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Briljant 4.76rating (60)

Dog walker

location
2 - 4 weken  ·  Leeftijd 18 - 50+
Geverifieerd

Highlights

  • Experience the love of our puppies at the shelter
  • Work with the local staff, who doesn't speak a lot of English but is used to work with volunteers
  • Build a strong relationship with our beautiful four-legged guests

Highlights

  • Experience the love of our puppies at the shelter
  • Work with the local staff, who doesn't speak a lot of English but is used to work with volunteers
  • Build a strong relationship with our beautiful four-legged guests
  • Enjoy the rides to the shelter in our pick up
  • Make some good physical exercise in the sun and enjoy the nearby beach

  • Je hoeft nog niets te betalen

    Vooral geschikt voor

    Leeftijd 18+
    Alleenstaanden
    Koppels
    Families
    Groepen
    50+

    Over het programma

    Rescued dogs and cats in Cape Verde need you. Local staff handle the basics; volunteers help with cuddling, walking, and delicate animal care tasks.

    Time commitment
    Information given in the Time Commitment session of this program are only orientative and they are not binding: the free day can be on any day of the week (may be on the weekend, maybe not) and the working time is per shift: one morning shift from 8 to 12 OR one afternoon shift from ...

    Over het programma

    Time commitment
    Information given in the Time Commitment session of this program are only orientative and they are not binding: the free day can be on any day of the week (may be on the weekend, maybe not) and the working time is per shift: one morning shift from 8 to 12 OR one afternoon shift from 12 to 16 (or from 16 to 18 in Summer, that is from mide July to mid November).

    Tasks
    Most basic tasks at the shelter (cleaning, feeding, walking) are performed by local paid staff - we have 20 local employees, 3 of which work at the shelter. But, we always need help with delicate tasks such as playing with the dogs, brushing the cats, changing the beds, and taking care of ill animals or of puppies. 
    Volunteers are also expected to take photos and videos of the animals, the shelter and daily life during their stay, as this content helps us tell each animal's story, find sponsors and adopters, and share Simabo's mission with a wider audience. Detailed guidelines on what content is needed and how to upload it will be provided separately.

    Notably, volunteers will (1) work in the place of paid staff when they are missing work and (2) collaborate with the local staff to ensure the highest possible welfare of the animals in our shelters. Clear instructions will be provided for accomplishing single tasks and volunteers are required to perform them accurately also for safety reasons. Volunteers are required to follow the instructions published on our portal for volunteers, and to ask for advice in case they collide with instructions received from the paid staff at the shelter. Cooperating with the paid staff at the shelter can be very challenging because of the cultural gap.

    Why this program matters
    Our program is important because it shows to the local population how to take care of animals, who are "like us". It is scientifically proven that violence on animals or neglect are directly connected with the same attitude to people, especially children. This is why our logo includes a dog, a cat and a child. Children abandonment is very common in Cape Verde, we try to give a good example by taking care properly and making people aware of the importance of having a family for animals in order to develop the same attitude towards children. 
    Taking care properly of a pet means also to keep him/her clean and dewormed, and taking dogs out to wee and poo, do that they don't do it in the house, as it is very common now in Cape Verde. All this is of course very important to assure a good level of hygiene and health for the local population. That's why SIMABO is a partner of the Ministry of Health in the fight against improper care of pets. 



    Dagelijkse activiteiten

    Getting to the shelter

    • Work is organized in shifts, 6 days a week, starting the day after arrival (e.g. if you arrive on a Monday, you start working on Tuesday and have the following Monday off). You can swap shifts with other volunteers if you agree on a new schedule together.

    • A car leaves the hostel ...

    Dagelijkse activiteiten

    Getting to the shelter

    • Work is organized in shifts, 6 days a week, starting the day after arrival (e.g. if you arrive on a Monday, you start working on Tuesday and have the following Monday off). You can swap shifts with other volunteers if you agree on a new schedule together.

    • A car leaves the hostel at 8:00 AM and takes volunteers to the shelter for the morning shift.
    • There is no organized transport for the return journey: volunteers must make their own way back to town. The shelter is very close to town (4 km), so this is easy — on foot, by bicycle, by local shared taxi, by taxi, or even by hitching a lift along the main road to the airport.

    Daily schedule

    Schedules can vary depending on the season and the shelter's needs — the details below are indicative, not fixed.

    Work at the shelter includes walking the dogs with the help of a walking list, taking some of them to the beach nearby (one group in the morning and one group in the afternoon), and cuddling them in the big internal halls or outdoor compounds when it's too hot to walk them, or once all of them have already been walked.

