A 100% volunteer-run organization proudly supported by your generous donations.
Our Mission
Our mission is to heal and release native wildlife while educating the next generation of caretakers.
We are a state and USDA licensed wildlife rehabilitation center specializing in the care and rehabilitation of native small mammal species. Our mission is to provide a safe haven for these unique animals, offering them the medical attention, nutrition, and enrichment they need to recover and return to their natural habitats.
Our Story
When founder Briggitte Dix established the cottage in 2013, her goal was to create a space to mentor the next generation of state-licensed rehabbers, who are urgently needed across New York.
Cottontail Cottage began with a vision: to create a welcoming, educational space for aspiring wildlife rehabilitators in New York. Founder Briggitte Dix knew firsthand how challenging it could be to gain hands-on experience after earning a state wildlife rehab license. Determined to change that, she built Cottontail Cottage as both a sanctuary for animals and a training ground for the next generation of licensed rehabbers.
Briggitte grew up in the foothills of California, where her fascination with wildlife first took root. Her journey took her from caring for farm animals at a rural sanctuary to protecting nesting sea turtles along five miles of coastline on a remote island. After relocating to New York and passing the state rehab licensing exam, Briggitte immersed herself in the field by attending conferences and learning from experienced rehabilitators. Through this process, she saw the need for a facility that could support others on a similar path—and Cottontail Cottage was born.
Today, Cottontail Cottage offers hands-on volunteer programs for both newly licensed rehabbers looking to build experience and for those who want to contribute long term. Our mission is rooted in community, compassion, and a shared belief that with the right support, anyone can help make a difference for wildlife in need.
Interested in volunteering or learning more?
Meet the talented team who make all this happen.
Our team includes:
licensed wildlife rehabilitators, partnering veterinarians, and dedicated volunteers who share a deep love for animals.
Main Coordinators
Briggitte Dix
Founder & Executive Director
Class II NY State Licensed Rehabber, Class II RVS Licensed Rehabber
Stephanie Gomez
Assistant Director
NY State Licensed Rehabber
NY State Licensed RVS Assistant
Angelina Pil
Care & Conservation
NY State Licensed Rehabber
NY State Licensed RVS Assistant
Christine Seddon-Groffik
Fundraising and Education
NY State Licensed Rehabber
NY State Licensed RVS Assistant
Kristin St. Clair
Bat Care Director
Class II RVS Licensed Rehabber
Sylvie
Director of Chaos
NY State Licensed Pain In The Bum
Rehabbers & Assistants
Intern
Meet our Ambassador Animals
These special residents play a crucial role in educating the public about wildlife conservation and rehabilitation. Our wild ambassadors are unable to return to the wild due to injury or permanent disabilities, while our domestic ambassadors are all rescues that at one point were abandoned on the street. Our adorable team of ambassadors help us raise awareness and inspire compassion for their species by sharing their unique stories and fostering a greater understanding of the challenges they face.
