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Animal Rescue & Rehabilitation Project
Volunteers in the project work to rescue, treat and rehabilitate animals in need in suburban Cape Town area in an animal shelter.
- Experience the life of locals by staying with a host family
- Help in a variety of tasks at the animal shelter
- Hands on work with animals at the project
- Explore the city on weekends and travel around Cape Town
- Visit some highlights of Cape town such as Table Mountain, Robben Island and Lion’s Head
- Live with volunteers from all over the world and make memories of a lifetime
Volunteers in the animal rescue and rehabilitation project work to rescue, treat and rehabilitate animals in need in suburban Cape Town area. The residents live in extreme poverty, well below the poverty line. There is a huge issue with stray animals/pets in the area, largely dogs and some cats. Due to the tough economic and social situation in the area, these animals are often neglected and left to fend for themselves, often resulting in starvation and/or sickness. Because of this ever-growing problem in the area, an animal rescue and rehabilitation centre was established. The centre is a pro-life, non-profit organisation that rescues, cares for, and sterilizes stray dogs and cats, with the hope of eventually finding new homes for them.
The centre has 2 sections, one being a full animal hospital that treats all kinds of sickness and injury/operations, and the other is an adoption centre where we try to find new homes for the rescued and recovered pets. Due to a lack of funding, they are only able to employ a handful of permanent staff, depending heavily on volunteers to assist with daily tasks and to supply hands-on care for these vulnerable animals.
Want to see other ways to make an impact? Check out our Volunteer in Africa programs.
Volunteer Roles & Responsibilities
- Feed and play with the animals
- Clean animal houses and kennels
- Walk the dogs
- Work on fundraising initiatives and adoption days
- Observe and assist staff in the animal hospital
- Admin and reception duties
Requirements & eligibility
Volunteers must be 18 years or older at the time of joining the project. You need to have an open mind and a flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment. The volunteer should bring energy and enthusiasm to make a difference.Participants in the program should have a keen interest and love for animals.All volunteers need to be vaccinated against Rabies AND Tetanus, in order to work at this project. Even though the animals that are already at the shelter are safe to work with, new animals are being brought in almost on a daily basis and most of these have not received any inoculations/vaccinations
A typical day
Life on the programme
Accommodation & meals
Volunteering Solutions makes great efforts to provide best of living standards to its volunteers. In Cape Town, our international volunteers are picked up from the airport and put in volunteer houses or with host families, equipped with all modern amenities. We also make sure that we help our volunteers with their local requirements, sightseeing or weekend tours.
Airport Transfer
Volunteers are picked up from the Cape Town International Airport by a representative and transferred to the volunteers hostel accommodation by a shuttle transfer. Those volunteers who are arriving overland or are already in South Africa will have to arrive at the accommodation on own and will not be provided with a pickup.
Orientation
A half day orientation will be provided by the local staff on the program start date. The orientation would cover topics such as introduction to the program,General information about South Africa,Safety Tips / Guidelines,customs,health guidelines, communities, projects, host families, support services, travel and tours.Participants also receive a Walking City Tour which is a 2 hour walk around the City Centre area.
Accommodation
Upon arrival in Cape Town, volunteers are provided accommodation for one night in the volunteer hostel. After orientation on the next day, you will be transferred to the host family accommodation located close to animal shelter project.
When staying with a host family while volunteering in South Africa you will live in one of the local communities of Cape Town. There you will experience life of a typical South African family which will be a great cultural experience. You will travel a short distance to your project in the morning and in the evenings you will spend time bonding with your host family. The project is 5mins drive from the host family home, so you can either take an Uber (approx. R50 per way) or walk to the project.On the weekends you can either spend your leisure time with your host family or book yourself into a backpacker in town to explore the city centre during the day and experience Cape Town night life.
Meals
Volunteers staying in a host family, are provided 3 meals a day, prepared by your host. Breakfast before your project, a packed lunch to take with you and a delicious home cooked meal for dinner.
During your Free Time
Cape Town has so much to offer for travellers and there is a lot to do on the weekends and during the free time. Volunteers usually take the Garden Route tours on the weekend or explore the beautiful beaches of Cape Town. You can also do a full day Cape Point Tour and head south to Cape of Good Hope. On a free day you can do a trek upto Table Mountain or just chill out at the Waterfront area. There is a lot to do and you will never have a dull day in the beautiful city of Cape Town.
Start dates
Weekly start dates, year-round — pick any week across the next two years.
Program fees by duration
A one-off application fee ($249 / £179 / €229 / AU$350) is charged in addition to the program fee — valid for one year, during which you may enrol in multiple programs. A 5% international banking fee applies to credit-card payments in USD or AUD.
| Duration | Program fee | |
|---|---|---|
| 2 weeks | $525 | |
| 3 weeks | $700 | |
| 4 weeks | $900 | |
| 5 weeks | $1,050 | |
| 6 weeks | $1,335 | |
| 7 weeks | $1,500 | |
| 8 weeks | $1,755 | |
| Each additional week | +$220 / week |
Indicative conversion — your booking is charged in the currency you choose at checkout.
✓ What you're paying for
- 24 hrs Assistance and support from Staff
- Comprehensive Pre- Departure Information
- Airport Pickup from Cape Town International Airport
- Orientation
- Meals (Depending on the type of accommodation)
- Accommodation in Volunteer house or host family
- Travel & Medical Insurance (Available at an extra cost)
Not included
- Airfare
- Visa Fee
- Return Airport Drop(Can be arranged at extra cost)
- Daily Project Transportation
- Vaccinations
Frequently asked questions
When should I apply?
Apply as soon as your dates are decided — spots are limited. The application fee is valid for a full year, so you can apply early to secure your place.
How do I apply and when do I pay?
Fill in the online application form and pay the application fee. The program fee can be paid later, even in instalments, but must be complete 45 days before the program starts.
What are the requirements?
Participants must usually be at least 17 (families welcome with younger children), with an open mind, good health and respect for local customs. A clear criminal background check is required from all adults.
Where will I stay and what about food?
You stay in a volunteer house or with a host family, with meals provided. Private-room upgrades are usually available.
Is there support while I'm there?
Yes — a local coordinator gives you an orientation on arrival and is available 24/7 throughout your placement.
Do I need insurance and vaccinations?
Valid travel-medical insurance is mandatory (available from us at a nominal cost). Consult your travel doctor for recommended vaccinations; your pre-departure pack covers the details.
Do you help with the visa?
Yes — all enrolled participants get visa-requirement information in the pre-departure manual, and your point of contact can answer questions.
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