    Morning shift: 8:00 – 12:00
    • Departure from the hostel at 8:00 AM.
    • Volunteers walk the dogs (using a walking list) for about 3–4 hours, and take some of them to the beach nearby.
    • Work finishes at 12:00. There is no return transport: volunteers make their own way back to town at this time.
    • Have breakfast before heading out, or bring something to eat — you'll be hungry after a few hours walking energetic dogs in the fresh sea air!
    Afternoon shift (when available): around 16:00 – 18:30
    • Depending on the period and the shelter's needs, a second shift may also run in the afternoon, historically from around 16:00 to 18:30, since it's too hot to walk dogs earlier in the day.
    • When active, a car picks up volunteers at 16:00 together with the local staff. As with the morning shift, there is no return transport: volunteers must make their own way back once finished.
    • This shift isn't guaranteed every season, so check with us for the current schedule.

    Work at the shelter also includes cuddling the dogs in the big internal halls or outdoor compounds, whenever it's too hot to walk them or once they've all already been walked.

    A shared experience
    Most volunteers love the ride to and from the shelter on the open truck, together with the local staff, sometimes with a couple of dogs that need to go to the shelter or the clinic too. These moments (the beach walks, the truck ride, the time spent cuddling the dogs) are also great opportunities to capture the photos and videos mentioned above.

    Meals

    Most volunteers prepare something the night before, so they can eat as soon as they get back at 12:00 and still have time to rest or enjoy some free time at the beach, in town, or visiting another village on the island.

    Some volunteers organize kitchen shifts, cooking for themselves and for others returning from the shelter later.

    If you'd rather not cook, meals are available cheaply at local restaurants, you can stop at the market on your way back and have lunch there, before heading straight to the beach for a nap.

    Public buses run between town and the 4 coastal villages throughout the day, with the last ones returning around 5:00 PM.

    Free time

    Free time activities can vary depending on the season: in winter it's cooler, so you can be out and about all day. In summer, it's best to rest or stay at the beach around midday, when it's hottest.

    Everything is close enough that free time rarely needs "organizing."

    Shift preferences

    The morning shift is the standard one and runs year-round. When an afternoon shift is also active, shifts are allocated based on the shelter's needs and, when possible, volunteers' preferences: some prefer the morning because it's cooler, though this leaves less time for nightlife; others prefer to sleep in, rest during the morning, and work in the afternoon instead. Generally, one volunteer is assigned per shift, or more if available.


    NOTES: 
    • The day off can fall on any day of the week (weekend or not).
    • Schedules are indicative and can change depending on the season and the shelter's needs. The standard shift is in the morning (8:00 AM – 12:00, about 3–4 hours of work); an afternoon shift may also run at certain times of year, generally around 16:00–18:30, depending on staff availability.
    • Return transport from the shelter is never provided, in either shift: volunteers are always responsible for making their own way back to town.
    • Shift changes must be requested at least a week in advance and be authorized.
    • Shift changes cannot leave a shift uncovered.
    • When both shifts are active, we'll do our best to schedule your morning shift on the last working day of one week and your afternoon shift on the first working day of the following week — giving you 2 full days and nights off, enough time to visit another island if you like.


    Vrijetijdsactiviteiten

    The island is famous for its music and its partying vibe! So night activity is guaranteed! 

    On the island you can find a diving center (in town), a windsurfing school and a kitesurfing school. 
    Capoeira is also widely practiced and can be learned with 2 groups in lessons held in the late afternoon.
    Hi

    Vrijetijdsactiviteiten

    The island is famous for its music and its partying vibe! So night activity is guaranteed! 

    On the island you can find a diving center (in town), a windsurfing school and a kitesurfing school. 
    Capoeira is also widely practiced and can be learned with 2 groups in lessons held in the late afternoon.
    Hiking paths are very simple to follow. Every volunteer who likes hiking can't miss visiting the neighboring island, Santo Antao, with its beautiful mountains and trekking paths. 
    If you are not so keen on hiking, you can rent a bicycles, electrical bicycles and scooters at local shops.



    Voorwaarden

    Voorwaarden

    Minimum leeftijd: 18 jaar

    Om deel te nemen aan het programma dien je tenminste 18 jaar oud te zijn op de startdatum van het programma. Er kunnen uitzonderingen gemaakt worden indien je een bewijs van toestemming kan aantonen van uw wettelijke voogd(en) of samen met je ouders deelneemt.

    Taalkennis

    Je dient over volgende taalkennis te beschikken Engels (basis niveau)

    Vereiste documenten

    passport

    Nationaliteitsbeperkingen

    Geen beperkingen. Helpende handen van over de hele wereld zijn welkom.

    Andere vaardigheden

    - Willingness to accept that a seemingly minimal oversight can become a problem and could result in loss of time and money (and even lives!), and should therefore be avoided by working with due concentration - Carrying out duties over a prolonged period, even if they become repetitive and/or boring; - Ability to perform the tasks assigned without repeatedly needing instruction; - Ability to enjoy their free time alone since other volunteers typically have their free time at OTHER times/days

    Tijdsinzet

    Uw helpende hand wordt verwacht op dinsdag, woensdag, donderdag, vrijdag, zaterdag en zondag van 07:30 - 12:30

    Diensten ingesloten

    Diensten ingesloten

    Diensten op locatie

    The weekly fee covers

    - pick up from the airport at the arrival
    - accommodation in a single or double room if travelling alone or in a bigger room if travelling in group (shared bathroom).
    - advice to organize visits to other islands, especially Santo Antao, with hotel and ferry/flights reservations  
    - one tour of the island of Sao Vicente with our staff, usually with a deworming or spaying/neutering campaign
    - Food is not provided, but volunteers can use a communal kitchen.

