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2019
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Animal Rescue Shelter Supporter
Coordinator | Nicole
Coordinator | Nicole
This wonderful program’s aim is to simply provide care to animals in need.
This volunteer program is especially suitable for:
Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Families
Groups
50+
The program
The shelter, situated in a village in the suburbs of the city of Tirana, was set up to rescue the sick, injured and endangered animals of Tirana and the wider region. The shelter provides these animals with safe haven - a loving and caring home – and it is the only animal shelter in the entire region! Sadly, there are horrifying incidents every day where injured, sick, or mistreated animals require rescue and immediate care. The shelter takes care of these animals. There are currently approximately 200 animals at this centre, and as it receives no government support, it relies heavily on donations from kind-hearted individuals and the assistance of international volunteers to stay in operation.
Goals of this Project:
- Provide a safe place for mistreated animals
- Provide medical attention and rehabilitation to animals who have been injured
- Provide a home for animals without one and who would suffer otherwise
- Provide an opportunity for cross-cultural exchange between volunteers and locals
How you can help
This volunteer program provides essential support to a large number of animals in need of care and attention. Volunteers will gain great experience caring for animals, while also experiencing volunteering and all the amazing benefits of traveling to another country. Due to the large number of animals accommodated in this facility the cats stay in the main facility, which doubles as a veterinary clinic, and have access to an outdoor enclosure. Meanwhile the dogs are housed outside in kennels. The Animal Shelter is looking desperately for assistance from international volunteers, and welcomes all those willing to help out with a variety of activities including: cleaning, feeding, maintenance, and caring for the animals. Volunteer vets are welcomed to help with the injured or sick animals. Volunteers not only play a major role in caring for the animals, but in keeping the operation sustainable and able to continue to operate and save these wonderful creatures.
Volunteers can expect to participate in a number of tasks, including but not limited to:
- Feeding the animals
- Cleaning the animal shelters
- Maintenance work
- Playing with the animals
- Brushing the animals
Typical day
A volunteer’s work day on this project will generally last between 4 and 6 hours and while we ask all volunteers to be flexible in this regard, a typical daily schedule is likely to go something like this:
7:00am Breakfast at the volunteer house
7:30am Bus to project site
8:00am Pre-start meeting with project supervisor
9:00am VOLUNTEERING DUTIES START
A tea break and lunch break will be fitted in during the day, but often the timing of breaks will change based on the needs of the local staff and number of volunteers on hand.
4:00pm VOLUNTEERING DUTIES END
4:15pm Debrief with project supervisor
4:30pm Bus back to accommodation
Evenings Volunteers are welcome to explore the local area or simply relax with the other volunteers.
Free-time activities
Tirana is a fast-developing city, shaking off its communist past and acquiring a western feel. It is small and manageable for traversing on foot. There are several new shopping malls, cinemas, concert halls and theatres with programs of a high standard and many bars, some providing live music. Tirana is a growing tourist destination.
Concert/
Music
Music
Sightseeing
Shopping/
Souvenirs
Souvenirs
Hiking
Program Requirements
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.
You need to speak
English
(basic level)
Emergency contact and Passport
No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.
This project is best suited to those who are either pursuing a career in animal conservation/veterinary studies, or who simply wish to explore an interest in this field. However, the project is open to all and does not require participants to have specific education, qualifications or experience, as you will be shown everything you need to know by one of local project leaders. Importantly though, all applicants must first and foremost have a genuine willingness to help
Your helping hand will be required on
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
from
09:00
- 16:00
Included Services
- Airport pick-up on arrival
- Orientation & full safety briefing
- Accommodation (as specified above)
- 24/7 local support network
- Project placement & onsite supervision
- Registration fee included
Volunteers are met on arrival into Tirana and taken to the Volunteer House to meet with the hosts and settle in to the new environment. An orientation session will take place, normally on the Monday, which covers the local area, public transport, amenities, customs, rules and recommendations and, of course, what to expect from your volunteering experience. This provides a great opportunity to get to know your hosts and ask any last questions you may have.
- Arrival/Departure Airport: Tirana International Airport Nene Tereza, Tirana, Albania (Code: TIA)
Volunteers on this program are accommodated in a comfortable Volunteer House in central Tirana. Each room accommodates up to 4 with shared bathroom and communal facilities. The shared rooms are split by gender. The house is equipped with a tidy kitchen and dining area where volunteers can prepare meals and snacks in a homely environment.
All standard amenities are available in the Volunteer House, including hot showers, Western style bathrooms, bed linen, a functional kitchen and Wi-Fi. An Albanian expression sums up the hospitality you can expect during your stay in Tirana - “Buke, kripe dhe zemer” (Bread, Salt and a warm heart).
Good access at the project site
Visa, flights, travel insurance or vaccinations are NOT included in the program fees.
Food, snacks or beverages are at extra costs.
The nearest airport is Tirana International Airport (TIA) in Tirana. We assist you to find cheap flights to Albania.
Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Albania provides security and is a plus to have.
If you are intending to volunteer in Albania you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey.
Check your required vaccinations for Albania.
Dates & Fees
NO CREDIT CARD FEES
Details on arrival
This project is available year-round and programs start every SUNDAY. Volunteers can choose to participate for periods ranging from 2 weeks to 12 weeks. Longer stays can be arranged directly with the local team, but will be subject to availability and individual visa conditions.
- Program Arrival Day: SUNDAY
- Program Departure Day: SATURDAY
Spaces on this project are limited and therefore subject to availability. Early booking is recommended.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
2 - 12 weeks
Program fees
2 weeks
(min. stay)
$ 650
3 weeks
$ 714
4 weeks
$ 768
5 weeks
$ 832
6 weeks
$ 885
7 weeks
$ 949
8 weeks
$ 1,003
9 weeks
$ 1,067
10 weeks
$ 1,120
11 weeks
$ 1,184
12 weeks
(max. stay)
$ 1,238
Average fees
$ 214
/week
Please note that the above shown program fees are estimated and subject to exchange rate fluctuations.
Love Volunteers
will let you know about the final price during your application process.
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.
Your final payment will be agreed with Love Volunteers during the application process.
Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.
Why book with Volunteer World
Volunteer World is the world's leading comparison platform for international volunteer opportunities. We guide you through a safe and easy
application process
- including all necessary payments. Planning your next meaningful trip with Volunteer World gives you free access to our:
Quality Assurance
High ethical standards & transparent social impact
Flex Option
Change your reservation at no extra costs
Refund Guarantee
We refund your fees if Love Volunteers cancels your trip
Support & Mediation
We cover your back no matter what happens
Our services are free of charge!
All program fees are charged directly by Love Volunteers.
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