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Good 4.18rating (74)

Animal Rescue Sanctuary

location
2 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Contribute to animal welfare.
  • Meet people from all over the world who are also involved in animal protection.
  • Spend time with adorable animals.

Highlights

  • Contribute to animal welfare.
  • Meet people from all over the world who are also involved in animal protection.
  • Spend time with adorable animals.
  • Learn Croatian and develop your language skills.
  • Discover Split and its surroundings.

  • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Join us at an Animal Sanctuary of hope and care for animals in need, located on the island of Brač in the Adriatic Sea, Croatia.

    Love farm animals and cats and want to volunteer in Animal Care in Croatia – Split and on a beautiful Island just outside Split? 
    Our Animal Care Program empowers volunteers to support a rural animal sanctuary on an Island and a dedicated cat shelter in Žrnovnica, just outside Split.
    Volunteers ...

    About the program

    Love farm animals and cats and want to volunteer in Animal Care in Croatia – Split and on a beautiful Island just outside Split? 
    Our Animal Care Program empowers volunteers to support a rural animal sanctuary on an Island and a dedicated cat shelter in Žrnovnica, just outside Split.
    Volunteers gain hands-on experience caring for animals that have been rescued from neglect, abuse, or abandonment. By contributing time, energy, and compassion, you help ensure these animals receive the daily care, rehabilitation, and socialization they need to live safely and, where possible, find loving homes.
    Animal Care volunteers in Split and on the Island support two meaningful placements: a large Animal Sanctuary and a Cat Shelter focused exclusively on feline rescue and welfare.
    The level of care these animals receive depends greatly on volunteer support. Your contribution directly improves their quality of life and helps local teams continue their vital rescue work.

    What to Expect
    • Daily Animal Care: Assist with bathing, brushing, and providing companionship through play, walks, and socialization.
    • Health Monitoring: Help measure and weigh the animals, ensuring their health is monitored and maintained.
    • Socialization Activities: Engage with a variety of animals daily to help them become comfortable around people, providing them with fun and active time.
    • Adoption and Awareness Promotion: Capture photos and videos to build profiles that help promote the sanctuary and its animals to the wider community.
    • Sanctuary Improvement: Contribute to the improvement of sanctuary conditions by caring for green spaces and assisting with small construction projects, such as building enclosures and fences.

    Why Join?
    • Make an Impact: Provide essential care and love to abandoned animals, helping them find their forever homes.
    • Gain Experience: Develop skills in animal care, socialization, and shelter management while working with a passionate team.
    • Cultural Immersion: Experience the culture of Croatia while contributing to a meaningful cause that supports animal welfare.
     
    Ready to Care for Animals in Croatia?

    Typical day

    After the initial orientation day, you will have a morning shift at the Animal Care placement and will work for approximately 3 to 5 hours per day. 

    A typical schedule is as follows:

    08 - 10:00 am: Breakfast at the volunteer accommodation

    10:00 am:  Travel to the Animal Care place to join the local ...

    Typical day

    After the initial orientation day, you will have a morning shift at the Animal Care placement and will work for approximately 3 to 5 hours per day. 

    A typical schedule is as follows:

    08 - 10:00 am: Breakfast at the volunteer accommodation

    10:00 am:  Travel to the Animal Care place to join the local staff and begin work on your project with animals

    up to 03:00 pm: Lunch can be ordered when you return from your volunteer project. In the morning, you can grab a “packed lunch” to have in the city or at your placement.

    04:00 - 07:00 pm: Explore the city, relax, attend Croatian language lessons, or enroll in other activities if you have a morning project.

    05:00 - 10:00 pm: Dinner can be ordered at your convenience. After dinner, you will have the remainder of the evening free to relax and use as you wish.


    Free-time activities

    Amidst the Kozjak and Mosor mountains and surrounded by the Adriatic Sea, just a few hours away from one of the other European capitals, the small peninsula where Split is located has a lot to offer to every visitor and traveler.

    Croatia, as a Balkan nation, is a must-visit country for anyone who ...

    Free-time activities

    Amidst the Kozjak and Mosor mountains and surrounded by the Adriatic Sea, just a few hours away from one of the other European capitals, the small peninsula where Split is located has a lot to offer to every visitor and traveler.

    Croatia, as a Balkan nation, is a must-visit country for anyone who chooses to visit Eastern Europe in a meaningful way. On the one hand, it has a rich historical heritage full of monuments classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site; on the other, it is a country that is still recovering from a political war, in the group of countries with the highest number of people living below the poverty line.

