The BC SPCA’s Wild Animal Rehabilitation Centre (Wild ARC) in Metchosin is recruiting for volunteers in a variety of roles to support the care of injured, orphaned, and sick wild animals on Vancouver Island. Thanks to the continuous support of volunteers, Wild ARC cares for more than 2,000 wild animals each year. Most of these animals arrive between April and September when wild animals are having babies, making both parents and young animals more vulnerable.
Volunteers often join Wild ARC because they are looking for a tangible way to make a difference. “It is so rewarding; the feeling that you get of contributing back to something that is so vital,” said one volunteer at Wild ARC.
Volunteers help wildlife in many ways:
- The Animal Care team helps to set up and clean enclosures, provide enrichment items, feed the animals, and more;
- Wildlife Chefs prepare species-specific diets, making sure wild animals are getting all the nutrition they need to fully recover;
- Spit ‘n’ Polish volunteers are crucial to keeping the centre running smoothly by cleaning kennels, doing laundry and washing dishes, ensuring the Wild ARC team has exactly what they need to treat wildlife;
- Maintenance work for volunteers who enjoy fixing things and coming up with creative solutions for the centre’s unique needs; and
- Transport volunteers act as “animal ambulances” to make sure distressed wildlife arrives at the centre as soon as possible.
Wild ARC is also active in the community; participating in local markets, fairs, and other events. Volunteers raise awareness about local wildlife at these community events, highlighting Wild ARC’s work, helping to educate the public about wildlife rehabilitation, and introducing people to the wildlife in their own backyards.
One youth volunteer said that they love animals and that volunteering at Wild ARC helped them gain school credits for graduation. “It’s fun, come out, try it, [the Wild ARC team] will find something for you to do,” they said, encouraging youth to volunteer at Wild ARC this summer.
“In 2025, volunteers donated over 17,000 hours of their time helping our core rehabilitation staff provide life-saving care to wild animals in need.” commented Ashley Currie, manager, BC SPCA Wild ARC. “We rely on many helping hands to care for wild animals, keep up with repairs, transport wildlife, and educate the public about our work and coexisting with local wildlife.” Currie added.
Volunteer positions range from four to six months, and shifts within positions may be different in length and frequency.
If you’re passionate about your local wildlife, and looking for a challenging, inspiring, and educational volunteer opportunity, visit the Wild ARC volunteer page for more information and join the team of amazing wildlife volunteers today!