Volunteer in an Animal Rescue Center in Ecuador

Participants will work with the staff to take care of the day to day tasks in the center to make sure the animals have the best conditions possible considering for example space and budget available in the project.

Though animals are coming and going in the centers it sadly doesn’t mean that they always are released back to nature as they in some cases are born in captivity or have lived too long with humans due to which they have lost their natural instincts and knowledge for catching food/hunting or to avoid danger. Instead they might get moved so that they get closer to their natural environment meaning that a trafficked monkey found in Quito might be placed in Ibarra but as this is high up in the Andes they try to find space in another center in the Amazon even though it sometimes takes time.

Another reason that they have a hard time to release some animals is that they are hurt from for example chains they might have in captivity and there for they are not strong enough to live in the wild or it will take some time before they are healed.

Participants role in the projects is to support and work with the local staff among many things at the center. Volunteers can collect food in the surroundings, if possible do some reforestation as this will be food for the animals, clean cages, give water and food to animals, repair and build cages, make and repair toys in the cages, show visitors around in the center and inform them about what happens with the animals, clean and repair the paths and infrastructure in general, assist the veterinarian that comes from time to time etc.

As the center has to find their own financial support they also work as a Zoo for visitors that by paying entrance will support the work while they can learn about the problems animals face with humans and how they end up in centers like this.

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Program Requirements

Volunteers must be 18 years or older at the beginning of the program. Volunteers need to have an open mind and flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment and most importantly an interest in working with children.Volunteer should also have a high beginner level in Spanish and be prepared to do manual labour work as well.The minimum time commitment to take part in the project is 2 weeks.

Project Location

The project is located in Ibarra, which is around 3 hours north of Quito and in Banos, located in the Andean mountain at an altitude of almost 1.820 meters or 6.000 feet is famous for all the activities they offer to tourists like horseback riding, rafting, repelling, bungee jump, zip line, atv´s, hot springs, waterfalls, Tungurahua volcano etc.

What we provide

Airport Receive/ Transfer: Volunteers are picked up from the Quito International Airport by the local representative. Those volunteers who are arriving overland or are already in Ecuador will be picked up from the bus station or at a meeting point decided beforehand.

Orientation: A half day orientation will be provided by the local staff. Areas like culture, greetings, locations, transportation, safety and volunteer placements are given during the orientation. The orientation takes place on Saturday before the program start date.

Lodging: Volunteer accommodation is provided either in the animal rescue center or in a host family close to the project.

Food: All 3 meals will be provided to the volunteers. Breakfast and dinner is usually at the center and lunch is at the center.

Insurance: Volunteers have the option to purchase Travel and Medical Insurance at a nominal extra cost from Volunteering Solutions. To buy insurance from Volunteering Solutions, please click here

In – Country travel assistance: Volunteers are assisted by the local staff and coordinators for any kind of assistance they need for their travel arrangements.

In-country support: 24 hours support provided by our local staff. You will be provided with the contact details of the local coordinator and staff who will be contactable 24 hrs once you are in country.

Pre-departure information: After we receive full and final payment all participants are provided by a pre-departure information booklet which will have all vital information about your program. The Pre Departure Information Booklet provides the complete details of the country, project locations, Visas, Immunizations, Things to Pack list, Accommodations, Contact Information etc.

Start Dates

Volunteers can begin their project placement on 1st or 3rd Monday of the month. The Orientation takes place on Saturday and volunteers need to arrive in Quito on Friday or Saturday morning.

Program Costs

Volunteering Solutions strives hard to keep costs low and offers one of the most affordable volunteer abroad programs. Compare our prices and services to other organizations and you would be surprised to see the difference.

USD GBP

2 Weeks	3 Weeks	4 Weeks	5 Weeks	6 Weeks	7 Weeks	8 Weeks	Extra Weeks
$760	$980	$1200	$1420	$1640	$1860	$2080	$220

Please Note: -An application fee of $200 is charged over and above the program fee as an application payment.

2 Weeks	3 Weeks	4 Weeks	5 Weeks	6 Weeks	7 Weeks	8 Weeks	Extra Weeks
£532	£686	£840	£994	£1148	£1302	£1456	£154

Please Note: -An application fee of £140 is charged over and above the program fee as an application payment.

