Support a Cat Shelter

Unfortunately, in Chile and much of Latin America, animal life is not half as valuable as in developed countries. Despite the constant improvement of the situation in recent years, there is a lack of professional implementation in dealing with the animals, the sterilization practices and the adecuate care of the animals. Throughout Chile there are big problems with dogs and cats living on the street.

Fortunately, there are some charity projects that take care of the animals. Founded in 2010, this NGO is dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of stray cats in Santiago, giving cat lovers the opportunity to support the shelter with love and attention to pets in need. The shelter provides veterinarian care and a warm home to deported, neglected and abused cats. In addition, the project regularly organizes adoption events for the nearly 200 cats in the shelter.

Most cats that live in the cat house are rescued from the street, only a small number are brought in from households because of non-species-appropriate attitude. Some cats are pregnant and need a safe environment to give birth, care for, feed and educate their offspring. Others are very sick, malnourished or seriously injured by abuse or by years of stray on the street. Once sheltered, the cats receive food, water, vaccine, socialization program (with other cats and humans), and, of course, treatment for their illnesses and injuries. In addition, veterinary treatment including sterilization, medical therapies, etc. is provided as needed. The organization lives from donations and is happy about every committed animal lover.

The cat house would not exist without the help of volunteers. They are very important to keeping the project alive and to protect the current numbers cats, prepare adoptions, and rescue cats from the streets. Unfortunately, there are only a few initiatives in Santiago that deal with street cats. If you love cats and want to protect them, then this is your chance!

Your help is needed in various areas, such as:

• Feeding the cats
• Cleaning blankets and cat beds
• Cleaning and maintenance of cages and premises
• Cleaning and refill feeding bowls
• Cleaning litter boxes
• Administrative tasks
• Accompanying veterinary treatments (not possible for all volunteers)
• Helping with Adoption Processing (not always possible)

In this volunteer project, you have the opportunity to work with a variety of cats and to improve their living conditions. Your support makes all the difference and helps to rehabilitate the street cats in Santiago de Chile, give them a new home and make life outside the street possible. Your activities will change the behavior, the health and the life situation of the cats sustainably and at best enable them to live in a family.

You do not have to be a cat expert to participate in this project in Chile. A serious love of cats and your motivation to help them are enough to change the lives of cats in Chile. These stray animals depend on the support of all of us.

Note: The tasks may vary. They depend on factors such as number of volunteers, weather, season, current needs of the project, as well as self-motivation. Not every volunteer may be fully involved in all these tasks.

Chile is a country that unites many different climates and landscapes. Due to its remarkable length of 4,300 kilometers you can discover extremes such as deserts, salt lakes, volcanoes, temperate rainforest, mountains over 6,000 meters high and eternal ice fjords. With its indescribably large variety of landscape, vegetation and climate, Chile is a popular destination all year round.

The capital of Santiago de Chile never sleeps and in recent decades has developed into a very popular and modern metropolis. There are activities that your heart desires! There is something for everyne; for art lovers, nature fans, culture enthusiasts and party people. Santiago’s location is just perfect since within about an hour can either be in the mountains or at the beach. You can find outdoor adventure sports, like hiking, rafting, climbing, horseback riding, and so on, or just relax at the beach during the weekend.

In Santiago you can:
- Hiking/walking in the hills and parks
- Sightseeing
- Visiting museums and art galleries
- Exploring beautiful neigborhoods
- Strolling through local markets
- Shopping
- Enjoying restaurants and bars / nightlife
- Meeting up with other volunteers
- Doing sports
- Going on day excursions to the amazing surroundings