Cat & Dog Shelter Supporter

The Shelter

This local organisation tirelessly devotes all of its time and efforts in eliminating the mistreatment of domestic animals and promotes respect to all animals through local education initiatives. The principal objectives are to achieve the approval of an animal protection law, educate people about responsible ownership, assist in the control of dog and cat populations, improve the lives of rescued animals at the refuge and implement campaigns to achieve all objectives.

Before the beginning of this program, you are given an orientation session at the Quito office and a tour around Quito if you are staying in the city. At the project site, you will receive an orientation and complete support and guidance while you are there. 

This program is a perfect opportunity to learn or improve your Spanish speaking skills. You may choose to spend some of your days at the Spanish school taking lessons. See the Tours section for more information.

The Location

Quito, the capital of Ecuador, was founded in the 16th century on the ruins of an Inca city and stands at an altitude of 2,850 m. Despite the 1917 earthquake, the city has the best-preserved, least altered historic centre in Latin America. 

Quito was the first city to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Broad Ecuadorean smiles, salsa music and big bowls of hearty stews and soups compliment Quito's thin air, snowy mountainous backdrop and rumbling Pichincha volcano. In historic Old Town, superbly preserved baroque churches and monasteries exemplify the fusion of Spanish, Italian, Moorish, Flemish and indigenous influences. Modern Quito is alive in the city's sleek, contemporary art museums and thrillingly modern Telefériqo cable car experience. 

The district of La Mariscal is the best place for crafts, from llama rugs and jewellery at La Mariscal Craft Market to ethnic art at Folklore Olga Fisch gallery-shop. Find the finest Panama hats at Homero Ortega & Hijos in the New Town or choose fair-trade wooden bowls and woven mats at the Sinchi Sacha Foundation in the Old Town.

Our Volunteers

Since the number of animal welfare agencies are small in Ecuador, this opportunity is unique and your help will be invaluable.

Your experience will the most rewarding if you are a dog-lover as the great majority of rescued animals at the refuge are dogs.

Conditions Onsite

Most of the staff at the project speak Spanish so it is highly recommended to have some basic Spanish. Talk to O2E about taking some lessons while you are at the project and living in Quito. Your Spanish will improve in no time. Bueno! The staff are very busy so you should be prepared to ask questions and take initiative at the Centre.

Please Note

The second instalment of your project fees is due within 1 week after you paid the deposit on Volunteer World. This is a total of $495 AUD and comes off your balance. The balance is due 90 days prior to travel. For all further information about the fees, please scroll down to the section "Program Fees“.