What are you Paying For ?

24 hrs Assistance and support from Staff
Comprehensive Pre- Departure Information
Airport Pickup
Orientation in Quito
Food - 3 meals a day
Accommodation
Travel & Medical Insurance (Available at an extra cost)

What's NOT Included ?

Airfare
Return Trip to Airport (Can be arranged at an extra cost)
Local In country transportation
Visas
Vaccinations

What are the Program locations in Ecuador?

Volunteering Solutions offers programs across different locations in Ecuador. Programs are available in the capital city of Quito as well as other towns such as Ibarra, Ambato, Tena, Santa Elena and Cuenca. In Galapagos Islands, programs take place in Isabela and Santa Cruz Island.

Does Volunteering Solutions help with Visa?

Receiving a tourist visa for tourism purpose is the volunteer's responsibility. Volunteering Solutions strongly recommends all volunteers to apply and get a tourist visa before departing for Ecuador. If needed, Volunteering Solutions do provide with written document which would help volunteers in getting the Visa.

When should I apply for the volunteer programs in Ecuador?

We are able to offer placements on the first Monday of each month year round. Because of the increasing volume of applications, participants are requested to apply in advance to secure their spots.

How long does it take to process my application?

Once you have applied, we will send you details of your placement usually within 7-10 working days.

When do I need to arrive in Ecuador for my program? What will happen once I arrive in Ecuador?

The volunteer projects in Ecuador have a start date of 1st and 3rd Monday of the month. Volunteers should arrive either on Friday or Saturday morning as orientation in Quito takes place on Saturday after which the volunteers join their respective projects. For those volunteers who will be volunteering in Galapagos Islands, the orientation would be in Quito after which they would take the flight to Galapagos Islands.

I want to know more about accommodation arrangements?

We provide you with accommodation from your start date to the end of the program. Accommodation will be provided in a host family or home stay. You will have your own room, which you might share with another volunteer. You should bring along things like towels and toiletries. Accommodation will be neat, clean and basic.

Are there any necessary requirements to participate in the Ecuador-based volunteer programs?

The only qualifications are: -

-- Volunteers must be 18 years or older at the beginning of the program

-- Volunteers need to have an open mind and flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment.

-- The volunteer should bring energy and enthusiasm to make a difference.

-- Be in good health.
-- Volunteers need to provide us with their Resume , Photo and scanned copy of passport as per the project requirements

What immunizations/vaccinations will I need?

We recommend you speak to your doctor before coming. The following are recommended vaccinations: -

Hepatitis A and B
Typhoid

Are there more expenses once I arrive in Ecuador?

Your program fee covers you for food, accommodation, airport pick up, Orientation, Pre departure information and in country staff support. You will need to cover yourself for your personal expenses, such as traveling, telephone, internet, shopping, sightseeing etc. Traveling from Bus within Ecuador is cheap; however, you should carry around $40 - 50 per week for your basic personal expenses, such as water, local transport, phone etc.

What hours will I volunteer every day?

Volunteers usually work for 5 to 6 hours a day depending on their program. You will have weekend off so you can go to travel on weekends. However some organizations will need you to work on some Saturdays as well.

Where can I change my money in Ecuador? Are there ATMâ€™s in Ecuador?

You can change money in any bank or at the airport by showing your passport. There are ATM's located all around Quito city.

Can couples or families join the volunteer program?

Yes, couples and families are welcome to join our programs. We make special provisions for families joining our volunteering programs; we will be able to provide them with program placements and accommodations together.

What will be the food arrangement?

Do I need to buy health insurance?

Volunteers have the option to purchase Travel and Medical Insurance at a nominal extra cost from Volunteering Solutions. To buy insurance from Volunteering Solutions, please click here

What sorts of clothes are required for Ecuador?

Lightweight clothing and rainwear is recommended as well as warmer clothing for the evenings (light jacket and/or light sweaters). A pair of walking shoes is highly recommended as well.

Do you recommend any cheap airlines flying into Ecuador?

There are many airlines offering direct connections to Quito. The major airlines operating to Ecuador are American Airlines, TACA, AeroGal, LAN Ecuador , TAME , KLM and United Airlines.

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