Ever wanted to help, rescue and rehabilitate orphaned and injured animals? Through our Volunteer Program you can take part and help provide a second chance to orphaned wildlife in Canada - they are in need all year round! Interested in immersing yourself into an amazing and historical culture? Then maybe you would like to help out a local first nation’s community!

As most volunteer locations are in remote parts of Canada, this is a great opportunity for those that love nature and the outdoors. For those who prefer to volunteer in one of Canada's large cities such as Vancouver, Toronto or Calgary, it is possible to volunteer with pet rescue centers where you will get to take care of cats, dogs and other pets that have been rescued or found. Our Volunteer Program is by no means an’ easy holiday option’. The volunteer experience can quite exhausting at times but will definitely be a rewarding experience!

ABOUT THE PROGRAM
If you love animals and nature or if you are interested in first nations culture and history, then this is the program for you. We are looking for people who are outgoing, flexible, hard working, physically fit, good at communicating with others and who really want to be in Canada.

• PREPLACED: Yes.
• PAID: No.
• VISA: Any, including Visitors Authorization.

WHAT will I do during my Volunteer experience?
Depending on the volunteer station that you have chosen you could be rehabilitating wildlife or helping out local first nations communities. Keep in mind that when for example volunteering at wildlife station not all your time will be spent with the animals. There will be lot’s maintenance to do with the animals cages as well as the volunteer organizations property, cleaning, preparing food and many other tasks.

CANDIDATE'S OBJECTIVES

• Enjoy social interaction / meet new people
• Learn about a new society, country, cultures or community
• Fulfill a sense of empathy / connection with a "cause"
• Be a part of positive change in their community
• Have fun
• Build personal empowerment and self-esteem
• Instil a value of giving and caring
• Complete education or work experience requirements
• Get involved  and learn about Canadian wildlife or First nations
• Get to know and enjoy the Canadian Outdoors
• Improve language skills

REQUIREMENTS

• Must be physically fit
• Proof of current tetanus shot
• Must not have any allergies or medical conditions
• Must love animals and wildlife when wanting to volunteer at a wildlife/pet centre.
• Must be willing to participate in all tasks & activities provided by the volunteer station including cleaning, maintenance and household chores.
• Must be between the age of 19 and 35
• Must have at least intermediate (7/10) English level
• Must have a travel and medical insurance
• In some cases the participant needs to undergo a phone interview with the Volunteer host organizations supervisor.

START DATES
The Volunteer program runs the whole year round however please bear in mind that each specific volunteer station has a limited number of positions and some positions can fill up early. We advise you to book your volunteer placement as early as possible. Also please be aware that certain specific volunteer stations might not take volunteers all year round.

DURATION
You are able to participate in the volunteer program depending on the specific volunteer station  for a minimum of 4 weeks and a maximum of 24 weeks; however, 8-12 weeks are recommended by INTERNeX.

LOCATION
Most volunteer placements farms are often in remote and rural areas of Canada (mainly in British Columbia). 



AVAILABLE

• Volunteer TYPES 
INTERNeX works with a number of different organizations to provide volunteer opportunities. Below mention briefly the more common types of volunteer experiences INTERNeX provides.
• Volunteer experience with Wildlife rehabilitations centres
• Social and community volunteer experience within First nations communities
• Pets rescue and rehabilitations volunteer experiences located in one of Canada’s major cities.

INCLUSIONS

• The inclusions depend on the specific volunteer placement you apply for. Make sure to keep in mind the inclusions and the price of the volunteer position before applying
• In general the following is included:
• Volunteer Placement
• Accommodation
• Meals
• Airport Pickup
• 4 night Hostel package
• Arrival Orientations & Seminars
• Transfer to the volunteer station
• Mail-holding service
• Ongoing service
• INTERNeX organized Events & Tours
• Visa assistance
• 24/7 Emergency contact/helpline

OPTIONAL SERVICES

• Language Training in Calgary, Vancouver or Toronto
• Long term Accommodation services in Vancouver
• Accommodation in Staff-House Vancouver
• Organizing and booking of trips (Rockies, Whistler, Vancouver Island etc.)
• Please keep in mind that Flights, Insurance, Return Airport transfer are not included in our service. However we are happy to advice you when needed.

ADDITIONAL EXPENSES
Flights, Insurance, Return Airport transfer

TRANSFER TO THE VOLUNTEER STATION
Including the volunteer placement will be a transfer to your volunteer placement. Usually inbound transfers will be done by bus unless stated otherwise in the specific volunteer positions itinerary. 

Please keep in mind that Travel duration can be up to 20 hours! All travel arrangements will be made by INTERNeX.

APPLICATION
The Application must be submitted a minimum of 4 weeks prior when they would like to start at the specifically booked volunteer placement.  Please keep in mind that the later you apply the less chance that the position will still be available. Keep in mind that most volunteer stations would like to confirm their volunteers 12 weeks before their start date. If a specific volunteer position is not available anymore, you can chose to apply for a later start date, apply for another volunteer position or not apply at all. Shorter notice applications MAY be accepted on a case by case basis; however, applications will be processed only when all required documents are received. Once you are accepted, a letter of confirmation (LOC) will be sent to you.

DOCUMENTS NEEDED

• Application form
• Program Policies
• Resume
• Motivation letter in Word document; must include: characteristics/personality, experience relevant to Volunteering, program objectives) THIS IS A VERY IMPORTANT DOCUMENT!
• Questionnaire for candidates
• Copy of passport (picture page)
• 3-4 pictures in color (with animals, on vacation, with friends/family)

PLACEMENT CONFIRMATION
After the placement is confirmed, placement details will be sent. If you will go directly to the Volunteer station, you will receive an arrival package/itinerary prior to departure.

POLICIES
(abbreviated)
If you choose to shorten your Volunteer program after you have started the program you are required to give 4 weeks written notice to the Volunteer station and to INTERNeX to qualify for a refund of the remaining weekly fee (when applicable). You will only be offered one placement; choices of location and/or type of farm are not guaranteed.
You can be dismissed by the volunteer station and/or INTERNeX at any time for CAUSE (including poor performance, misrepresentation of skills/education, lack of punctuality, inability to perform required tasks, etc.)

After application: withhold application fee
After phone interview with supervisor: withhold application fee + 50% of remaining total fees excluding weekly fee.
After  interview with Volunteer station is arranged: withhold application fee + 75% of remaining total fees excluding weekly fee
After Placement is offered: No refund except for the weekly fee (when applicable)

MISCELLANEOUS
You are not permitted to receive any form of salary or remuneration (unless they have a work permit).
You will pay a weekly fee to stay on the Volunteer station (in most cases).

Some volunteer organizations are outside of areas covered by wireless telecommunication systems and cellular telephones may not work.

Any personal belongings (including notebook computers or cellular telephones) are brought entirely at the participants’ risk.