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Excellent 4.80rating (192)
  • Life On Land

Critter Caretaker

location
4 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Help, rescue and rehabilitate Native North American wildlife
  • Located less than 2 hours from Vancouver, the number one voted city in the world!
  • Several Ski areas located in the area!

Highlights

  • Help, rescue and rehabilitate Native North American wildlife
  • Located less than 2 hours from Vancouver, the number one voted city in the world!
  • Several Ski areas located in the area!
  • Enjoy the surrounding nature and country side.
  • Improve your English
    • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    This program rescues many species of mammals who have been injured, are sick or orphaned. Help to rehabilitate and release these amazing creatures back in to the wild!

    Grab the opportunity of a lifetime to rehabilitate and rescue many different species of wildlife, from the smallest squirrels to larger wildlife including deer and black bears located near the wildernesses of the Canadian and U.S.A border.

    Wake up early in the morning to the sound of the many ...

    About the program

    Grab the opportunity of a lifetime to rehabilitate and rescue many different species of wildlife, from the smallest squirrels to larger wildlife including deer and black bears located near the wildernesses of the Canadian and U.S.A border.

    Wake up early in the morning to the sound of the many different wild guests that you will have to rehabilitate and hopefully release all while living on site of the project! This great volunteer project is located less than 2 hours from Vancouver, world’s best livable city. 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 8 weeks with a maximum duration of 12 weeks. This gives the animals a chance to get to know and trust you, and it requires a little time to learn their routine. They are exclusively a North American Native Mammal Rehab Center and focus on mainly on smaller mammals like raccoons, skunks, otters and other animals like coyotes and black bears.

    This is why
    • Help, rescue and rehabilitate Native North American wildlife
    • Located less than 2 hours from Vancouver, the number one voted city in the world!
    • Several Ski areas located in the area!
    • Enjoy the surrounding nature and country side.

    Animal rescue and rehabilitation is fundamental to the continued conservation and protection of Canada’s diverse native animal species. You will be involved with the daily preparation to feed the animals, which includes sorting through donated produce and cutting up meat & fish
    cleaning up food dishes/buckets and kitchen. You will also be involved with the daily cleaning of enclosures (which includes animals with diarrhea and other unpleasant substances)
    You will also Participate in general maintenance of facilities, such as cleaning and painting and office related tasks such us record keeping. your general daily work hours: between 9am – 5pm hours, but on some days there could be some evening work hours.

    Responsibilities
    • Required to commit to a minimum of 8 weeks (longer durations required to take care of the bears and only on request)
    • 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: 18+
    • No animal allergies
    • The care of animals must be secured around the clock and work may include night shifts Free Time: Can be arranged according to your needs
    • Free Time can include one or two days a week or a block of several days after a few weeks to allow for travel
    • 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
    • Fluent knowledge of the English
    • Patient and comfortable around mammals and birds
    • A valid driver’s license would be an asset, but is not required


    The accommodation is conveniently located on the project site close to all the animals 25 minutes by car from the closest town. You will volunteer alongside other local and international volunteers as well as experienced staff who will train you for your experience!

    Typical day

    Your schedule will greatly vary depending on the season, number of animals and kind animals at the shelter. Keep in mind that especially during baby season (April - September) it is extremely busy as the baby animals need to be bottle fed every 2 hours. Due to this you might start your day very ...

    Typical day

    Your schedule will greatly vary depending on the season, number of animals and kind animals at the shelter. Keep in mind that especially during baby season (April - September) it is extremely busy as the baby animals need to be bottle fed every 2 hours. Due to this you might start your day very early or end it very late. 

    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. 
    • Feed and care for the animals
    • Build and maintain animal enclosures
    • Assist with capture and release
    • Educate the public
    Working at a Wildlife Rehabilitation Center can be very intense at times because of the hours we sometimes have to keep. There may be evening feedings.  Volunteers will be expected to be involved in all aspects of the shelter. Your job will include feeding, food preparation, cleaning, laundry, administering treatment, participating in building projects, painting, etc...

    Free-time activities

    The project site is located nicely to Vancouver city of the 2012 winter olympics. Volunteers can enjoy sightseeing, shopping, swimming and many other activities. However, any leisure time activity outside of the project will be at the volunteers own expense.

