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Good 4.12rating (63)

Animal Care Helper

location
2 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Contribute to animal welfare
  • Meet people from all over the world who are also involved in animal protection
  • Spend time with adorable cats and dogs

Highlights

  • Contribute to animal welfare
  • Meet people from all over the world who are also involved in animal protection
  • Spend time with adorable cats and dogs
  • Learn Croatian and develop your language skills
  • Discover Split and its surroundings


  • Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Help us give dogs and cats a second chance! Our program is dedicated to protecting, caring for, and finding loving homes for animals in need at our local shelter.

    In this program, you as an animal passionate and a supporter of animal rights, will have the opportunity to join a team that shares the same passion as you. 

    This program supports the welfare and protection of dogs and cats at the local shelter. As the law in Croatia protects every abandoned animal, ...

    About the program

    In this program, you as an animal passionate and a supporter of animal rights, will have the opportunity to join a team that shares the same passion as you. 

    This program supports the welfare and protection of dogs and cats at the local shelter. As the law in Croatia protects every abandoned animal, this place plays an important role in managing colonies of stray cats, in protecting dogs and cats at the shelter and in promoting their adoption as well as raising awareness for animal abandonment. In a long-term, this shelter aims: to bring a new life for these animals, promoting their happiness and wellbeing; to find a suitable family for them; as well as to reduce future abandonment rates. Due to the law and large number of animals that need a shelter, these spaces are crowded, and the volunteer work is crucial to support their mission and improve animals’ conditions.

    As a volunteer, your tasks will vary and can include: assisting with bathing and brushing the dogs, providing companionship by playing, walking and socializing with the animals; helping the team measuring the animals, taking photos and doing small videos to elaborate an ID book for each animal; taking care of the green spaces inside the shelter; and creating small construction projects (i.e. building dog runs and creating fences). 

    Notice that all animals housed in the shelter are fully vaccinated. Playing with the animals is very important as it allow them to get along with people, lose their traumas and fears, and above all provide them quality time out of their daily space which is often the cages.

    Depending on your skills and the length of your stay, you may have the opportunity to become more involved in the shelter's long-term goals by creating a more familiar and welcoming space, such as setting up quiet areas where everyone can visit and spend time with the dogs and cats and share love and affection.


    Typical day

    After the initial orientation day, you will have a morning shift at the Animal Care placement and will work for approximately 3 to 5 hours per day. 

    A typical schedule is as follows:

    08 - 10:00 a.m.: Breakfast at the volunteer accommodation

    10:00 a.m.:  Travel to the Animal Care place to join the ...

    Typical day

    After the initial orientation day, you will have a morning shift at the Animal Care placement and will work for approximately 3 to 5 hours per day. 

    A typical schedule is as follows:

    08 - 10:00 a.m.: Breakfast at the volunteer accommodation

    10:00 a.m.:  Travel to the Animal Care place to join the local staff and begin work on your project with animals

    up to 03:00 p.m.: Lunch can be ordered when you return from your volunteer project. In the morning you can grab a “packed lunch” to have in the city or at your placement.

    04:00 - 07:00 p.m.: Explore the city, relax, attend Croatian language lessons or enroll other activities if you have a morning project.

    05:00 - 10:00 p.m. : Dinner can be ordered at your convenience. After dinner you will have the remainder of the evening free to relax and use as you wish.


    Free-time activities

    Amidst the Kozjak and Mosor mountains and surrounded by the Adriatic Sea, just a few hours away from one of the other European capitals, the small peninsula where Split is located has a lot to offer to every visitor and traveler.

    Croatia, as a Balkan nation is a must stop country for anyone who ...

    Free-time activities

    Amidst the Kozjak and Mosor mountains and surrounded by the Adriatic Sea, just a few hours away from one of the other European capitals, the small peninsula where Split is located has a lot to offer to every visitor and traveler.

    Croatia, as a Balkan nation is a must stop country for anyone who chooses to visit eastern Europe in a meaningful way. On the one hand it has a rich historical heritage full of monuments classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on the other it is a country that is still recovering from a political war, in the group of countries with the highest number of people living below the poverty line.

    With its charming ancient towns and villages, beautiful beaches and more than a thousand islands, its history has produced a very rich cultural diversity, shaped by Roman and Turkish, that is, Mediterranean and Eastern European influences. These historical heritages mark the different regions of Croatia. Between Istria, Dalmatia and the center of Croatia, the gastronomy, lifestyle and accents can change a lot, making the country very diverse and interesting. Split, the second biggest city, has a specific Mediterranean influence that makes it especially welcoming, cosy and warm. With its palace just on the seaside, Split brings a peaceful and fresh atmosphere that invites you to come and stay for a while.


    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level)

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 10:00 - 19:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    What’s included?

