Have you ever wanted to "mother" an orphaned wild animal? Here is your chance.
The Small Animal Rescue & Rehab Centre is a registered charity and is located on 3 acres in Campbell Valley Regional Park in one of the Municipalities of Vancouver (BC). This centre provides short and long term care to native mammal species, and through rehabilitation and public education helps prevent the suffering of injured and orphaned wildlife. As a volunteer you may have tasks like feeding the animals, food preparation, cleaning, participating in building projects…so it is very intense, hard work, and the most rewarding experience you can imagine!
THE WORK AT THE RESCUE & REHAB CENTRE
It can be very intense at times because of the hours the volunteers sometimes have to keep because you are mothering a baby animal or orphaned wildlife. With any luck, you will be working an eight hour day, but at times it can be up to 12 hours, depending on the number of admissions and their problems. Sometimes there can even be a 2 A.M. feeding. Volunteers will be expected to be involved in all aspects of the shelter. You will be working five days a week throughout your stay. In the summer, your day may start at 6:00 AM and end at 11:30 PM (basically your schedule is determined by your babies’ feedings). During the winter, your hours are typically 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Your job will include feeding, food preparation, cleaning, laundry, administering treatment, participating in building projects, painting, etc.
Minimum Age: 18
Duration: Minimum 8 weeks. Preferences are given to those who are able to commit for 10 -16 weeks.
Location: Vancouver, 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. If you are 18 years or older you can apply for any of the placements available
- Minimum age 18
- 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 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 at the animal rescue centre 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 + 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
- 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 - By March 2012
For further information or to book the program, please fill out an Info Request Form.