    The greater Vancouver Area is also famous ...

    Free-time activities

    The project site is located nicely to Vancouver city of the 2012 winter olympics. Volunteers can enjoy sightseeing, shopping, swimming and many other activities. However, any leisure time activity outside of the project will be at the volunteers own expense.

    The greater Vancouver Area is also famous for its 3 ski areas where you can enjoy some Canadian skiing and snowboarding!  In the Summer the area is great for hiking and seeing wildlife while traversing mountains and lakes.

    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (intermediate level)

    Required Documents

    CV, Resume, Letter of Motivation, Two Pics and Signed Policy and Liability form (provided during application process)

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 09:00 - 17:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    The fees include: 
    • Airport Pickup + Two way Transfer
    • Accommodation : A Shared room in a trailer/cabin for the entire placement duration at volunteer project
    • Meals : 3 basic meals a day included (no catering available for vegetarians). Meals are donated by local businesses and super markets.
    • Pick up & drop off : An employee of the volunteer project will pick you up from the nearest bus station. On your way back they will drop you off at the nearest bus station.
    • Mail-holding service. You can use FRONTEERING office as a reliable address to have your mail delivered
    • Ongoing service & 24/7 Emergency contact.

    Airport Pickup at Vancouver International Airport

    We will be waiting for you at the airport and transfer directly you to your accommodation at the project. Transfer back to airport at the end of your stay also included. 

    Accommodation

    You will have shared basic accommodation with bedding provided and a place to store your clothes. Each cabin/trailer is equipped with a Television and sitting area. You are expected to keep the cabin/trailer clean at all times. There is only one shared washroom in the triage centre (hospital building) with a shower and 1 toilet facility in our education building for interns. Showers can only be taken once every two days to save water and money (they are reliant on donations so reducing costs is important).


    Food & Beverages

    You will need to prepare your own meals. There is no specific catering for vegetarians, and they cannot accommodate picky eaters. Meat will only be available occasionally as they depend on donations from the butcher. The food provided comes from donations so you may want to consider buying and cooking your own food, if not then you will eat what everyone else eats. If you require additional food outside of the meal times, you will need to provide this yourself. You will be required to wash and dry dishes, this is not considered part of your work day. Snacks & soda drinks are provided on occasion but not a staple.

    Internet Access

    Limited access at the project site
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Vancouver International Airport (YVR) in Vancouver. We assist you to find cheap flights to Canada. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Canada provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Canada you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Canada. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    There are no specific start/arrival dates for this project, however, we recommend that you arrive on a Monday.

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $232 per week 4 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES

    Duration

    4 - 12 weeks

    Deposit

    Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.

    Final Payment

    You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

    You don't have to pay anything yet
    4.8
    Top Pick
    One of the top picks on Volunteer World, according to travelers
    •
    2025
    I loved my experience in Canada. I met so many nice people and the staff and Fronteering was great and helpful. But more then anything I ...
    Paula Haas

    Critter Caretaker

    •
    2025
    My experience was really great overal and I would recommend volunteering here. Just keep in mind that this program can be tough as some of ...
    Petra Morrow

    Critter Caretaker

    •
    2024
    I volunteered at the critter care taker program in Canada in May just 1 month after I turned 18. I was quite nervous and my parents also and ...
    •
    2024
    Volunteering in winter was a bit different then most of the volunteers that go in the warmer months. It was very cold and wet at times but ...
    Valeria Mandos

    Critter Caretaker

    •
    2024
    I made so many good friends and had such a perfect time in Kanada that I can highly recommend staying at this program. I was lucky I got to ...
    Max Pfeiffer

    Critter Caretaker

    •
    2023
    For my first experience I decided to not go to far away and travel to our neigbours up north. The trainers and caretakers at the program ...
    Mina Parker

    Critter Caretaker

    Location

    Americas > North America > Canada > British Colombia

    Meet your project coordinator

    Patrick
    192
    reviews
    4.80
    Excellent
    2010
    Founded

    Verified

      Very high response rate
    Spoken languages: German, Dutch, English
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    You might also be interested in

    Volunteer Abroad  >  Animals  >  Wildlife Conservation in Canada
    Contact Patrick
      Very high response rate
    German, Dutch, English

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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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