Volunteer

Wildlife Rescue is powered by volunteer support. Since our inception, volunteers have shared their time and expertise creating the organization you see today. Without the dedication and energy of our volunteers, we would not be able to fulfill our rehabilitation and education mission.

When giving their time to Wildlife Rescue, our volunteers promote the welfare of wildlife and help give them a second chance at life. Are you interested in helping us make a difference for wildlife?

ABOUT THE VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

Over 250 volunteers each year
Donate over 25,000 hours annually
Local volunteers come from all over Vancouver and the Lower Mainland
- 8% international, local 92%
Who are our volunteers:
- 31% students
- 28% working full time
- 11% Retirees
Volunteers help across the organization

BENEFITS OF VOLUNTEERING WITH WILDLIFE RESCUE

Make a difference for local wildlife throughout BC
Increase your knowledge of local wildlife and rehabilitation
Give back to your community
Meet new people who share your passion for wildlife
Opportunities to attend various Wildlife workshops
Celebrate during our annual volunteer appreciation event
Receive a reference letter honouring your 100-hour commitment

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

We offer a variety of volunteer opportunities to match a range of talents and interests:

Wildlife Hospital – Animal Care and Staff Assistant roles perform essential animal care and maintenance tasks in Wildlife Hospital including preparing diets for patients and cleaning enclosures. Volunteers work together with staff to provide the best medical care and rehabilitation possible with the goal of releasing animals back into the wild.

Wildlife Support Centre – Wildlife Helpline and Admissions roles answer inquiries from the public and admit wildlife to the hospital while educating the public on how to co-exist peacefully with local wildlife. Rescue, Transport, and Release roles help injured and orphaned wildlife get to and from Wildlife Rescue.

Office Administration – Office Assistants help with various administrative projects in all departments of our organization to increase our output and reach. Some roles include Volunteer Recruitment Assistant, Resource Coordinator, Data Entry, Editor, Grant Writer, and Health & Safety Committee Member.

Education & Outreach – Education & Outreach roles organize Wildlife Rescue’s presence at many local events where we educate the public on how to co-exist peacefully with local wildlife and encourage people to get involved.

International Volunteer Program – We work with agencies from around the world to help international volunteers gain worthwhile experience and learn about Canadian Wildlife.

Practicum Program – Volunteers looking for a deeper knowledge of wildlife natural history and physiology can partake in an intensive Rehabilitation, Rescue, Release and/or Helpline work experience program.

Group Volunteering – Wildlife Rescue welcomes the support of corporate and community groups looking to participate in a day of light landscaping, cleaning, or maintenance projects.

View Current Opportunities

HOW TO APPLY

To be eligible to volunteer you will need to:

Be 16 years of age or older, and
Commit to a minimum of 100 hours and a weekly 4-hour shift for most roles

Many roles will require an up to date Criminal Record Check (within the last 5 years) and tetanus vaccination (within the last 10 years), which we will assist you to complete during the onboarding process.

To participate in a day of corporate or community Group Volunteering, email the Volunteer Coordinator with a proposed date, number of volunteers, and how many hours (3-8) you’d like to volunteer.

To get involved as a volunteer, please fill in an application:

Volunteer

Apply now >

Practicum Program

Apply now >

International Volunteer Program

Apply now >

CURRENT VOLUNTEER LOGIN

Already a volunteer? Need to login to your account? Click here.

If you are logging in with a mobile device, click here.

“Volunteering at Wildlife Rescue has allowed me to connect with dozens of like-minded people who share the same passion for wildlife and nature. It’s very rewarding!”

– Maggie D, Animal Care Volunteer

Giving

Through your backing, we provide care for more than 5,000 animals a year, giving them a second chance at a natural life. You will receive a charitable tax receipt for your donation. We can because you care! Read more

Volunteering

Wildlife Rescue is powered by volunteer support. Throughout the year there are hundreds of volunteers who share their time and expertise for all facets of the organization. Read more

Membership

As a member of Wildlife Rescue, you are joining a committed group of people who value nature and all its wildlife. Choose your membership path today! Read more