Wildlife rescue center in Vancouver, Canada. Would you like to work in a wildlife rescue center while remaining in the city? Then this ecovolunteer program is for you! All programs in Canada here
Vancouver wildlife sanctuary
Our partner Fronteering will place you in a wildlife rescue center near Vancouver, Canada. This center is known for its hospital and its ability to rehabilitate injured or orphaned animals. Each year, the project treats over 1,000 wild birds and mammals from the Greater Vancouver area and the Fraser Valley. The center specializes in waterfowl, i.e. wild aquatic birds such as ducks, waders, swans and geese. Over 50% of the animals taken in and cared for are fully rehabilitated and released back into the wild. Each animal is treated individually and assessed with a view to its reintroduction into the wild. The center also runs a wildlife education program. It operates largely thanks to volunteers.
Vancouver, one of the world's most livable cities!
This volunteer project is ideal for those who want to have experience in a wildlife rescue center, while staying in a big city. The shelter is located in the suburbs of Vancouver. Vancouver is considered to be one of the most pleasant cities in the world, between the mountains and the ocean.
Wild animal care
You'll be working at a wildlife rescue center on the outskirts of Vancouver. You'll work as part of a team with other ecovolunteers. The animals you'll be looking after are squirrels, raccoons, songbirds and waterfowl.
Here are some of the tasks you'll be assigned:
- Cage construction for those who know how to handle tools safely.
- Helping to feed young mammals by bottle and young birds by hand
- Preparing food for self-feeding animals
- Cleaning animal cages and the center
- Daily animal care
- Administration of medical treatments
- Keeping observation registers
- Answering the phone...
You'll receive basic training in wildlife rehabilitation. Working with wild animals at the center is rewarding but physically demanding, and by no means an easy vacation option! Animal care volunteers are most needed from April to September, but it's possible to volunteer all year round.
Volunteers are expected to commit 8 hours a day, 5 days a week. Animal care must be provided 24 hours a day, and work may include night shifts.
Dates
- Minimum 4 weeks all year round
Rates
- 4 weeks: $2295 (approx. €2183)
- 6 weeks: $2995 (approx. €2849)
- 8 weeks: $3795 (approx. €3610)
- 10 weeks: $4595 (approx. €4370)
- 12 weeks: $5195 (approx. €4942)
Included in price
- Placement at a wildlife rescue center (insured by Fronteering)
- Airport pick-up
- Hosting
- Meals: two meals a day on weekdays and three at weekends
- You can use the Fronteering office as a reliable address for mail delivery.
- If you have a problem with your volunteering project, Fronteering is always there to help and mediate between you and the organization.
- Through Fronteering, you can book tours in Canada after completing your volunteer project.
- 24/7 emergency contact (underwritten by Fronteering)
Not included in price
- Flights
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- A unique opportunity to work with wild animals and help give them a chance of survival.
- Expand your knowledge and skills in animal care
- Improve knowledge of local wildlife species, ecology and urban wildlife management.
- Discover Canadian culture and the beautiful city of Vancouver!
- From 4 weeks
- From age 17
- English: intermediate level
- Must undergo 2-4 days of training and shadow a senior volunteer before starting to work independently.
- Smoking is not permitted on the property.
- A strong work ethic is required: reliability, responsibility, honesty, good sense of humor, dependability, physical and mental fitness.
- No pet allergies
- The love of animals!
- Proof of up-to-date tetanus vaccination and medical insurance; good physical stamina and health
- Good communication skills and ability to work alone
- A valid driver's license would be an asset, but is not mandatory.
Housing
In a host family close to the volunteer project. You'll live with a Canadian family and have your own room, in-house laundry, wireless Internet, cable TV and meals.
Meals
Two meals a day on weekdays (breakfast and dinner) and three at weekends
Takeaway
Clothing for cold weather and summer clothes for hot weather. Comfortable walking shoes are essential, as is a raincoat and sun cream. Bed linen and towels are provided.
Arrival
Arrival in Vancouver: welcome at the airport
Location
The volunteer project is located in one of the suburbs of the Fraser Valley, near Vancouver. You'll have plenty of time to explore Vancouver at weekends. There's plenty to do in the area: hiking, skiing, mountain biking...
All reviews of Fronteering missions
About the partner organization
Fronteering is a Canadian organization founded in 2010, specializing in overseas volunteer projects aimed at preserving the environment, wildlife and indigenous populations. It has trips all over the world, but thanks to its Canadian base, it offers many positive-impact experiences in North America. It also focuses on the least-visited places on the planet. Places that still have a rich biodiversity and where you can experience a world that is still wild. Fronteering strives to offer volunteer experiences off the beaten track. Adventure is the order of the day! All missions with Fronteering
