From Backyard to Bush: How to Become a Wildlife Carer in Queensland

Every year, thousands of native animals in South East Queensland are injured, orphaned, or displaced. Whether from car accidents, habitat destruction, or domestic pet attacks, these animals need urgent help. That’s where Wildlife SEQ, a registered not-for-profit wildlife rescue organisation, comes in.

If you've ever wondered how to become a wildlife carer in Queensland or how you can support local wildlife conservation, you're in the right place.

What Is Wildlife SEQ?

Wildlife SEQ Inc. was founded in 2019 and provides vital rescue, rehabilitation, and release services for native wildlife across South East Queensland. Entirely run by volunteers, Wildlife SEQ gives injured and orphaned animals the care they need to return to their natural habitat.

📍 Location: South East Queensland
💚 Mission: Supporting native wildlife through rescue and rehabilitation
🐾 Structure: 100% volunteer-led and donation-funded

Why Native Animals Need Wildlife Carers in Queensland

Australia’s native wildlife faces growing threats from:

• Road traffic and car strikes
• Dog and cat attacks
• Habitat loss and land development
• Extreme weather events
• Entanglement in fences or netting

Wildlife SEQ steps in to provide short- and long-term care to these animals, but the demand often exceeds the number of available carers.

What Does a Wildlife Carer Do?

Becoming a wildlife carer in Queensland involves:

• Feeding and housing injured or orphaned animals
• Transporting wildlife to and from vets
• Administering basic care (with training)
• Releasing animals once they’re fit and healthy

It can be a 24/7 job during busy times, but carers say the experience is deeply rewarding.

🦘 Common animals in care: possums, wallabies, birds, bats
⏰ Time commitment: flexible, varies based on your availability
💸 Expenses: some out-of-pocket, but donations help cover costs

Real Success Stories from Wildlife SEQ

Skittles, a beautiful Wompoo Pigeon, came into care after a traumatic dog attack left her injured and overwhelmed. While the wildlife hospital did their best, the stress of the environment was too much, so a Wildlife SEQ volunteer brought her home to recover in peace. There, she received care, from tube feeding to daily bandage changes, with every step focused on giving her the best chance to heal.

Thanks to that care, Skittles slowly found her strength again. What started as a fragile recovery turned into a full return to flight, and the day she was released back into the wild was a moment of pure triumph. Her journey is just one example of how compassion and community support through Wildlife SEQ can change an animal’s life.

These stories are only possible because of volunteer carers and donor support.

About A Dog's Impact

At About A Dog, we’re proud to support the life-saving work of Wildlife SEQ. Thanks to our incredible customers, we’ve donated over $4,700 (and counting) to Wildlife SEQ. These funds have gone directly towards providing food for animals in care, along with essential medical supplies like bandages and feeding equipment, easing the burden on volunteers and giving every animal a better chance at recovery.

How to Become a Wildlife Carer in Queensland

If you're ready to make a difference:

1. Join Wildlife SEQ – training and support provided
2. Start with small animals – and build confidence over time
3. Contribute in other roles – from fundraising to admin and animal transport
4. Donate or volunteer – every effort counts

🔗 Learn more or sign up: https://wildlifeseq.com.au

Can’t Be a Carer? Here’s How to Help at Home

If direct wildlife care isn’t right for you, there are still ways to be a wildlife conservationist from your own backyard:

• Set up a bird bath (avoid feeders)
• Create a frog hotel
• Build habitat stacks for reptiles and insects
• Plant native trees and shrubs
• Keep pets indoors at night
• Teach others how to protect native wildlife

Support Wildlife SEQ Through About A Dog

At About A Dog, we believe in protecting what we love and that includes Australia’s incredible wildlife. That’s why we donate a portion of every sale to organisations like Wildlife SEQ.

🧻 Buy About A Dog toilet rolls, tissues or paper towels
🎯 Vote for Wildlife SEQ as your chosen charity
💚 Support wildlife with every roll

Every Animal Deserves a Second Chance

Whether you're donating, volunteering, or simply spreading the word, you're helping build a safer future for Queensland’s native animals. The journey from backyard to bush begins with one small step. and you can take it today.