Help Wildlife: Youth Volunteer Opportunities
Have you ever wondered what it takes to care for injured wildlife? At the National Wildlife Centre’s accredited Wildlife Hospital in Caledon East, volunteers play an important role in caring for Ontario’s native wildlife. Whether you’re hoping to give back to your community, explore a future career, or simply have a passion for wildlife, we’re looking for dedicated people to join our team.
1. Fall & Winter Volunteer Wildlife Rehabilitation Internships
Our Wildlife Rehabilitation Internship provides hands-on experience for those interested in wildlife rehabilitation, conservation, veterinary medicine, biology, environmental science, and related fields. Interns work alongside experienced wildlife rehabilitators and veterinarians while developing practical skills that can open doors to careers in wildlife conservation.
Volunteer Intern responsibilities include:
- Preparing and feeding diets for adult and infant wildlife.
- Assisting with animal capture, restraint, and administering medications.
- Observing and documenting animal health and behaviour.
- Cleaning and maintaining wildlife enclosures.
- Providing natural environmental enrichment.
- Supporting wildlife rehabilitators and veterinarians with daily patient care.
- Assisting with public inquiries and special projects.
Volunteer Internship Details
Available Terms:
- Fall: September 1, 2026 – January 3, 2027
- Winter: January 4, 2026 – May 2, 2027
Commitment:
- Approximately 40 hours per week (shift work).
- Schedules are provided at the start of the internship and may vary depending on workload.
Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Be at least 18 years of age.
- Hold a valid driver’s licence.
- Provide proof of a current rabies vaccination and titre.
- Have a tetanus vaccination within the past 10 years.
- Be physically fit and comfortable working in a physically demanding environment.
- Follow National Wildlife Centre protocols and health and safety guidelines.
International students are welcome to apply. Applicants are responsible for securing their own visa.
Photo above: Every day is different for Wildlife Rehabilitation Interns, from preparing species-specific habitats to feeding our most vulnerable patients.
2. Other Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers help support the care and recovery of injured and orphaned wildlife by assisting with the essential behind-the-scenes work that keeps the wildlife hospital running every day.
Volunteer opportunities may include:
- Preparing diets for wildlife patients.
- Cleaning and maintaining indoor and outdoor enclosures.
- Creating natural enrichment for recovering wildlife.
- Laundry, dishes, and facility cleaning.
- Groundskeeping and general maintenance.
- Supporting special projects and community events.
Volunteer Eligibility
Volunteers must:
- Be at least 18 years of age.
- Hold a valid driver’s licence.
- Have a current rabies vaccination.
- Have an up-to-date tetanus vaccination (role dependent).
- Commit to a minimum six-month placement.
- Commit to at least one four-hour shift per week (varies by role).
- Follow National Wildlife Centre protocols and health and safety guidelines.
Photo above: From preparing meals to tackling laundry, volunteers play an essential role in caring for our wildlife patients.
Start Making a Difference
Whether you’re looking to volunteer your time or launch a career in wildlife conservation, we’d love to hear from you.
Explore Volunteer Positions:
https://nationalwildlifecentre.ca/volunteer-with-us/#
Explore Volunteer Rehabilitation Internships:
https://nationalwildlifecentre.ca/rehabilitation-internships/
If you found this article helpful, consider supporting the National Wildlife Centre.
Donate at: www.nationalwildlifecentre.ca/donate
