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Brilliant 4.71rating (174)

Animal Rights Defender

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

Highlights

  • Help animals in need that have been rescued
  • Gain Spanish fluency by living and working with the locals
  • Boost your resume with international volunteer experience

Highlights

  • Help animals in need that have been rescued
  • Gain Spanish fluency by living and working with the locals
  • Boost your resume with international volunteer experience
  • Explore a country that is famous for its rich biodiversity and cultural sites
  • Broaden your horizon while immersing yourself into a new culture

  • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Be a voice for animals. This animal welfare NGO has several bases and animal shelters across the country. Our volunteers are placed in the animal shelter in Quito.

    The volunteers are placed in a national NGO in Quito, Ecuador that works for animal welfare, especially for abandoned pets like dogs and cats but also rescues other animals if necessary. Their work is divided into 3 areas:

    Veterinary clinics that offer low-income pet owners help for very little ...

    About the program

    The volunteers are placed in a national NGO in Quito, Ecuador that works for animal welfare, especially for abandoned pets like dogs and cats but also rescues other animals if necessary. Their work is divided into 3 areas:

    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: To prevent the uncontrolled reproduction of pets and also animals that live on the street, there are mobile units that carry out sterilization actions.

    Rescue of street dogs and cats: Abandoned animals are rescue, 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 Ecuador. Our volunteers are placed in the animal shelter in Quito. A veterinary clinic and the vet mobile belong to it. 

    Typical day

    If you are an animal-lover, enthusiastic and physically fit and would like to do something good for these innocent life, you will be on the right place here. The NGO is mainly financed by donations. Helping hands also contribute to the success and on going work of the animal welfare organization.

    Volu

    Typical day

    If you are an animal-lover, enthusiastic and physically fit and would like to do something good for these innocent life, you will be on the right place here. The NGO is mainly financed by donations. Helping hands also contribute to the success and on going work of the animal welfare organization.

    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:
    • 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 enough 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.


    Free-time activities

    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 ...

    Free-time activities

    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!

    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 Spanish (basic level)

    Required Documents

    CV and Volunteer Questionnaire

    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

    • Twin room in a Homestay (surcharge for single room is US$ 35/week)
    • 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

    Accommodation

    An important part of our volunteer programs has always been to provide an intense glimpse into the culture of the host country. Therefore, our volunteers live in homestays. Living with a local hosts will allow you to experience the country in the most authentic way possible. You can immerse into local customs, taste typical meals, and experience the culture and traditions first-hand. You will quickly realize how much your Spanish skills improve each day. Our homestays are carefully screened and selected, and many hosts have years of experience with our international volunteers.

    Food & Beverages

    The volunteer program includes daily breakfast, lunch and dinner. Special dietary requirements can be accommodated but have to be informed to us in advance.

    Internet Access

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

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Airport Pickup at Mariscal Sucre International Airport

    An airport pickup isn't included within the program fees either.

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) in Quito. We assist you to find cheap flights to Ecuador. 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 Ecuador provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

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

    Details on arrival

    Flexible start and end dates year round
    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $388 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
    4.7
    Top Pick
    One of the top picks on Volunteer World, according to travelers
    2026
    I loved working with the animals; however, the area is slightly insecure. The shelter is a bit disorganized, and there is a lack of control ...
    Naomi Askenazi

    Animal Rights Defender

    2026
    Ich war zwei Wochen lang im Katze heim bei Xaviera und habe dort mitgeholfen. Am ersten Tag wurde mir alles super erklärt, Xavier spricht ...
    Fiona Schafferer

    Support a Cat Shelter

    2025
    Mir geht es sehr gut. Der Naturpark ist wirklich atemberaubend. Ich habe mich schon gut eingewöhnen können. Alle sind unglaublich ...
    2025
    Bin gut hier angekommen. Es ist sehr schön hier und alle Leute sind sehr nett. Es hat die letzten tage geregnet, deswegen konnten wir nicht ...
    Magdalena P.

    Nature Park Protector

    Location


    Meet your project coordinator

    Marion
    174
    reviews
    4.71
    Brilliant
    2003
    Founded

    Verified

      Good response rate
    Spoken languages: Spanish, English, German
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    Contact Marion
      Good response rate
    Spanish, English, German

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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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