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Excellent 4.80rating (192)
  • Life On Land

Rural Wildlife Caretaker

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

Highlights

  • Volunteer in Canada and help us rescue and rehabilitate orphaned and injured animals!
  • Wildlife Rehabilitation Center can be very intense but very worth it!
  • Explore Ontario with fellow volunteers!

Highlights

  • Volunteer in Canada and help us rescue and rehabilitate orphaned and injured animals!
  • Wildlife Rehabilitation Center can be very intense but very worth it!
  • Explore Ontario with fellow volunteers!
  • Meet like-minded volunteers from all over the world!
    • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    This project is located in the beautiful Ontario. You will have the opportunity to help, rescue and rehabilitate orphaned animals!

    This great volunteer project is located in beautiful and lake filled Ontario not far from Canada's famous great lakes. You will have the opportunity to help, rescue and rehabilitate orphaned and injured animals!

    They are in need for help all year round. This wildlife centre specializes in the care ...

    About the program

    This great volunteer project is located in beautiful and lake filled Ontario not far from Canada's famous great lakes. You will have the opportunity to help, rescue and rehabilitate orphaned and injured animals!

    They are in need for help all year round. This wildlife centre specializes in the care and rehabilitation of small to large animals. The work with the wildlife on the centre is physically demanding and it is by no means an "easy holiday option"! Daily care of wildlife animals can be very difficult. The minimum duration is 4 weeks and maximum duration of stay is 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. Volunteers will be working at least 8 hours per day and 6 days a week, depending on the animals intake. 

    The project is set in the middle of “cottage country” and in a pretty remote location. There is no bus service in the area, but we do arrange to take volunteers into one of the nearby towns regularly to buy groceries. Several lakes are nearby and is ideal for swimming and for paddling.  

    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...

    Requirements:
    • Required to commit to a minimum of 4 weeks and no more than 12 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: 18+
    • No animal allergies
    • Current tetanus vaccination
    • Good physical stamina and health.
    • 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
    • Ability to work independently and as a team member
    • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
    • Good knowledge of the English
    • Training is provided.
    • A valid driver’s license would be an asset, but is not required
    You will volunteer along side international volunteers and local volunteers as well as local staff who will guide and train you during your stay. There is no specific skills or equipment needed to take part in this program.

    Typical day

    Volunteers and Volunteers 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.
    • Cleaning and disinfecting cages, work spaces, and equipment
    • Preparing ...

    Typical day

    Volunteers and Volunteers 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.
    • Cleaning and disinfecting cages, work spaces, and equipment
    • Preparing food and feeding animals on a schedule
    • Feeding animals by gavage (a tube into the stomach) and hand-feeding
    • Administering medications, basic first aid and fluid therapy to wildlife
    • Capturing, handling, and restraining injured and orphaned wild animals
    • Keeping animal records, Observing and recording changes in an animal's health or behavior
    • Maintaining and tidying the grounds at the rehabilitation centre
    • Some public education work and Minor repairs of cages and enclosures.

    Free-time activities

    Volunteers can enjoy many activities during their days off. They have the opportunity to go hiking a the local mountains, visiting the lakes during the summer for swimming and paddling or visit lone of the local skii areas during winter. However, these activities are covered by the volunteers ...

    Free-time activities

    Volunteers can enjoy many activities during their days off. They have the opportunity to go hiking a the local mountains, visiting the lakes during the summer for swimming and paddling or visit lone of the local skii areas during winter. However, these activities are covered by the volunteers expense.

    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 Policies 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, Friday and Saturday from 09:00 - 17:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    Accommodation :A bunkhouse on the property which volunteers will be living in.
    Hostels : You will need to stay 1 night at a hostel in Toronto.
    Mail-holding service :You can use FRONTEERINGS office as a reliable address to have your mail delivered
    Ongoing service and 24/7 Emergency contact

    Accommodation

    A bunkhouse on the property which volunteers will be living in. There is a living room, kitchen, and dining room attached to the kitchen. Volunteers will have to share their bed room. Wireless internet provided. Linens and towels will be provided.

    Internet Access

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

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Airport Pickup at Pearson International Airport

    An airport pickup isn't included within the program fees either.

    Food & Beverages

    Food, snacks or beverages are at extra costs.

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Pearson International Airport (YYZ) in Toronto. 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

    Key start dates are from April to September. 

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

    Program Fees

    $253 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 volunteered for 8 weeks at the wildlife rehab station in Ontario. I arrived on the 8th of April right at the beginning of what they call ...
    Amelia Schick

    Rural Wildlife Caretaker

    •
    2018
    I am really not good at this but here It goes. I am from Georgia USA and I needed to get some experience for my education back home. I am a ...
    Shelly Dering

    Rural Wildlife Caretaker

    •
    2016
    This was my first experience volunteering abroad and I was quite nervous. I chose Canada as it seemed like a more easy going and safe ...
    Marja Lindenberg

    Rural Wildlife Caretaker

    Location

    Americas > North America > Canada > Lively

    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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