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Great 4.43rating (12)

Animal Rescue & Community Development Helper

location
4 - 14 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Experience the Irish life with a full immersion in a host community
  • Volunteer in a local animal rescue centre (3 days) and other community projects (2 days)
  • Meet local people and other international volunteers in a friendly and relaxed athmosphere

Highlights

  • Experience the Irish life with a full immersion in a host community
  • Volunteer in a local animal rescue centre (3 days) and other community projects (2 days)
  • Meet local people and other international volunteers in a friendly and relaxed athmosphere
  • Discover Ireland and its natural wonders during your free time
  • Explore local towns and cities during your free time

  • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    50+

    About the program

    Get immersed in an Irish community while helping in an animal rescue centre (3 days) + in other community projects (2 days).

    Ireland is a wonderful country; it is safe, friendly, English speaking, rich in heritage, history and culture. From vibrant, exciting cities to spectacular countryside – it’s a magical place to visit. It’s also a wonderful place to stay and immerse yourself doing meaningful volunteer work.

    CTL

    About the program

    Ireland is a wonderful country; it is safe, friendly, English speaking, rich in heritage, history and culture. From vibrant, exciting cities to spectacular countryside – it’s a magical place to visit. It’s also a wonderful place to stay and immerse yourself doing meaningful volunteer work.

    CTL is placing volunteers in a local Animal Rescue Centre. Volunteering in this project is very rewarding but it also demands a high level of energy! To maintain a high level of commitment from volunteers, this project welcomes our participants 3 days per week (currently Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays). The other 2 days of the working week, volunteers help in less demanding community projects on Tuesdays and Thursdays (e.g. charity shops, community sports centres, community clean up etc.)


    The Animal Rescue Centre (3 days per week)

    Animal Rescue Centre hosting around 140 dogs, along with a small number of sheep, goats, pigs, horses, pigs, and cats. There are 2-3 permanent staff at the rescue per day along with several local volunteers that dedicate their time to helping out throughout the week. Volunteer tasks will include feeding the animals, taking the dogs for walks, helping clean the facilities, and of course cuddling with puppies!


    Community Projects (2 days per week)

    - Charity Shops 

    Volunteer work includes: Provide sales assistance to customers, ensure goods are well displayed, sorting donations etc.

    - Community Sports Centre

    Help with maintenance of the building and the sport facilities, help organising events 

    - Community Clean up

    Volunteer work includes: Take part in the in community clean up with local community group to improve the local environment and make it a better place to live

    - Community Transport Service

    Help with general administration, organising rotas, database entry etc. 


    Volunteers work approximately 30-35h per week with two days off.

    Who are we looking for?

    This project is looking for real animal lovers! Volunteers should love animals and be extremely comfortable being around dogs as much of the volunteer work will involve working with the many dogs at the rescue! Volunteers should be aware that some of the animals at the rescue have come from situations in which they were abused and improperly cared for, so some situations may be tough to see. Volunteers should also be aware that they will be volunteering in a very noisy environment, with dogs often barking.  Volunteers are required to be adaptable and flexible. They must be over 18 when the project starts. Personal motivation, maturity, and responsibility are important. Volunteers should enjoy physical work and getting their hands dirty, as well as be prepared for different weather conditions. Volunteers joining the project should have at least an intermediate level of spoken English.

    Location

    County Kerry: this is one of the most visited region in Ireland  with wonderful landscapes and natural wonders such as the Ring of Kerry, Killarney National or Dingle Peninsula. 



    Typical day

    8.00 Breakfast at host family

    9.30 Volunteer work starts

    13.00 Lunch with other volunteers (pack lunch)

    16.00 Volunteer work ends

    Free time in the evening and dinner available at the host family

    Typical day

    8.00 Breakfast at host family

    9.30 Volunteer work starts

    13.00 Lunch with other volunteers (pack lunch)

    16.00 Volunteer work ends

    Free time in the evening and dinner available at the host family


    Free-time activities

    Volunteers have two days off per week. During their free time, volunteers can discover the Irish country side, local towns and natural wonders. Generally volunteers travel in small groups during their free time.