    With its charming ancient towns and villages, beautiful beaches, and more than a thousand islands, its history has produced a very rich cultural diversity, shaped by Roman and Turkish influences, that is, Mediterranean and Eastern European influences. These historical heritages mark the different regions of Croatia. Between Istria, Dalmatia, and the center of Croatia, the gastronomy, lifestyle, and accents can change a lot, making the country very diverse and interesting. Split, the second biggest city, has a specific Mediterranean influence that makes it especially welcoming, cosy and warm. With its palace just by the seaside, Split brings a peaceful and fresh atmosphere that invites you to come and stay for a while.


    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    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.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (intermediate level)

    Criminal Background Check

    required

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    What’s included?

    • Pick up at the international airport in Split & transfer to the accommodation - Sunday

    On Sunday, the ImpacTrip team will be at the airport waiting for you with a big sign and a smile on our face! :)

    If you arrive prior to the Sunday, you will still be able to receive an airport pickup and our team can transport you to the accommodation, but you will need to pay an extra fee for this service.
    • Accommodation at a dormitory in a local hostel, female dormitory or mixed dormitory with a private bathroom
    • Three meals every day: breakfast, lunch, and dinner (Local style. Vegetarian, gluten-fre,e and meals for lactose-intolerant are also available upon request)
    • Shared use of the common room, and free WIFI
    • Orientation event on arrival (including introduction to Croatia and its culture, the volunteer experience, overview of programs, practical information ,and safety guidelines)
    • Guided city tour
    • The best tips to discover the city!
    • Allocation and coordination of a work placement in an impactful non-profit project
    • Introduction on the first day of volunteering
    • Ongoing support throughout the stay
    • 24h/7 emergency support

    Airport Pickup at Split Airport

    On Sunday, the ImpacTrip team will be at the airport waiting for you with a big sign and a smile on their face! :)

    If you arrive prior to Sunday, you will still be able to receive an airport pickup and our team can transport you to the accommodation, but you will need to pay an extra fee for this service.

    We will reach out to you by WhatsApp a few days before your start date to connect :)

    Accommodation

    You will be accommodated in a friendly and comfortable hostel in Split, just 2.4 km from the city center. With a young and welcoming staff, you'll feel right at home!

    The hostel is located in a modern neighborhood where you’ll find everything you need: local cafés, supermarkets, ATMs, restaurants, and other essential services—all just around the corner. There’s also a bus stop just a 1-minute walk away, with several lines that can take you directly to the city center.

    The hostel offers several common areas for guests to relax and socialize. A restaurant is conveniently located right next door. :)

    Private rooms are available upon request and subject to availability. These rooms are located within the hostel building.


    Food & Beverages

    We will provide breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the hostel every day. 

    The hostel restaurant offers meals with fresh local ingredients for all volunteers in a very Croatian style, and they are prepared to accommodate most diet restrictions, such as vegan and vegetarians, gluten-free, and lactose intolerant.

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Split Airport (SPU) in Split. We assist you to find cheap flights to Croatia. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Croatia provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Croatia you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Croatia. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    Our Croatian programs start every Sunday.

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $808 per week 2 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    2 - 12 weeks

    Deposit

    Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.


    Final Payment

    You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

    You don't have to pay anything yet
    4.2
    Top Pick
    One of the top picks on Volunteer World, according to travelers
    2021
    I spent 2 weeks in croatia volunteering for the animal care program, i can’t fault the hostel it is private and clean and the restraunt ...
    Amy Hoddinott

    Animal Rescue Sanctuary

    2023
    J’ai eu un belle expérience au refuge pendant ces 2 semaines. J’ai pu beaucoup apprendre avec les chiens et j’ai eu beaucoup de ...
    Melissa Brülhart

    Animal Rescue Sanctuary

    2022
    Er stond op de site dat je ofwel in de ochtend of in de namiddag moest werken maar dit bleek niet waar te zijn. Ik begon om 11u en werkte ...
    Luka De Walsche

    Animal Rescue Sanctuary

    2025
    I ended up staying in the program for a week. I loved working with the cats and the people there, who were all really sweet. The program ...

    Location


    Meet your project coordinator

    Cristiana
    74
    reviews
    4.18
    Good
    2015
    Founded

    Verified

      Good response rate
    Spoken languages: Portuguese, Spanish, English
    Travel safely by using Volunteer World for your communication and bookings. This way, you can benefit from the Flex Option, Refund Guarantee, and Resolution Support.

    You might also be interested in

    Contact Cristiana
      Good response rate
    Portuguese, Spanish, English

    Most volunteers ask about


    Do you have any more questions? Send a message to Cristiana
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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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    Price details