Feed and Care for Bears, Moose, Deer and other Wildlife.
The Large & Small Animal Rescue centre is located in a fairly remote area in Northwest British Columbia and it has almost 20 years of successful rehabilitation, it has become a haven of bears, moose, deer and other orphaned wildlife. Volunteers will build and maintain animal enclosures, feed and care for the animals, assist with capture and release and educate the public. Volunteering at an animal shelter can be a daunting task and requires dedication, a love for animals and serious commitment.
This is a unique opportunity to work close to wildlife and participate in offering them a chance of survival. The centre is located in a fairly remote area of Northwestern British Columbia. It is surrounded by a beautiful forest where many of the animals are released back into the wild.
The Work at the Rescue & Rehab Centre
Volunteers will build and maintain animal enclosures, feed and care for the animals, assist with capture and release and educate the public. Volunteers must complete 2-4 days of training. In order to work with bears a minimum 6 month commitment is required. Volunteering at an animal shelter requires dedication, a love for animals and serious commitment. Work includes but is not limited to: Daily preparation of feed for the animals, which includes sorting and cutting up meat & fish. Cutting up several buckets of fruits & vegetables for the daily feed. Clean up of feed dishes/buckets and kitchen. Daily cleaning of enclosures and participation in general maintenance of facilities, such as cleaning and painting.
Minimum Age: 18
Duration: Minimum 8 weeks. Preferences are given to those who are able to commit for longer periods.
Location: Interior of BC
Visa: Even though applicants on the volunteer program are not paid participants, they must have a work permit to volunteer in Canada.
Applicants can get a work permit in one of three ways:
- through the Working Holiday Program if the Working Holiday Program is offered in their country and they qualify for it,
- by taking an equal number of weeks of English classes and volunteering (eg: 4 weeks of English + 4 weeks volunteering); or
- As this is a Canadian Registered Charity, applicants can apply for an employer specific work permit under Regulation Exemption Code C50.
To be eligible for the program:
- Recent graduates from high school, college or university, professionals taking a career break, recent retirees, individuals or groups who are physically fit and interested in a change and the chance to enrich their own life and the lives of others.
- Open-minded, flexible, hard working, self motivated and team orientated
- Able to live in basic living conditions with minimal comforts
- Not looking for a comfortable holiday activity, but is interested in working and learning while having fun
The Large & Small Animal Rescue Care & Rehab Volunteer Project is a Full Service Program.
Full Service
Participants are offered their volunteer position before leaving their home country. They will know before arriving in Canada where they will work, when they will work and what they will do.
Program includes:
- Volunteer Placement for selected weeks
- Accommodation and meals for the duration of volunteer placement
- Orientation at GO International Offices in Vancouver covering everything you need to know about volunteering and travelling in Canada
- One night dorm style accommodation at Vancouver hostel, includes breakfast and welcome drink
- Support from the GO International Volunteer Team Leader in Vancouver while on your project
- Emergency Contact number
- Activities and social events in Vancouver and Whistler while studying (if English classes are added)
Optional Services
- English Classes at Tamwood International College in Vancouver or Whistler. Course options: General English, International Business English, TOEFL, Cambridge Exam Preparation, Private Tuition and English plus programs as golf, mountain bike, skiing and snowboarding
- Extra night(s) accommodation in dorm room at a central hostel in Vancouver (includes breakfast, linen, a towel, and a welcome drink)
- Homestay accommodation
- Transfers to volunteer placement and accommodation while on placement
- Medical insurance
Program Fee Does Not Include:
- Travel between Vancouver and Placement (see addendum at end for estimates for travel costs)
- Booking Services to travel to Placement
This section is currently being developed. Please check back soon!
CAD $1,265.00 + HST (updated as of January 2012)
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Note: 12% HST will be added to program fee if program not sold as a work and study program. English courses are tax exempt so if taken as a 50/50 English Internship Program then the program fee and English tuition will not be subject to tax.
Minimum 8 week placement.
Deadline to apply - at least 8-12 weeks before intended arrival.
For further information or to book the program, please fill out an Info Request Form.