Wildlife Animal Care Volunteer
Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary is a non-profit, registered charity located in Rosseau, Ontario. For more than 40 years, we have dedicated ourselves to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of the province’s ill, orphaned and injured native wildlife. We receive no government funding and rely solely on the generosity of the public for financial support. We rely on a large and diverse team of volunteers (like you) whom are passionately committed to the care of the wildlife we save, for our existence.
We are afforded the unique opportunity of rehabilitating various animal species from moose, bear, deer and wolves to raccoons, squirrels and chipmunks. We are one of the few facilities in Canada equipped to accommodate semi-aquatic species such as beavers and otters. Our facilities are purpose built, in a natural setting to accommodate the biological and behavioural needs of the animals in our care. Once treated and rehabilitated, the animals are released back into the wild. Over the years, various animals have become permanent residents at the Sanctuary. These are animals that we cannot release due to prior human intervention. These animals are the voice for sharing our world in a healthier, more responsible way.
We are available 365 days per year 24/7 as we are an important resource for injured wildlife primarily in the Muskoka/Parry Sound area but also in all parts of Ontario. As a Wildlife Animal Care volunteer, you will be part of a team who share common goals and interests. You will have many opportunities to expand your skills and what would make us happy is that you may even gain new ones.
How you can help and what you will learn:
- Complete animal intake and documenting information
- Feeding animals from infant to adult
- Maintain health and feeding records for rehab animals
- Clean and disinfect cages, bowls and buckets
- Clean indoor and outside enclosures and occasionally assist in the maintenance or repair
- Participate in keeping volunteer common rooms clean and tidy
- Transfer / release animals into the wild
What you need to know before you apply…
Vaccines:
Rabies vaccines are mandatory if volunteering between April through to October and highly recommended from November through to March. Proof of inoculation is required before arriving at Aspen
Prior to submitting an application, please check with your Doctor for availability and cost of Rabies vaccines. In the Province of Ontario, the cost is approx. $600 and is not covered by health care plans
Tetanus is highly recommended
Volunteer Commitment:
We require 4 consecutive weeks of volunteer service. If you are on a school internship, we recommend 8 consecutive weeks in order to achieve your learning objectives.
Maintaining the cleanliness of the facility is important work too and tasks will be assigned each day.
For the moment we are looking for volunteer for Spring and Summer (May -August). It is our busiest time of year with the intake of orphaned and injured wildlife. This is the most hands-on work with long hours. Volunteers are required to work everyday feeding orphaned wildlife. The main species you work with are baby raccoons which you will be doing 5 days a week on either am or pm shift. You will learn tube feeding, syringe and bottle feeding and fluid therapy. You could be required to help in the squirrel nursery daily (if needed). Depending upon what other animal species we have in our rehab facilities at the time, you will also be assigned anything from porcupines, fawns, beavers, otters, moose calves, etc., to feed and care for every day. Volunteers who are assigned to these other animal species are responsible for their care 7 days a week – even on their days off. It’s busy, exhausting, but rewarding and you learn a lot about rehabbing wildlife. Late summer is less busy as most animals are no longer being bottle fed and are in outdoor enclosures wilding up for release. Late summer volunteers will be required to help with clean up and shut down of rooms that were used during the busier spring months while also caring for animals.
Age requirement:
Our full-time Wildlife Animal Care Assistant volunteers must be a minimum of 18 years of age
Obligation:
Each volunteer will receive a Welcome Package upon their arrival. Within the package you will find documents to review and sign prior to your first day of volunteer work
Liability waivers including injury and zoonotic diseases
Legal rights managing the use of any personal photographs of our animals
Review and acceptance of our Policy and Procedures
Living Arrangements:
Volunteers are responsible for transportation costs to and from the Sanctuary as well as all food expenses during their stay. A shared kitchen is located in our common room for preparing your own meals (microwave, hot plates, fridge/freezer) and relaxing with other volunteers
Free shared rustic accommodations with 1 or 2 bunk beds per room are provided. A $250 CDN reservation fee is payable within 7 days following acceptance of your placement. This is a refundable fee contingent upon completion of your full term. You are responsible to bring your own bed sheets (twin size) and towel. We do supply pillows and comforters
Washroom facilities are shared and may be co-ed depending on the volunteers at the time
Laundry facilities are available on site at no cost and laundry detergent is provided
The water is well water and is potable
There are Internet restrictions? due to our remote location. You will not have access to WiFi
For more information or to apply online:
https://www.aspenvalley.ca/volunteer-full-time.html
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