    Free-time activities

    Volunteers have two days off per week. During their free time, volunteers can discover the Irish country side, local towns and natural wonders. Generally volunteers travel in small groups during their free time.

    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

    Required Documents

    CV, motivation letter, medical form to be filled out by your doctor and criminal background check

    Nationality Restrictions

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

    Other Skills

    Flexible, adaptable, willing to interact with local people, self-motivated, at least intermediate level of English

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 09:30 - 16:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    Cost Includes:

    Pick up in Cork airport

    1st night in hostel shared accommodation in Cork city

    Orientation day with CTL Ireland staff

    Transfer to project

    All Meals from day 2

    Homestay accommodation 

    Ongoing support from local coordinator

    Assistance and back up support from CTL Ireland staff

    24/7 emergency support

    Return transfer not included.

    Airport Pickup at Cork Airport

    Pick up is included for participants arriving in Cork airport. Participants arriving in another airport will be provided with all necessary information.

    Accommodation

    Volunteers will live in local host family accommodation allowing you to get a real sense of life in an Irish family and community. Food will be provided, volunteers generally have sandwiches for lunch. Many families are living at a walking distance from the projects while others can be based a bit further out of town. In this case volunteers are either given lifts, use bicycles or local transportation (cost covered by participant). Family come in all shapes and sizes (e.g. parents and children, single host mother etc.). Participants usually have a single room but may, on occasion share a bedroom (twin beds) with another programme participant (same gender).

    Food & Beverages

    Host family provide breakfast (cereals or toasts, hot drink etc.), pack lunch (sandwiches, fruit etc.) and dinner in the evening (e.g. pasta, sausages, potatoes, pizza etc.). Participants may have to prepare their own meals on occasion. It is possible to cater for vegetarians. Meals during independent travel are not included.


    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 Cork Airport (ORK) in Cork. We assist you to find cheap flights to Ireland. 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 Ireland provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

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

    Details on arrival

    2026 start dates (arrival dates)

    January 12th

    January 26th

    February 9th

    March 9th

    April 13th  

    May 11th

    June 8th

    June 29th

    July 6th

    July 27th

    September 7th

    October 5th

    November 2nd


    Arrival in Cork airport:

    Participants are picked up by a driver who will be waiting with a sign displaying the participants’ name. Participants are transferred to a hostel, located in Cork city centre.

    Arrival at different airport

    Volunteers who arrived at a different airport (Dublin, Shannon, Kerry, Waterford) need to make their own way to Cork. It is very easy to join Cork city from Dublin airport as there are buses from just outside the arrival terminal in Dublin that go directly to Cork city centre. Detailed information on transfers to Cork will be provided by CTL Ireland.

    First day and Overnight in Cork city

    Volunteers stay at a pre-booked hostel for their first night in Cork city. The hostel is located in the city centre, a very short walk from all the shops and attractions of the city. After checking in, participants have some free time to rest and to discover Cork city. A welcome dinner is generally organised on the first night.

    Second Day: Orientation and Transfer to Project

    On the morning of their second day, participants will take part in a comprehensive orientation workshop which lasts 3 to 4 hours followed by a walking tour. Participants are then transferred to their project by public transportation.

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

    Program Fees

    $511 per week 4 - 14 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    4 - 14 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

    4.43
    12 reviews

    2023
    I think I changed a lot there and I became more independent and sure of what I was worth. Irish people are all very nice and enjoyable ...
    Jules Sabahi

    Charity Shop Helper

    2025
    I volunteered in the charity shop of the Irish Cancer Society in Clonmel. I really enjoyed working there. Every day I woke up feeling ...
    Angela Binner

    Charity Shop Helper

    Location

    Europe > Nordics > Ireland > Cork

    Meet your project coordinator

    Mallory
    12
    reviews
    4.43
    Great
    2017
    Founded

    Verified

      Below average response rate
    Spoken languages: English
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    Contact Mallory
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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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    Price details