Youth Volunteer Opportunities

We were all inspired as kids to want to help wildlife and involving youth with our organization is important for promoting humane communities.

Unfortunately however, there are serious risks associated with working hands on unpredictible wildlife (bites, scratches, punctures). Also a child's immune system is not fully developed and exposure to some of the diseases that we encounter in our wildlife patients could be dangerous. Because we can not put youth at risk, our policy for volunteering restricts the minimum age of animal care volunteers to 19.

In a few circumstances, we are able to take on work experience students through local high school programs that have insurance agreements to cover the students. If you are 16-18 years old and interested in volunteering with the animals, please contact your school counsellor to arrange a work experience contract. You must also ensure you have reliable transportation as Wild ARC is not on a public transit route.

If you are under 16, there are many activities that you can still do to help local wildlife. You can make supplies at-home that can be used to enrich animal enclosures, bake squirrel squares (we'll provide recipies and ingredients), gather natural foods (berries, pine cones) and many other things that make a world of difference for our patients. Or take on a fundraising event, create crafts for sale, or bring a Wild ARC presentation to your school. There are many ways to make a difference volunteering outside of the centre and we'll still be here when turn 19 and are ready to volunteer with the animals!

Email us to find our what our most urgent need for supplies and foods are. Don't forget to join us for our annual Open House the last weekend of March annually. This is our once-a-year opportunity to see our amazing facility!

We are also fortunate to have BC SPCA youth activities such as summer camps and monthly workshops in Victoria. Please contact Rachel Evans, Regional Humane Education Coordinator, South Vancouver Island formore information.