Wildlife rescue centre in Vancouver, Canada. Would you like to volunteer at a wildlife rescue centre whilst staying in the city? This eco-volunteering programme is perfect for you! See all programmes in Canada here
Wildlife sanctuary in Vancouver
Our partner Fronteering will place you at a wildlife rescue centre near Vancouver, Canada. This centre is renowned for its hospital and its ability to rehabilitate injured or orphaned animals. Every year, the centre treats over 1,000 wild birds and mammals from the Greater Vancouver area and the Fraser Valley. However, the centre specialises in waterfowl, such as ducks, waders, swans and geese. Of the animals taken in and cared for, over 50% are fully rehabilitated and released back into the wild. Each animal is treated individually and assessed with a view to being reintroduced into the wild. The centre also runs a wildlife education programme. It operates largely thanks to volunteers.
Vancouver, one of the most liveable cities!
This volunteering project is ideal for those who want to gain experience at a wildlife rescue centre whilst staying in a major city. The sanctuary is located in the suburbs of Vancouver. Vancouver is considered one of the most liveable cities in the world, nestled between the mountains and the ocean.
Wildlife care
You will be working at a wildlife rescue centre on the outskirts of Vancouver. You will be working as part of a team with other eco-volunteers. The animals you will be looking after include squirrels, raccoons, songbirds and waterbirds.
Here are some of the tasks you will be assigned:
- Cage construction for those who know how to use tools safely.
- Guidance on bottle-feeding young mammals and hand-rearing young birds
- Preparing food for animals that feed themselves
- Cleaning the animal enclosures and the centre
- Daily animal care
- Administration of medical treatment
- Keeping observation records
- Answering the phone…
You will receive basic training in wildlife rehabilitation. Working with wildlife at the centre is rewarding but physically demanding, and it is by no means an easy holiday option! Volunteers to care for the animals are most needed from April to September, but it is possible to volunteer throughout the year. Volunteers are expected to commit to 8 hours a day, 5 days a week. Animal care must be provided 24 hours a day and the work may include night shifts.
Dates
- Minimum 4 weeks all year round
Prices
- 4 weeks: $2,295, or approximately €2,183
- 6 weeks: $2,995, or approximately €2,849
- 8 weeks: $3,795, or approximately €3,610
- 10 weeks: $4,595, or approximately €4,370
- 12 weeks: $5,195, or approximately €4,942
Included in the price
- Placement at the wildlife rescue centre (provided by Fronteering)
- Airport meet-and-greet
- Accommodation
- Meals: two meals a day on weekdays and three at the weekend
- You can use Fronteering’s office as a trusted address for the delivery of your post.
- If you encounter any issues with your volunteering project, Fronteering is always on hand to help and act as a mediator between you and the organisation.
- Through Fronteering, you can book tours in Canada once you have completed your volunteering project.
- 24/7 emergency contact (provided by Fronteering)
Not included in the 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
- To improve knowledge of local wildlife, ecology and the management of urban wildlife.
- Discover Canadian culture and the beautiful city of Vancouver!
- From 4 weeks
- Ages 17 and over
- English: intermediate level
- Must complete a 2- to 4-day training course and shadow a senior volunteer before starting to work independently.
- Smoking is not permitted on the premises.
- A strong work ethic is required: reliability, responsibility, honesty, a good sense of humour, and good physical and mental health.
- No allergies to animals
- A love of animals!
- Proof of a valid tetanus vaccination and medical insurance; good physical fitness and good health
- Good communication skills and the ability to work independently
- A valid driving licence would be an advantage, but is not essential.
Accommodation
You will stay with a host family near the volunteer project. You will live with a Canadian family and have your own room, access to a laundry room in the house, wireless internet, cable TV and meals.
Meals
Two meals a day on weekdays (breakfast and dinner) and three at the weekend
Takeaway
Clothes for cold weather and summer clothes for warm weather. Comfortable walking shoes are essential, as are a raincoat and sun cream. Bed linen and towels are provided.
Arrival
Arrival in Vancouver: meet and greet at the airport
Venue
The volunteer project is based in one of the suburbs of the Fraser Valley, near Vancouver. You’ll have the chance to explore Vancouver at the weekends. There’s plenty to do in the area: hiking, skiing, mountain biking…
Tous les avis sur les missions de Fronteering
About the partner organisation
Our partner is a Canadian organisation founded in 2010, specialising in overseas volunteering projects aimed at preserving the environment, wildlife and indigenous communities. It offers placements all over the world, but thanks to its Canadian base, it provides numerous experiences with a positive impact in North America. It also focuses on the least-visited places on the planet. Places that still boast rich biodiversity and where you can immerse yourself in a world that remains wild. Our partner strives to offer volunteering experiences off the beaten track. Adventure awaits!
