Vancouver Wildlife
British Columbia, Canada
$2295.00The Experience
Do you want to volunteer with wildlife in Canada? Looking to do something with meaningful while being immersed in Canadian Culture? Then come volunteer at the Wildlife rescue center near Vancouver, Canada - one of the world’s best livable city! Surrounded by mountains, ocean, ski resorts and Canada's wild nature!
If you are interested to rescue and rehabilitate wildlife but would prefer to stay in the in the urban areas in Vancouver than this is the project for you! In this project, you will volunteer at the largest wildlife rehabilitation facility in terms of intakes in Canada; Wildlife Rescue serves nearly 5000 wildlife patients each year! Wildlife Rescue rehabilitate injured wildlife, raise orphaned wildlife, and treat pollution-damaged wildlife with a goal of release back into the wild. In this Project, you will be contributing to the rehabilitation of a wide range of native bird species, including songbirds, water-birds and shorebirds.
Please note that you will be kept on your feet while volunteering for this project, and some tasks can be physically demanding. You will be asked to work whether rain or shine but you will be greatly rewarded by the difference you made! Wildlife rehabilitation and rescue programs do not only benefit the local wildlife but also the local communities who are relieved of injured, nuisance, and sometimes potentially dangerous animals which are rehabilitated. After an animal has regained its strength they are released in areas far away from the local communities. Furthermore wildlife rehabilitation helps keep Canada’s wildlife population healthy, which is one of the greatest draws of tourism to Canada and therefore benefits all communities. Without the help of volunteers like you this would be impossible to achieve.
The project consists of a diverse a team of over 190 volunteers, whom along with staff run the Wildlife Hospital 365 days a year. You will have plenty of opportunity to socialize with both local and other international volunteers; they foster a friendly and open community at Wildlife project. For this project, we are currently looking for international volunteers for a minimum of 6 weeks placement. Volunteers will be scheduled for 6-8 hours of work a day, four days a week and be provided 3 days off to explore the Greater Vancouver area.
This Is Why
- Help, rescue and rehabilitate Native North American wildlife at a wildlife rescue that serves over 5000 patients each year.
- Do something meaningful while immersed in Canadian Culture.
- Find out why Vancouver was chosen as the world’s best livable city located between the mountains and the Ocean.
- Many ski/snowboard, hike, bike and wildlife viewing opportunities not far from the project!

- Key Start Dates
Year Round (however try to book early in advance to be assured of a volunteer placement) - Volunteer durations & Prices
4 weeks: 2295 US$, 6 weeks: 2995 US$, 8 weeks 3795 US$, 10 weeks 4595 US$, 12 weeks 5195 US$ - Average Work hours
5 days per week, minimum 8 hours per day - Number of Volunteers
5 - Volunteer accommodation
Available - Housing Type
Homestay with A Canadian Family nearby the project - Internet Access
Wireless internet included at the homestay - Who Are They Looking For?
Love of the outdoors and a passion for wildlife is a priority. You should not be fussy, picky or hypersensitive about cleaning as this is one of the main chores. We will not tolerate smoking, alcohol or the use of drugs. Please remember that you are a guest, therefore, respecting the rules is essential.
Fast Facts: Canada
Where? North America, Canada
Country Size: 9,984,670 km2
3,854,085 sq mi
Population density? 3.41/km2
8.3/sq mi
Country Famous for? Bears, Root Beer, Rocky Mountains, Skiing, Niagara waterfalls, Pacific rainforest, friendly people
When to visit: All year round, skiing and dog sledding in winter and hiking and wildlife viewing in summer
- What's Included
- Placement
Wild life rehabilitation centre – Vancouver Wildlife Rehab - Airport Pickup
We will be waiting for you at the airport and transfer you to your Homestay accommodation nearby the project. - Accommodation
A Private room in a Canadian homestay nearby the volunteer project - Meals
Two meals on weekdays and three on weekends included (possible catering available for vegetarians) - Mail-holding service
You can use FRONTEERINGS office as a reliable address to have your mail delivered - Ongoing service
If there are any problems with your volunteer project we are always there to help you and mediate between yourself and the organization. - Tours
Through FRONTEERING you have the possibility to book tours in Canada after you have finished your volunteer project. - 24/7 Emergency contact
If there are any problems during you stay in Vancouver you can reach us 24/7 to assist you.