    • Pick up at the international airport in Split & transfer to the accommodation - Sunday. On Sunday, the ImpacTrip team will be at the airport waiting for you with a big sign and a smile on their face! :)
    If you arrive prior to Sunday, you will still be able to receive an airport pickup and our team can transport you to the accommodation, but you will need to pay an extra fee for this service.

    • Accommodation at a dormitory in a local hostel, female dormitory or mixed dormitory with private bathroom
    • Three meals everyday: breakfast, lunch and dinner (Local style. Vegetarian, gluten-free and meals for lactose-intolerant are also available upon request)
    • Shared use of common room, and free WIFI
    • Orientation event on arrival (including introduction to Croatia and it's culture, the volunteer experience, overview of programs, practical information and safety guidelines)
    • Guided city tour
    • The best tips to discover the city!
    • Allocation and coordination of a work placement in an impactful non-profit project
    • Introduction on the first day of volunteering
    • Ongoing support throughout the stay
    • 24h/7 emergency support

    Airport Pickup at Split Airport


    On Sunday, the ImpacTrip team will be at the airport waiting for you with a big sign and a smile on their face! :)

    If you arrive prior to Sunday, you will still be able to receive an airport pickup and our team can transport you to the accommodation, but you will need to pay an extra fee for this service.
    We will reach out to you by WhatsApp a few days before your start date to connect

    Accommodation

    You will stay accommodated in a friendly and comfortable hostel in the city center. The Hostel has the capacity to accommodate up to 100 travelers in very spacious shared rooms. With its young and welcoming staff you will feel like home.

    There are various common areas and the restaurant is just next door.

    The hostel is in a neighborhood where you can find everything you need: local coffee shops, supermarkets, ATMs, utilities you will need just around the corner. The Hostel is 2 minutes walking from the bus stop with few buses running by that can bring you to the city center.

    Private rooms are available upon request and are subject to availability. The private rooms are located within walking distance of the hostel and restaurant and are self-catered. Volunteers staying in private rooms will also have lunch and dinner included in the partner restaurant but breakfast is not organised.


    Food & Beverages

    We will provide breakfast, lunch and dinner at the hostel every day. The hostel restaurant offers meals with fresh local ingredients for all volunteers in a very Croatian style and they are prepared to accommodate most diet restrictions such as vegan and vegetarians, gluten-free and lactose intolerant.

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Split Airport (SPU) in Split. We assist you to find cheap flights to Croatia. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Croatia provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Croatia you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Croatia. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    Our Croatian programs start on the Sunday before the 1st and 3rd Monday of the month AND every Sunday from May to the end of August.

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program fees

    2 weeks (min. stay) 1,420€
    4 weeks 2,240€
    5 weeks 2,650€
    6 weeks 3,060€
    7 weeks 3,470€
    8 weeks 3,880€
    9 weeks 4,290€
    10 weeks 4,700€
    11 weeks 5,110€
    12 weeks (max. stay) 5,520€
    Average fees 585€/week

    Program fees

    585€ per week 2 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    2 - 12 weeks

    Deposit

    The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.


    Final Payment

    Your final payment will be agreed with ImpacTrip during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.

    4.1
    Top Pick
    One of the top picks on Volunteer World, according to travelers
    2023
    J’ai eu un belle expérience au refuge pendant ces 2 semaines. J’ai pu beaucoup apprendre avec les chiens et j’ai eu beaucoup de ...
    Melissa Brülhart

    Animal Care Helper

    2022
    Er stond op de site dat je ofwel in de ochtend of in de namiddag moest werken maar dit bleek niet waar te zijn. Ik begon om 11u en werkte ...
    Luka De Walsche

    Animal Care Helper

    2021
    I spent 2 weeks in croatia volunteering for the animal care program, i can’t fault the hostel it is private and clean and the restraunt ...
    Amy Hoddinott

    Animal Care Helper

    2024
    I recommend this experience to absolutely anyone, it was the best of my life. The first week my placement was in a Skatepark in Cascais, so ...
    Alba Gala Torrero

    Youth Supporter

    2024
    Stayed 2 weeks in October 2024. Warm welcomed by a dynamic and enthusiastic team. Clear and detailed information provided. Good location, ...
    Eliane BURLAC

    Youth Supporter

    Location


    Meet your project coordinator

    Cristiana
    63
    reviews
    4.12
    Good
    2015
    Founded

    Verified by Volunteer World

      Good response rate
    Spoken languages: Spanish, Portuguese, English
    Travel safely by using Volunteer World for your communication and bookings. This way, you can benefit from the Flex Option, Refund Guarantee, and Resolution Support.

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    Contact Cristiana
      Good response rate
    Spanish, Portuguese, English

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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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    Price details