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30 Nov 2025
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Description
We’re an adventurous, animal-loving family living off the beaten path on beautiful Vancouver Island — Kimberly (a veterinarian), Keith, our son James, and our two goofy Newfies, Laverne and Shirley. Together we’re building a sanctuary, a non-profit refuge for senior and special-needs animals. If you love nature, fresh air, and meaningful hands-on work (with plenty of furry sidekicks), come join us on this wild and wonderful journey! 🐾🌲
Types of help and learning opportunities
Charity Work
Art Projects
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Help with Computers/ Internet
Interests
Movies & TV
Sustainability
Pets
Culture
Charity work
Performing arts
Cooking & food
DIY & crafts
Animals
Camping
Dancing
Mountain
Outdoor activities
Hiking
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Volunteers at the sanctuary will experience more than just hands-on work — you’ll become part of our family’s journey and share in the rhythms of island life. We love connecting with people from all over the world, exchanging stories, ideas, and laughter around the dinner table (or campfire!).
As a veterinarian, Kimberly is always happy to share her knowledge about animal health, senior pet care, and rescue work, offering insight into the emotional and practical side of running a sanctuary. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of ethical animal rescue, compassionate end-of-life care, and the joy of giving back to those who can’t speak for themselves.
For those interested in sustainable living and construction, there’s also the chance to learn from skilled builders and participate in eco-conscious projects — from building volunteer housing to creating gardens and natural habitats.
Outside of work, you’ll get to experience Vancouver Island’s relaxed, nature-driven culture — from forest walks and local markets to spontaneous beach bonfires and coastal adventures. It’s a place where community, kindness, and connection matter, and we love sharing that spirit with our volunteers.
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
Join us as we bring the sanctuary to life — a non-profit refuge for geriatric, sick, and terminally ill companion animals on the stunning Vancouver Island.
Each day here is a mix of heartwarming moments and hands-on adventure, from caring for our resident animals (including our first rescue, Noah, and our hilarious Newfies Laverne and Shirley) to helping build and grow the sanctuary grounds and our home.
Tasks vary with the seasons and may include animal care, gardening and landscaping, light construction or painting, cleaning, organizing, and general property upkeep. We have skilled builders on site, so there’s lots to learn if you’re interested in sustainable building or homesteading projects.
You’ll be part of a warm, welcoming family — Kimberly, a veterinarian; Keith, who keeps everything running smoothly; and James, our friendly young gamer who loves connecting with visitors. Together, we’re creating a place of peace, purpose, and compassion for animals in need.
If you enjoy nature, animals, teamwork, and don’t mind a bit of mud along the way, we’d love to welcome you to our island home and growing sanctuary! 🌿🐾
Life at the sanctuary is full of purpose, laughter, and plenty of tail wags — mostly from our Newfies, Laverne and Shirley, who are convinced that greeting new friends is their full-time job!
Our sanctuary sits on a peaceful stretch of Vancouver Island, surrounded by forest trails, ocean air, and a secluded beach just across the street — the perfect spot to unwind, explore tide pools, or watch the sunset after a rewarding day.
At this early stage of our build, accommodation will be in tents or simple temporary setups, and part of your adventure here will be helping us construct housing for future volunteers and veterinary students who’ll come to learn and lend a hand. It’s a hands-on, meaningful opportunity to help shape the sanctuary from the ground up.
We share family-style meals or take turns cooking, and we’re happy to accommodate most dietary preferences. You’ll have access to basic amenities, Wi-Fi, and peaceful outdoor spaces for rest and reflection.
Days here balance rewarding work with natural beauty — feeding animals, building something lasting, and enjoying the forests, beaches, and easy island rhythm of life. If you love animals, nature, and meaningful projects, we’d love to have you join us. 🌊🐾🌲
⏰ Help Hours & Expectations
We ask for about 4–5 hours of help per day, 5 days a week, with flexibility depending on weather and projects. Some days might be more active — like building or clearing land — while others are gentler, focused on animal care, gardening, or creative projects.
You might help with:
🐶 Feeding, walking, and caring for animals
🌿 Gardening, landscaping, or outdoor upkeep
🛠️ Building, painting, or setting up volunteer housing
🧹 General property maintenance or organizing
💡 Creative tasks like photography, art, or social media
We welcome responsible, kind, and positive people who enjoy teamwork, animals, and working with their hands. No special skills are required — just enthusiasm, respect for animals, and a willingness to learn.
We make sure every day includes time to relax and explore — whether that’s a dip at the beach across the street, a forest hike, or simply stargazing beside a campfire.
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: Beginner
French: BeginnerThis host offers a language exchange
We speak English, but we love learning from others and would be thrilled to pick up new words or phrases from our guests! If you speak another language, we’d enjoy practicing and sharing a few laughs along the way — communication here is all about patience, kindness, and connection. Workawayers can learn a wide range of practical and meaningful skills, including: 🐕 Animal care and handling, especially with senior and special-needs pets 💚 Basic veterinary insight and compassionate end-of-life care 🛠️ Eco-friendly and small-scale construction projects alongside skilled builders 🌿 Gardening, homesteading, and property care in a forested coastal environment 🧠 Project building and teamwork, as we grow the sanctuary together We love sharing knowledge, stories, and meals — and we believe everyone who visits leaves having taught us something new, too.
Accommodation
At this early stage of our build, accommodation will be in tents or simple temporary setups, and part of your adventure here will be helping us construct housing for future volunteers and veterinary students who’ll come to learn and lend a hand. It’s a hands-on, meaningful opportunity to help shape the sanctuary from the ground up.
We share family-style meals or take turns cooking, and we’re happy to accommodate most dietary preferences. You’ll have access to basic amenities, Wi-Fi, and peaceful outdoor spaces for rest and reflection.
Days here balance rewarding work with natural beauty — feeding animals, building something lasting, and enjoying the forests, beaches, and easy island rhythm of life. If you love animals, nature, and meaningful projects, we’d love to have you join us. 🌊🐾🌲
What else ...
Getting here is easy — there’s a bus stop very close to the property, and we’re happy to carpool occasionally for errands, supply runs, or sightseeing when schedules align.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
We warmly welcome digital nomads who can help us grow our online presence through social media, storytelling, photography, or website support — your creative skills can make a real difference in giving our sanctuary the visibility it deserves.
Can possibly accept pets
also welcome friendly, well-behaved pets who are up to date on vaccines and comfortable around other animals. The more paws and hearts that join our mission, the better!
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
My animals / pets
Laverne (3 years)
Big Lovable Newfie
Photos