What's not included: Flights, Insurance
Package Price:
04 weeks: $2,295 US, 06 weeks: $2,995 US, 08 weeks: $3,795 US, 10 weeks: $4,595 US & 12 weeks: $5,195 US - Placement
- RESPONSIBILITIES
This is a fast paced, intense, and physically demanding environment. Four hour shifts pass quickly due to regular feedings that must be kept on schedule and endless cleaning duties. Volunteers help with bottle feeding young mammals and hand feeding young birds, preparing diets for self feeding animals, cleaning and enriching animal cages, and general cleaning around the facility such as dishes, laundry, and washpad. Volunteers that are handy with tools may also help fix or build cages and other structures. Volunteers work both individually and as a team to complete the required tasks. Animals that volunteers work with regularly include: squirrels, raccoons, songbirds, and waterfowl. Some of the tasks that you may undertake at this project include:
- Receive basic Wildlife Rehabilitation training; Work hands-on and provide daily care for wildlife patients.
- Prepare diets and feeding wildlife patients; Clean and sanitize animal enclosures, dishes and laundry and Assist in animal health-monitoring and treatment.
- Participate in building and site maintenance projects.
- Educate the public and much more!
- TASKS AND DUTIES
Animal rescue and rehabilitation is fundamental to the continued conservation and protection of Canada’s diverse birds of prey species which all need your help. This program offers volunteers of any age to help in the many areas of wildlife rehabilitation. Projects are diverse and include activities such as feeding injured animals, administering medical treatments, cleaning and fixing cages, maintaining observation records, equipment maintenance, office work, answering telephones, and of course leaning about what it takes to care for animals!
- Requirements, Guidelines & Policies
- Required to commit to a minimum of 8 weeks
- Must complete 2-4 days of training and shadow a senior volunteer before starting independent shifts
- NO SMOKING is allowed on the property.
- Strong work ethics are required: reliable, responsible, honest, good sense of humour, dependable, physically and mentally fit.
- Age: 17+
- No animal allergies
- The care of animals must be secured around the clock and work may include night shifts
- Extreme Weather (heat & cold), dirt and living in a remote area must be something you can handle.
- A love for animals and some general experience of caring for an animal is a must!
- Must read and agree to abide by guidelines and ethics
- Proof of current tetanus shot & medical insurance; Good physical stamina and health
- Good communication skills and the ability to work alone
- Good knowledge of the English
- Patient and comfortable around mammals and birds
- A valid driver’s license would be an asset, but is not required
- Volunteer Benefits
- A unique opportunity to work closely with wildlife and participate in offering them a chance of survival.
- Expand knowledge and skills in animal care
- Increase knowledge of local wildlife species, ecology, and urban wildlife management.
- Fast Facts
- Project location
Vancouver, 20 minutes from Downtown
- Area Famous For
Coastal Mountains, Skiing, Tubing, Hiking, Biking, Sky diving, farmland, minigolf - When to visit
All year round, in summer great hiking at the local mountains and lakes and in the winter to visit one of the local skiing areas. The project needs your help all year round however the most busy seasons is from March to September due to many oprhaned baby animals needing your help! - Wildlife viewing
Good, In the nearby surrounds are many opportunities to see wildlife like bald eagles, squirrels, Raccoons, skunks, deer, coyotes and even Black Bears.
- Project location
- Itinerary & Details
Day 1 - Arrive in British Columbia, Canada;
You will arrive in beautiful British Columbia where you will be met at the airport and transferred to the volunteer project.
For 8 weeks - Help, rescue and rehabilitate orphaned and injured animals!
For the coming 2 months you will have a great time working directly with many different kind of animals while be surrounded by beautiful mountain ranges and nature!
Your last day - you will fly back home or take the opportunity to travel through Canada. Our staff will gladly help you to book any tours to see more of this great country. If you would like to visit Vancouver or Toronto; we can help you with both short and longer term accommodation.
- Accommodation
Your Homestay accommodation will be arranged by FRONTEERING near the volunteer project.
Homestay: live with a Canadian family and includes your own bedroom, laundry facility in the house, wireless internet, cable TV and meals. Of course you can also make use of the living room, kitchen and washroom. It’s a great way to get to know the real Greater Vancouver Area and improve your English.Things to bring from home
- Clothes for cold temperatures as well as for summer for warm temperatures. Make these clothes are allowed to get dirty. Make sure to bring gloves, a toque and warm socks with you.
- Comfortable walking shoes are essential, and you should also pack a raincoat and some sun block
- Linen and towels will be provided.
Meals
You will be provided with 3 meals a day on weekends and two (breakfast and dinner) on weekdays, specific catering available on request only.
Location
The volunteer project is located in one of the suburbs in the Fraser Valley Near the Vancouver Area where there is something to do for everyone. Whether it is enjoying the nature, ski or snowboard, mountain bike, hike, going to the nearby coast and enjoying the sea or visiting Vancouver Downtown there is plenty to do near the volunteer station on your days of.