Welcome!
At The Llama Sanctuary, volunteers are the heartbeat of our mission. Whether you’re helping feed the llamas, clean the paddocks and shelters, assist in training or volunteer your energy to bring healing and happiness to creatures who’ve often known pain, we welcome you
We welcome individuals, families, groups and corporate teams who are passionate about animal care, outdoor work, and compassionate service.
Volunteer Schedule
We accept volunteers 7 days a week, year-round, depending on weather and staff availability.
Shifts typically run:
Morning: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Afternoon: 2 pm – 4:30 pm
Commitment
We would love to welcome anyone who loves animals to drop in and help, but that’s not actually practical. It takes time to show you around, show you what to do and how to do it and maintain supervision. We encourage long-term relationships with volunteers. Volunteering to come along for a couple of hours one day may work in certain circumstances,
Volunteers who come regularly can be assigned to particular animals, so you can develop relationships, learn their habits, their likes and dislikes. Regulars who develop rapport with llamas are sometimes called upon to help with rescue situations or to dedicate time assisting an injured llama.
Volunteer Duties
Depending on your interests, availability, and experience, you might help with:
Daily Animal Care
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Feeding and watering llamas and alpacas
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Scooping poop and cleaning shelters
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Grooming and socializing with residents
Farm & Grounds Maintenance
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Fence repair, weed control, and trail clearing
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Assisting with shelter upgrades and seasonal projects
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Painting, organizing, or building enrichment items
- machinery & equipment repairs
Admin & Support
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Photography, graphic design, or content writing
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Helping with events or fundraisers
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Grant research or donor outreach
We’ll try and find a role that fits your comfort zone and passions.
“Let Care & Compassion be our Legacy”
❤️ Why Volunteer with Us?
“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” – Aesop
The Reality of Volunteer Work
The majority of the work at The Llama Sanctuary does NOT involve llamas! The reality of Sanctuary work is pushing heavy wheelbarrows, stacking hay bales, scrubbing buckets, cleaning gear, shovelling poop and sawdust and maintaining the pasture. Shearing usually takes place during the month of May. We welcome assistance, but be warned, this is not a job for the timid. A lot of the llamas have either never been handled or their human experience has not been kind.
Most of the llamas that come into The Sanctuary don’t like being touched and many have never been handled. The easy going ones usually find new homes. Grooming is hard, dirty, arm-aching labour that you sometimes wish you’d never started and the llama is not going to thank you for it afterwards.
But you do get to spend your day around llamas!
What to Bring & Wear
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Sturdy boots or closed-toe shoes
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Clothing that can get dirty or hairy
- Gloves
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Water bottle
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Rain gear (as needed) & sunscreen if that is your habit
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Positive attitude and gentle energy
We provide: tools, training and lots of llama love
A Rewarding Experience
The Llama Sanctuary is the largest camelid rescue organization operating in North America. Currently caring for between 60 and 70 llamas and alpacas, many of whom require special care due to injury, illness or behaviour that makes them unsuitable for re-homing. Visitors get to meet and hand feed the llamas and alpacas on guided tours and this is extremely helpful in reconditioning the animals to appreciate human interaction. Sometimes it takes several years before they will accept a carrot.
If you come regularly, you get to learn their stories, recognize their beahviours, know who can be touched or cuddled and who needs a little more space. This means you can help out with the guided tours, especially when we have large groups or school field trips! The more consistent you are, the more rewarding is the experience!
Ultimately, what you put in comes back to you as a tremendously rewarding experience that will remain with you for life.
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
— Mahatma Gandhi
“Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart.”
— Elizabeth Andrew
Some Need to be Loved
Some need to share love
Some are just ‘special’
Some need to be alone
Requirements
- volunteers must be 16 years or older
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if you are unable to come on your scheduled day, please let us know!
- Please do not bring friends or pets with you
How to Sign Up
- Fill out our Volunteer Form (link below)
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We’ll contact you to schedule your first visit
- On your first visit you must bring a signed Liability Waiver Form
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Attend a short orientation on your first day
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Begin your llama journey!
Location
Address: 1315 Tappen Valley Road, Tappen, BC
(Google Maps and GPS provide an accurate geolocation)
Perched on a bench in the beautiful Shuswap district of British Columbia, The Llama Sanctuary has been at its current location for a very short time. The first thing you will notice upon arrival is the high security fencing and locked security gate. It’s okay, it’s not a prison facility, but it was once upon-a-time, a dynamite fuse plant. No more! It is now home to Recline Ridge Ecopark and The Llama Sanctuary. When you arrive at the gate, you must call 250 948 3675 to gain access.
Unfortunately, there is no public transport in this area.
What Drives Us
Our Mission
Rescue, rehabilitation, re-homing and retirement of llamas, alpacas, guanacos & vicunas in need.
Team
Our Volunteers
Boutique
Hay Tester
TomBurke
Founder
Paul The Llama
Chief Ear Nibbler