Quick Facts
Program code
EC-VOL117
Category
Volunteer Work, Animal Welfare
Country
Ecuador
Location
Quito, Region Pichincha
Program start
Flexible start and end dates year round
Minimum duration
2 weeks
Minimum age
17 years
Contact us
Happy to help you
(+1) 954 762 7607
(+56) 9 7516 9816
(+49) 7735 425 339
skype: chileinside
8 am - 4 pm EST
Project details
In countries where it is already difficult for many people, animal welfare unfortunately falls even further behind. This is also the case in Ecuador. Especially in the big cities like Quito there are a lot of animals roaming around. The misery of the animals has unfortunately become even worse due to the corona crisis, many pets were simply put in front of the door. There is great need among street dogs and cats.
The volunteer work in the animal shelter in Quito starts right there: The volunteers are placed in a national NGO that works for animal welfare and environmental protection in general, and abandoned pets in particular. The work rests on three pillars:
Veterinary clinics that offer low-income pet owners help for very little money. This prevents sick or injured animals from being abandoned for cost reasons. But not only sick animals are cared for there, vaccinations, sterilization, parasite treatment and preventive medical check-ups are also part of the services.
Sterilization mobile: To prevent the uncontrolled reproduction of pets and also animals that live on the street, there are mobile units that carry out steralization actions.
Rescue of street dogs and cats: Abandoned animals are rescued from the street, nursed up and prepared for adoption into responsible hands. Awareness and education work are also part of the daily to dos of the animal welfare organization. They want people to be more conscious about pets, rather than taking in animals on a whim. People are also informed about species-appropriate husbandry.
The animal welfare organization has several bases and animal shelters across the country. Our volunteers are placed in the animal shelter in Quito. A veterinary clinic and the vet mobile belong to it. If you are animal-loving, enthusiastic and physically fit and would like to do something good for these innocent creatures in need, this project is the right place for you. The organization is largely financed by donations from Ecuador and abroad. Helping hands also contribute to the success and continuation of the animal welfare organization - and you give the rescued animals back a little bit of love.
Tasks
For animal-loving volunteers with a heart for our furry friends, and a lot of work motivation, there is plenty to do here. Volunteers can lend a hand in many activities, including:
- Preparing feed
- Feeding dogs and cats
- Caring for animals (bathing, combing, etc.)
- Maintaining kennel
- Cleaning the facilities
- Being there for the animals, playing, petting, walking, etc.
- Educational work
- Helping with sterilization campaigns
- Fundraising measures
- PR measures for adoption
Volunteers with veterinary medical training can also work in the veterinary clinic. They can help with:
- Vaccinations
- Operations
- Diagnoses
- Treatment of diseases
- Wound care
- Emergency care
No matter how and where you get involved: Your help will definitely benefit our dear four-pawed friends. The working hours are Monday to Friday, always from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (if you also want to help in the afternoon, you are welcome to do so!). After your work is done, you have free time to refine your Spanish skills in a language course in the afternoon or to explore Quito and its many attractions.
Note: The tasks may vary. They depend on factors such as the number of volunteers, time of year, current needs of the project and self-motivation. Not every volunteer may be fully involved in all these tasks.
Accommodation
It is very important to us that you feel comfortable during your stay in Ecuador. That is why we offer rooms in carefully selected homestays.
In a homestay you immerse yourself in the Ecuadorian culture, you can apply your Spanish skills in everyday situations and get to know traditions, everyday life and the cuisine of the country.
Volunteers will have a private bedroom or share it with another volunteer. The bathroom is also private or shared. If you want to secure a single room for your own, there is a surcharge.
The volunteer program includes daily breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Special diatry requirements can be taken care of.
Note: In Latin America, especially in remote areas where many of our volunteer projects take place, the cellular or internet connection is not always reliable and fast.
Location
The volunteer work is ideally located in the middle of a quiet residential area, right next to the modern business district of Quito and right between the Archaeological Park and La Carolina Park. Both can be reached on foot in a short time from the volunteer project. The location is not only good because of this, but also because the area is safe. You will find plenty of bars, restaurants, cafes and shopping opportunities in this district.
The 64 hectare La Carolina Park is a popular place for recreation and leisure in the middle of Quito. There are playgrounds, picnic areas, a lagoon for boating, a botanical garden, sports fields, tennis courts, sculptures, a skate rink, a dinosaur museum, lookout points and, above all, lots of green.
The Archaeological Park is also just around the corner and is very interesting. There are ruins and remains of settlements that date back to 1,500 BC. Even later, the area had an eventful history, the traces of which you can follow up to the conquest by the Incas in the park and in the associated museum.
Quito is located in the Andean highlands at an altitude of around 2850 meters. Therefore, despite its proximity to the equator, it is moderately warm all year round with an average temperature of around 13 °C. During the day, temperatures reach between 20 and 25 °C. There are rainy seasons from September to November and from January to April. It then usually rains around noon and then the sun is shining again.
Quito not only has a great location, right under the Pichincha volcano and a pleasant climate, but also cultural treasures: Built in the 16th century on the ruins of an ancient Inca city, Quito has the best preserved historical center in all of Latin America.For this reason, Quito was the first city in the world to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Quito also offers a lively nightlife, pretty markets, interesting museums and theaters as well as various kinds of festivals at certain times. Outdoor fans will also get their money's worth on day trips to the surrounding Andean landscapes!
Language skills
In order for both you and the people in the project to benefit from your volunteer work in Ecuador, it is important to have a good level of Spanish. We recommend it to be at communication level. You should be able to make yourself understood in Spanish.
In order to optimally prepare for your volunteer work in Ecuador, we advise you to take a Spanish course before the start of the program. This gives you the opportunity to slowly get used to the national language, culture and mentality.
You can book your Spanish course in Ecuador directly with us!
Requirements
- Intermediate Spanish skills (book your Spanish course in Ecuador!)
- Minimum age 17 years
- Completion of a foreign travel health insurance (get your travel insurance here!)
- Application at least 4 weeks before the desired start of the program. Read more about our application process here.)
Pre-departure and in-country support
Before arrival, our experienced team will be at your disposal to assist you throughout the booking process and travel planning. With the booking confirmation you will receive our 24-hour emergency number, so that you can reach us 24/7 in case of emergency.
In addition to the assistance given by our office staff you will be supported by our volunteer coordinators located in Quito.
The first day serves as an orientation day. New participants take a tour of Quito to get to know the city. You will learn how to use public transport, you will be explained important topics such as safety, do's and don'ts in Quito, touristic information and all your questions will be clarified. Your nursing internship / volunteer work will start on the following day.
Costs & Services
Our volunteer work in the Animal Shelter in Quito includes:
- Single or twin room in homestay*
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Advice from our experienced staff
- On-going support via WhatsApp, phone or mail
- Elaboration of your application profile in Spanish
- Your placement in the volunteer project
- Pre-departure information
- Packing list
- Country handbook
- Intercultural guide
- Orientation upon arrival
- On-site volunteer coordinator
- 24/7 emergency number
- Advice on travel insurance
- Certificate of participation
Costs
Application fee: US$ 150
Program fee: US$ 760 (minimum stay 2 weeks)
Each additional week: US$ 170
*surcharge for single room US$ 35/week.
Additionally, you can book:
- Airport pick-up US$ 40
- Spanish course in Ecuador
- Spanish courses in Latin America
- Travel Health Insurance
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Volunteer Guide
Find valuable information about volunteering abroad in our program guides. Find out about all the benefits, possibilities and challenges, that a stay abroad offers you. Read more about the great opportunities that South America Inside has at your disposal.
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