Food, Lodging and Travel
There are four cabins located near the main house which can house up to twenty-five interns. Inside are bunk beds and storage (rooms are unisex). In the basement of the main house, there is a common area, as well as shelves, tables, chairs, sofas, and a television. The accommodation also has free WiFi. The bathrooms and kitchen that all the interns share are located in the main house. All of the accommodation runs on a well, so it is important to be water-conscious.
The project does have food donated for interns to eat, however, it is not guaranteed what there will be. The project does purchase essential items, such as pasta, rice, butter etc. However, if you want something specific and we do not have it you must purchase it yourself (chocolate. meat, crisps etc). If you have any dietary requirements, you will need to supply your own speciality foods, ie vegan, gluten free etc, as the wildlife centre will not be able to supply those foods for you.
Travelling to Canada
You need to fly into Vancouver International Airport (code YVR). You can get easily get a taxi/Uber from the airport to the Rescue Centre after arrival.
To be an intern at this rescue centre, you can get an ETA (electronic travel authorisation) to come for 6 months or less and only costs around $7 (CAD).
If you wish to stay longer than 6 months, then an International Experience Canada is needed which costs a few hundred dollars but is valid for staying in Canada for two years (an Individual can only apply for this once and must be under the age of 30). The ETA normally only takes a couple of weeks while the other can take up to 6 months.
We can provide you with a customs letter upon request.
Free Time
You are welcome to sightsee before or after your stay. You will be too busy to leave the site for extended periods of time. Remember – the animals depend on you to be there to feed and clean up after them. You will be offered 2 days off per week and not consecutively (but will still need to feed your baby animal that you are taking care of on those days).
However, on your days off you can explore the beautiful local area and socialise with other volunteers and interns.
If you stay for 4 months or longer as an intern, then you will need to take one to two weeks leave during your time at the centre.
At the project, there is currently a common room for the interns to socialize, a BBQ recreational area,
trampoline, board games, PlayStation, swimming pool (summer) and pet goats.
There are a lot of board games, DVDs, a TV, Wii/PlayStation, puzzles and books available in the common area. There is also access to WIFI. While you may have limited downtime, you will find fun things to do on your own or in groups.
In the summer the project sometimes sets up a pool. Interns with cars also enjoy going to the beach or
swimming pool. Note these are not within walking distance- a car would be required.
The project is not within walking distance of anything except the Campell Valley Regional National Park. However, being situated within this beautiful setting interns can take time out to explore the wilderness and local river trails.
Neighbours across the road sometimes have a food van in summer but otherwise, there is nothing close by. You may get a chance for a lift to the shops, but you may also consider having money for a taxi if you wish to leave the site. It is roughly a 20min drive to town.
Internship Requirements
You should be aged 18+ and speak English. You don’t need any previous experience in wildlife husbandry or a similar field. This project is designed to offer everyone from complete novices to qualified veterinarians a fulfilling experience, so as long as you are flexible, self-motivated, hard-working and interested in helping to protect and care for the animals you would be welcome to apply.
Interns will also need to provide an up to date police check (can be sent by email) as well as references whom we will need to contact as part of the application process.
Medical insurance/health care
If you are not a Canadian citizen, you must bring $200+ in cash in case you need to go to a medical clinic. You may be reimbursed by your insurance company when you return home. To be accepted as a intern you must provide us with your medical insurance details if you are coming internationally.
It is advisable to have an up-to-date tetanus shot due to working with animals. We also require interns to be fully Covid vaccinated.