Domestic Animal Rescue & Rehabilitation
Coordinator | Kevin
Coordinator | Kevin
Book with Flex Option!
Choose new departure dates or change to a different volunteer program at no extra costs.
Highlights
Visit beautiful Cape Town in South Africa!
Feed and play with cats and dogs!
Works towards the rescue and rehabilitation of animals in need!
Meet volunteers from all over the world!
Volunteer at a facility that rescues abandoned and abused domestic animals, and helps rehabilitate them in the hope of finding them a new loving home.
This volunteer program is especially suitable for:
Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Families
Groups
50+
This facility works towards the rescue and rehabilitation of animals in need, within a local community located just outside Cape Town city centre. The residents of this community live in extreme poverty, well below the poverty line, and this has resulted in a huge problem with stray animals/pets in the area! Due to the tough economic and social situation in this 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, this animal rescue center was established. The center is a pro-life (everything is done to cure the animals instead of putting them down), non-profit organisation that rescues, cares for, and sterilizes stray dogs and cats, with the hope of eventually finding new loving homes for them. Due to financial constraints, the center is only able to employ a handful of staff - they are therefore heavily dependent on volunteer help and donations.
The project would prefer Volunteers to have a rabies and tetanus vaccination,{valid Certicate} just to protect volunteers against possible infections when dealing with new dogs that have just come off the street,
If you don't have these vaccinations, you are still welcome to join but your duties will be limited, and you will have a lot less interaction with the animal
Typical day
Volunteers here typically start their day at 08:00 and will generally finish at the center around 15:00 (Monday - Friday). They will contribute in a very hands-on way and duties include:
- Feed and play with the animals
- Assist with rehabilitation techniques (getting them used to loving/caring people again)
- Cleaning animal houses and kennels
- Walk the dogs that are close to full recovery
- Work on fundraising initiatives and events
- *Time spent with the adorable puppies is always a firm favorite with volunteers
Free-time activities
Cape Town is one of Africa’s most popular tourist destinations for a reason. Its beaches, such as Camp’s Bay, are world renown, and Cape Town’s beachfront and downtown areas are lively at any time. During the day it is easy to find artisans selling their crafts or outdoor cafes to enjoy the Mediterranean climate. At night, there are many excellent bars, clubs and restaurants where locals and foreigners can relax and socialize.
There are numerous cultural sites to visit, including the Bo-Kaap neighborhood and the Castle of Good Hope. They reflect Cape Town’s long history and help explain why the city is one of the most multicultural in the word. Robben Island, the infamous prison where political prisoners, including Nelson Mandela, were held during apartheid is a difficult but necessary stop. For outdoor lovers, Cape Town has a wide mix of opportunities. Table Mountain is a breathtaking spot to visit, and there are many nearby hills, mountains and trails that make for great biking, climbing and hiking. Many, like Lion’s Head Mountain, also offer stunning views over the city and ocean below. Join in on tours down the Garden Route and a Game Drive to spot the Big 5!
Water Sports
Swimming
Concert/
Music
Music
Sightseeing
Diving/
Snorkling
Snorkling
Shopping/
Souvenirs
Souvenirs
Climbing
Safari/
Zoo
Zoo
Hiking
Museum/
Opera
Opera
Sports
Riding
Yoga/
Meditation
Meditation
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)
No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.
- Must be an animal lover
- Prepared to work hard (cleaning duties)
- Prepared to work hard (cleaning duties)
Your helping hand will be required on
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
from
08:00
- 15:00
What's Included
Placement in a suitable project and volunteer hostel/host family - Placement inventory information prior to arrival in South Africa - Transfer from the airport to the STAY AFRICA house - Transfer to STAY AFRICA office for Orientation - Orientation program, including welcome session and Orientation Session
At additional cost: Access to email, internet and mail holding facility at the STAY AFRICA House; Transportation from the accommodation to the project site and back.
Volunteers will be collected at Cape Town International Airport on the Set Arrival Date. A representative from the shuttle company will have a signboard with STAY AFRICA VOLUNTEERS on it to meet you. If you are unable to see anyone, please make your way to the information desk in the main terminal as the driver will page for you.
Volunteers on this program will be accommodated in one of our host family homes, and generally share a room with other volunteers (a private room can be requested, at an additional cost). The family home is a typical South African middle-class home (approx. 3-4 bedrooms, kitchen, dining room/lounge, bath/toilet) and Wi-Fi is usually available at a small extra monthly cost.
Volunteers are welcome to use the volunteer house over weekends, or at any other time, be it post or pre program, its popular for the volunteers on this project to check into the volunteer house Friday afternoon, meet the other internationals , visit the city sights, do a tour or just hang out and then return to the host parents Sunday evening, most will share an UBER with a 15 min driving time, this service is at no extra charge.
3 meals per day are included as follows:
1. Breakfast: Tea/Coffee, bread/toast, cereal, fruit
2. Lunch: Packed sandwich to take to animal project
3. Dinner: Home-cooked meal eaten with the family
*weekend meal structure may differ according to the family weekend plans or outings with other volunteers
No meals provided over weekends at the volunteer house.
Good access at the project site
Visa, flights, travel insurance or vaccinations are NOT included in the program fees.
The nearest airport is Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town. We assist you to find cheap flights to South Africa.
Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for South Africa provides security and is a plus to have.
If you are intending to volunteer in South Africa you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for South Africa.
Dates & Fees
NO CREDIT CARD FEES
Details on arrival
The Volunteer South Africa Program begins on a Sunday and ends on a Saturday, so you may arrive on any Sunday, throughout the year.
We understand that flights may be expensive and you may not always be able to secure a flight to arrive on set arrival dates, we are therefore happy to accommodate last minute bookings even participants who are only able to arrive on a day where they are able to secure an affordable flight.
1 - 24 weeks
Program fees
1 week
(min. stay)
$270
2 weeks
$515
3 weeks
$700
4 weeks
$889
5 weeks
$1,079
7 weeks
$1,510
9 weeks
$1,799
24 weeks
(max. stay)
$4,798
Average fees
$235
/week
Please note that the above shown program fees are estimated.
Stay Africa 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 Stay Africa 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
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Domestic Animal Rescue & Rehabilitation
Volunteer at a facility that rescues abandoned and abused domestic animals, and helps rehabilitate them in the hope of finding them a new loving home.
$235/week
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