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Good 4.18rating (74)
  • Life On Land

Animal Caretakers

location
1 - 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 cats

Highlights

  • Contribute to animal welfare
  • Meet people from all over the world who are also involved in animal protection
  • Spend time with adorable cats
  • Learn Portuguese and develop your language skills
  • Discover Porto and its surroundings
    • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups

    About the program

    This program gives volunteers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of stray cats while working with local NGOs dedicated to animal welfare.

    This program gives international volunteers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of stray cats while working with local NGOs dedicated to animal welfare. These organizations focus on reducing animal abandonment and promoting responsible pet ownership to increase adoption rates.

    As ...

    About the program

    This program gives international volunteers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of stray cats while working with local NGOs dedicated to animal welfare. These organizations focus on reducing animal abandonment and promoting responsible pet ownership to increase adoption rates.

    As a volunteer, you’ll be assigned to a specific project within the program, where you’ll focus on a distinct set of tasks tailored to the needs of the animals and the NGO. Projects could have you working hands-on with stray cats through the Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) method, helping care for dogs, or keeping the shelter spaces clean and welcoming. Each project is set up to make sure your efforts really count and create a positive impact for the animals.

    What to Expect:

    As a volunteer, your tasks will vary depending on the project you’re assigned to, but they might include:

    • Trapping: Helping to catch stray cats using proper equipment as part of the Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) method.
    • Post-op Care: Feeding, cleaning, and administering medication to ensure animals recover well after surgery.
    • Releases: Assisting in returning neutered cats to their original colonies.
    • Dog Walking: Taking dogs for walks to provide exercise and stimulation.
    • Animal Enrichment: Spending time playing with cats or dogs to improve their well-being and socialization.
    • Shelter Maintenance: Cleaning cages, food bowls, and equipment, organizing spaces, and keeping the shelter tidy and safe for all animals.
    • Organizing Donations: Helping to sort and manage donated items to support the NGO’s operations.
    • Painting and Gardening (Occasionally): Pitching in with beautifying and maintaining the shelter through painting or gardening projects.
    • Community Support: Participating in awareness campaigns or events to help spread the word about animal welfare.
    Why Join?

    • Make a Difference: Support various initiatives aimed at improving the lives of stray and abandoned animals.
    • Gain Experience: Develop hands-on skills in animal care and shelter management.
    • Cultural Immersion: Experience life in Porto while contributing to a meaningful cause.
     
    Ready to help animals?

    Typical day

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

    A typical schedule is as follows:

    08:00 - 08:30 am: Breakfast at the hostel
    08:30 am: Travel to the project site or free time to ...

    Typical day

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

    A typical schedule is as follows:

    08:00 - 08:30 am: Breakfast at the hostel
    08:30 am: Travel to the project site or free time to explore the city, relax, attend Portuguese language lessons, or enroll in other activities if you have the afternoon shift
    01:00 - 02:30 pm: Lunch is served at the restaurant
    03:00 pm: Travel to the project site or free time to explore the city, relax, attend Portuguese language lessons, or enroll in other activities if you have the morning shift
    08:00 - 10:00 pm: Dinner is served at the restaurant. After dinner, you will have the remainder of the evening free to relax and use as you wish.

    Daily Tasks:

    • Trapping cats
    • Feeding and administering medication
    • Cleaning spaces and food bowls
    • Walking dogs
    • Playing with animals
    • General maintenance and organization
    • Painting and gardening (occasionally)

    Free-time activities

    In your free time, you can explore the city, have Portuguese language classes, surf, or anything you wish!

    Porto is the second biggest city in Portugal and one of the most authentic cities to visit in the country. Stroll through its sinuous and picturesque streets and feel the pulse of the city, or ...

    Free-time activities

    In your free time, you can explore the city, have Portuguese language classes, surf, or anything you wish!

    Porto is the second biggest city in Portugal and one of the most authentic cities to visit in the country. Stroll through its sinuous and picturesque streets and feel the pulse of the city, or take the tram to the mouth of the river Douro and get to know the excellent beaches and the outdoor cafés. The historic center of Porto was declared UNESCO World Heritage but it is the hospitality and forceful character of the locals that will delight you. Porto is a vibrant and young city with countless cafés, bars, and clubs to have a really good time at night, or relaxed rooftops to have a drink and enjoy the warm Portuguese climate.

    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 (basic 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 from 10:00 - 18:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    What’s included?

    • Pick up at the international airport in Porto & 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 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 at a dormitory at a centre-located hostel, female dormitory, or mixed dormitory
    • Three meals a day every day: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner (Local style. Vegetarian, gluten-free, and meals for lactose-intolerant are also available upon request)
    • Shared use of common spaces and free WIFI
    • Orientation event on arrival (including introduction to Portugal and culture, volunteer experience, overview of programmes, practical information, safety guidelines)
    • Guided city tour and the best tips to discover the city!
    • Allocation and coordination of a work placement in a sustainable project, and a contact person in the project
    • Introduction on the first day of volunteering
    • Ongoing support throughout the stay
    • 24h/7 emergency support by phone or personally
    • Limited coverage civil liability insurance.

    Airport Pickup at Porto 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

    The accommodation is an hostel located right at the city center of Porto city, with a wide range of rooms, from dormitories to private rooms, a spacious and friendly lounge area where volunteers can hang out, chill, listen to music, enjoy the atmosphere, play some games, and get to know  other fellow travelers. The bathrooms are shared. There is free wi-fi in all the hostel area.

    Food & Beverages

    We will provide breakfast at the accommodation every day. We will cook with fresh local ingredients every day for all volunteers, and we are prepared to accommodate most diet restrictions, such as vegan and vegetarian, gluten-free, and lactose intolerant. Also, take some time out to explore the city and its incredible cuisine!

    Lunch and dinner are provided by an amazing local restaurant! It is only a 10 min walk from your accommodation.

    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 Porto Airport (OPO) in Porto. We assist you to find cheap flights to Portugal. 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 Portugal provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

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

    Details on arrival

    This program starts on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month!

    You should arrive on Sunday (or before) to attend the orientation session on Monday morning.

    *From May to September, arrivals every Sunday.*
    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $965 per week 1 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES

    Duration

    1 - 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
    •
    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 ...
    •
    2024
    I recommend this experience to absolutely anyone, it was the best of my life. The first week my placement was in a Skatepark in Cascais, so ...
    Alba Gala Torrero

    Child & Youth Supporter

    •
    2024
    Stayed 2 weeks in October 2024. Warm welcomed by a dynamic and enthusiastic team. Clear and detailed information provided. Good location, ...
    Eliane BURLAC

    Child & Youth Supporter

    •
    2024
    This stay in Barcelona was amazing. To be able to discover a city and to work at the same time is a great thing for me. I worked in a cat ...

    Location

    Europe > Southern Europe > Portugal > Porto

    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

    Volunteer Abroad  >  Animals  >  Street Animals in Portugal
    Contact Cristiana
      Good response rate
    Portuguese, Spanish, English

    Most volunteers ask about

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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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