowledge needed to safely secure and transport an animal in distress to a wildlife hospital, and to reduce occurrences of injury and illness in wildlife.

Who is this course for?

Anyone who wishes to help wildlife get professional medical care when they are in distress and prevent distress by taking simple actions in their community. All are welcome to take this course.

Why take the course?

Without a dedicated rescue team, Sandy Pines Wildlife Centre relies on community members to bring sick, injured, and orphaned wildlife to our hospital for treatment. With your help, we can ensure wildlife receive the time-sensitive medical care they need for successful rehabilitation and prevent further harm to wildlife in your community.

Group Rates

Group rates are available for two or more participants from an organized group (ie., a workplace, a family, a community organization, etc.). To access the group rate, email us your organization name and number of participants. To access the student rate, email us the school name where you are currently enrolled.

Corporate Group Rate
 2-9 participants = 10% off
10-19 participants = 15% off
20+ participants = 20% off
Non-profit Group Rate
2-9 participants = 15% off
10-19 participants = 25% off
20+ participants = 35% off
Student Rate
25% OFF

'Wildlife Aware' Employer Certification Program

Creating a community
of care

Participants will receive a certificate of completion at the end of the course.
Employers can apply for 'Wildlife Aware' certification, indicating how many active employees have taken the course.
Employers will be awarded bronze, silver, or gold 'Wildlife Aware' certification based on the percentage of active employees who have taken this course and number of rescue kits on site. 
participate in an optional Q&A with SPWC Staff IN the final section of this course

Upcoming Virtual Q&A Schedule

Fall 2024

Thursday, November 14
at 7 PM

Winter 2025

TBD

Summer 2025

TBD

Course Reviews

"The Sandy Pines Wildlife Centre [Wildlife Aware] course is exceptionally well-structured and comprehensive, covering a range of topics related to wildlife conservation and animal care through a thoughtful and compassionate lens. The instructors are undoubtedly experts in their field, and their passion and care for wildlife shines through their teachings, making the learning process engaging and enjoyable."
Jenna Quinn, Conservation Science Manager, Ontario Nature
"This course has given me the extra confidence to help animals who need it! Being a full out animal lover since day one, I have never been so excited to learn how to properly and carefully care for wildlife without causing them any extra stress and pain. This is one course that I will be offering any and all employees to take!"
AMBERAINE RITCHIE,
RAINE AND SHINE CLEANING
"Sandy Pines Wildlife Aware course helped me learn the basic skills required to safely transport injured wildlife for proper care. I was able to put the course into practice when I safely transported an injured bird to Sandy Pines for further care. Thanks for a very informative, worthwhile course."
SARAH MACK
"It was great! The [Wildlife Aware] course taught by Jess Pelow, OCT and Leah Birmingham, RVT taught me invaluable skills that I can confidently apply to my current role."
Alida Nugent, Parks Program Educator, Sandbanks Provincial Park
"The wildlife course delivered by Sandy Pines Wildlife Center provides an excellent in education in recognizing signs of distress in wild animals and in safely handling and containing them to the point that they can be delivered to professionals for medical care. The course is very informative and well-delivered. The staff at Sandy Pines are clearly very passionate about their work and I hope they continue to deliver such courses."
ontario nature
"This was such a wonderful learning experience, and I'm so glad I took this course. I feel much more confident in helping and identifying wildlife that may need to be helped."
DANIELLE GOODVIN

"I strongly recommend this training to anyone who works in an area where they may come into contact with wildlife. The training is comprehensive and informative, providing valuable knowledge and skills on how to prevent, respond to, and safely handle situations involving wildlife."

ANONYMOUS COURSE PARTICIPANT

"This course was very helpful in identifying animals in distress and the proper handling for transport to a facility. I think it's very valuable for people to know this in the event that they have the opportunity to save a life. I found the section on handling different species extremely useful and would feel more comfortable doing it now."

ANONYMOUS COURSE PARTICIPANT

"I appreciated the course's interactive and engaging nature, which helped reinforce the key concepts and make the learning experience enjoyable. The trainers were knowledgeable and gave practical advice on how to reduce the danger of animal interactions and deal with them safely when they arise."

ANONYMOUS COURSE PARTICIPANT

"The hardest part of helping wild animals is reducing further harm/injury. This course helps provide added, realistic ideas that can boost confidence in knowing just how to help."

Sam - volunteer SPWC Driver

"Attending the Sandy Pines Wildlife Centre training course was an eye opening experience. Being able to see behind the scenes of a rescue reminded me of how lucky we are to have dedicated individuals who truly care about their work and wildlife. This course taught me how to properly handle injured animals and really demonstrated the importance of getting professional help quickly for the animal. I love animals and i feel i am better equipped to make a difference. Thank you so much!"

ANONYMOUS COURSE PARTICIPANT

The "Wildlife Aware" course through Sandy Pines Wildlife Centre is an incredible course taught by passionate, knowledgeable instructors! It provides valuable insights into local wildlife, how to peacefully coexist and how to safely help them when they are in distress. This course not only deepened my appreciation for wildlife but also equipped me to make a positive impact in my community by always being prepared to assist any animal. Highly recommend it to anyone interested in wildlife or who wants to help in conservation!

E. Goldstein

  sandypineswildlife.org

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