    Afhaal aan de luchthaven op Cesaria Evora International Airport

    Our driver will wait for you in the airport arrival hall with a SIMABO sign with your name! Driving time to town is about 10 min. 

    Be prepared to stay in a row for paying the "airport fee" that costs 32 euros. You can avoid this applying via Internet and paying in advance by credit card. All info to accomplish this will be provided in due time. EU citizens are not required to have/pay a visa, only non-EU citizens will have to buy one at the airport for 25 euros. 

    Vaccinations are not required nor recommended. There is no rabies in Cape Verde. 

    Accomodatie

    Accommodation for volunteers is available in single or double rooms with shared bathroom in our volunteer house, located just a couple of meters away from our clinic and hostel, the beach, and the main square of Mindelo.
    Volunteers can prepare their own food in the hostel kitchen, where paying guests are hosted to raise funds for the project.
    At the hostel volunteers can meet any kind of travellers and together they can plan trips, excursions, parties, dinners, anything that makes fun and makes your volunteering time unforgettable. 

    Internet toegang

    Makkelijke toegang op de project site
    Je hoeft nog niets te betalen

    Wat is er NIET inbegrepen?

    Wat is er NIET inbegrepen?

    Eten & Drank

    Eten, tussendoortjes en drankjes zijn bijkomende kosten.

    Vlucht tickets

    De dichtste luchthaven is Cesaria Evora International Airport (VXE) in Sao Vicente. We assisteren u met het vinden van goedkope vluchten naar Kaapverdië. VIND GOEDKOPE VLUCHTEN

    Reisverzekering

    Naar het buitenland reizen is een avontuur en het is best om goed voorbereid te zijn. Plots ziek worden of gewond raken, annulaties of diefstal - een reisverzekering voor Kaapverdië biedt zekerheid en is een meerwaarde. KRIJG EEN OFFERTE

    Vaccinaties

    Als je de intentie hebt om als vrijwilliger aan de slag te gaan in Kaapverdië dien je eerst medisch advies in te winnen alvorens je eropuit trekt. Kijk de benodigde vaccinaties na voor Kaapverdië. VACCINATIE CHECKER

    Gegevens over jouw aankomst

    Volunteers are accepted throughout the year depending on availability.

    Usually the best months to come are from april o mid-July and form the beginning of October to mid-December, because of the temperature and also because of the cost of the flights, that can be a expensive in the high season (Christmas, August).
    Carnaval is a highlight of Mindelo's life, volunteers are always welcome at that time of the year. 

    Beschikbaarheid
    jan. feb. mrt. apr. mei. jun. jul. aug. sep. okt. nov. dec.

    Programmakosten

    $125 per week 2 - 4 weken Leeftijd 18 - 50+

    Betaalmethodes

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    GEEN CREDITCARDKOSTEN


    Duurtijd

    2 - 4 weken

    Aanbetaling

    Reserveer je plek met slechts een paar klikken en een kleine, veilige aanbetaling. Je kunt betalen met creditcard, PayPal of andere handige methoden.


    Restbetaling

    Tijdens de aanmeldingsprocedure spreek je met de lokale organisatie af hoe je de restbetaling doet. Deze restbetaling is pas verschuldigd dichter bij het begin van je reis.

    Je hoeft nog niets te betalen

    4,76
    ・
    60 reviews

    Vrijwilligers foto's

    •
    2025
    I spent a month volunteering at SIMABÔ in January 2025, and I absolutely loved the experience! The SIMABÔ team does incredible work, ...
    Gwenaelle hébette

    Dog walker

    •
    2025
    Ich bin sehr zufrieden, es war eine tolle erfahrung, sehr viele nette und tolle Menschen kennengelernt. Silvia ist super angagierr und hilft ...
    Laura Corleto

    Dog walker

    •
    2024
    Unforgettable experience that I recommend to everyone. If you like to share and be useful, then come. I stayed 3 weeks and would have ...
    thierry ouzelet

    Dog walker

    •
    2024
    I had a wonderful time at Simbalo - it was a truly unforgettable experience. The dogs at the Shelter are adorable; always so happy to see ...
    Bridget Dewer

    Dog walker

    •
    2023
    I absolutely loved my two weeks as a dog walker at Simabo. I have never met such adorable dogs before – each one of them walked so nicely ...
    carole walpen

    Dog walker

    •
    2022
    Hi everybody I’m Mailys and I was a volunteer at Simabo. I volunteered as a dog walker in the shelter. I spent 3 weeks there but it ...
    Mailys Robert

    Dog walker

    Plaats


    Maak kennis met je projectcoördinator

    Silvia
    60
    reviews
    4,76
    Briljant
    2008
    Opgericht

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