Wildlife, Cats & Dogs
Alberta, Canada
$1595.00The Experience
This project is the excellent volunteer opportunity for those who can not decide if they want to volunteer with wildlife or help out mans best friends: the dog and the cat! This project rehabilitates wildlife, breeds endangered species and takes care of dogs and cats to finance it all!
This great volunteer project specializes in research, wildlife rehabilitation and the breeding of endangered Canadian wildlife! The project is located on the east side of the Rocky Mountains in Alberta. You will have the opportunity to help, rescue and rehabilitate orphaned and injured animals. The project finances it’s great cause through a kennel for dogs and cats. As part of the volunteer experience you will also on a daily basis get involved with these friendly pets. This wildlife centre specializes in the care and rehabilitation of small mammals like raccoons and badgers to big mammals like moose and Bears. The work with the wildlife on the centre is physically demanding and it is by no means an’ easy holiday option’! The minimum duration of stay is 6 weeks with a maximum duration of 12 weeks.
This Is Why
- Help, rescue and rehabilitate Native North American wildlife
- Take care of Cats & Dogs at the local kennel!
- Work in one of the most beautiful sceneries on the Prairies of Alberta East of the Great Rocky Mountains.
- Get involved in one of many wildlife research projects and their successful breeding programs for endangered North American wildlife!

- Key Start Dates
Dates Year round (however try to book early in advance to be assured of a volunteer placement) - Package Price
6 weeks: $1,595 US
8 weeks: $1,795 US
12 weeks: $2,195 US - Volunteer duration
6 - 12 weeks - Average Work hours
minimum 5 days per week and 8 hours per day - Number of Volunteers
3 - Volunteer accommodation
Available - Housing Type
Dorm – Shared room with 2 - 3 others - Internet Access
Available - Who Are They Looking For?
We are looking for hard working, team players looking to learn and be part of a busy wildlife hospital and education centre. The more effort you put in the more you will get out of your experience.
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 – Wildlife, Cats & Dogs - Airport Pick up & Transfer
We will be waiting for you at the airport and transfer you to your accommodation near the volunteer project. - Accommodation
You will have shared accommodation with bedding provided. Each home is equipped with a television. full kitchen, bathroom, bedroom (2 people per room), living room, laundry room and built in vacuum. You are expected to keep the home clean at all times (meals not included). - 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, Meals
Package Price:
6 weeks: $1,595 US
8 weeks: $1,795 US
12 weeks: $2,195 US - Placement
- RESPONSIBILITIES
Volunteers and Interns are the backbone of the organization. It is these individuals, who give freely of their time, that make caring for all the animals possible. The wildlife shelter is run by a dedicated group of volunteers.
Working at a Wildlife Rehabilitation Center can be very intense at times because of the hours they sometimes have to keep. With any luck, you will be working an eight hour day, but at times it can be up to 12 hours, depending on the number of admissions and their problems. Volunteers will be expected to be involved in all aspects of the centre. You will be considered one of the staff during your stay and your jobs will include feeding, food preparation, cleaning, laundry, administering treatment, participating in building projects, assisting with research programs, helping in the public wing, etc. You will 4 hours per day be involved with the care of the dogs and cats.
- Feed and care for the animals
- Looking after orphaned wildlife
- Assist 4 hours a day with the care of the dogs and cats
- Taking injured wildlife to vet for veterinary care
- Follow up veterinary care for injured animals
- Maintaining notes on injured or orphaned wildlife
- Assist with wildlife research
- Keeping cages clean
- Feeding and watering the dogs and cats
Assisting with veterinary treatment (injections/giving pills) - Walking the dogs
- Cleaning the dog & cat kennels,
- Collecting and disposing of faeces
- Build and maintain animal enclosures
- TASKS AND DUTIES
You will be considered one of the staff during your stay and your jobs will include feeding, food preparation, cleaning, laundry, administering treatment, participating in building projects, assisting at the kennel, assisting with research programs, etc.
Working at a Wildlife Rehabilitation Center can be very intense at times because of the hours they sometimes have to keep. With any luck, you will be working an eight hour day, but at times it can be up to 12 hours, depending on the number of admissions and their problems. Volunteers will be expected to be involved in all aspects of the centre. - Requirements, Guidelines & Policies
- Required to commit to a minimum of 6 weeks (longer durations required to take care of the bears)
- Assist 4 hours a day with the care of the dogs and cats
- 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: 22-35
- 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
- The Centre offers many things such as free accommodations and the use of wireless internet, canoes, camping equipment, mountain bikes, staff car(you will provide your own fuel), barbeque and fire pit and a wide range of learning experiences.
- You will also have the great opportunity to learn about Western Canada, Alberta’s wildlife and First nations and practice your English.
- Fast Facts
- Project location
Alberta, Canada
- Area Famous For
Rocky Mountains, Prairie, Stampede festival, Hot summers and cold winters, Sunny weather, Nature, Hiking - When to visit
Year round however we recommend to volunteer between March and November when the project is at its busiest - Wildlife viewing
Good opportunities to view prairie wildlife and it's close proximity to Banff national park lends for excellent opportunities to view Elk, Bears and Wolves.
- Project location
- Itinerary & Details
Day 1 - Arrive in Alberta, Canada;
You will arrive in the Canadian province famous for the incredible Rocky Mountains: Alberta where you will be met at the Calgary airport and transferred directly to the volunteer project.
For 6 - 12 weeks - Help, rescue and rehabilitate orphaned and injured animals!
For the coming 6-12 Weeks 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
You will have shared accommodation with bedding provided. Each home is equipped with a television. full kitchen, bathroom, bedroom(2 people to a room), living room, laundry room and built in vacuum. You are expected to keep the home clean at all times.
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 need to buy your own food and prepare your own meals. You will be privided with transport to go to one of the nearest grocery store. On average twice per week the project will provide a group dinner.
Location
The Centre is located in a nice community between the Great prairies and Rocky Mountains. There are lots of opportunities for outdoor activities and wildlife viewing as well as several towns nearby.
Testimonials Coming Soon!