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Brilliant 4.76rating (58)
  • Life On Land

Dog walker

location
2 - 4 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Experience the love of our puppies at the shelter
  • Work with the local staff, who doesn't speak a lot of English but is used to work with volunteers
  • Build a strong relationship with our beautiful four-legged guests

Highlights

  • Experience the love of our puppies at the shelter
  • Work with the local staff, who doesn't speak a lot of English but is used to work with volunteers
  • Build a strong relationship with our beautiful four-legged guests
  • Enjoy the rides to the shelter in our pick up
  • Make some good physical exercise in the sun and enjoy the nearby beach
    • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Rescued dogs and cats in Cape Verde need you. Local staff handle the basics; volunteers help with cuddling, walking, and delicate animal care tasks.

    Time commitment
    Information given in the Time Commitment session of this program are only orientative and they are not binding: the free day can be on any day of the week (may be on the weekend, maybe not) and the working time is per shift: one morning shift from 8 to 12 OR one afternoon shift from ...

    About the program

    Time commitment
    Information given in the Time Commitment session of this program are only orientative and they are not binding: the free day can be on any day of the week (may be on the weekend, maybe not) and the working time is per shift: one morning shift from 8 to 12 OR one afternoon shift from 12 to 16 (or from 16 to 18 in Summer, that is from mide July to mid November).

    Tasks
    Most basic tasks at the shelter (cleaning, feeding, walking) are performed by local paid staff - we have 20 local employees, 3 of which work at the shelter. But, we always need help with delicate tasks such as playing with the dogs, brushing the cats, changing the beds, and taking care of ill animals or of puppies. 
    Volunteers are also expected to take photos and videos of the animals, the shelter and daily life during their stay, as this content helps us tell each animal's story, find sponsors and adopters, and share Simabo's mission with a wider audience. Detailed guidelines on what content is needed and how to upload it will be provided separately.

    Notably, volunteers will (1) work in the place of paid staff when they are missing work and (2) collaborate with the local staff to ensure the highest possible welfare of the animals in our shelters. Clear instructions will be provided for accomplishing single tasks and volunteers are required to perform them accurately also for safety reasons. Volunteers are required to follow the instructions published on our portal for volunteers, and to ask for advice in case they collide with instructions received from the paid staff at the shelter. Cooperating with the paid staff at the shelter can be very challenging because of the cultural gap.

    Why this program matters
    Our program is important because it shows to the local population how to take care of animals, who are "like us". It is scientifically proven that violence on animals or neglect are directly connected with the same attitude to people, especially children. This is why our logo includes a dog, a cat and a child. Children abandonment is very common in Cape Verde, we try to give a good example by taking care properly and making people aware of the importance of having a family for animals in order to develop the same attitude towards children. 
    Taking care properly of a pet means also to keep him/her clean and dewormed, and taking dogs out to wee and poo, do that they don't do it in the house, as it is very common now in Cape Verde. All this is of course very important to assure a good level of hygiene and health for the local population. That's why SIMABO is a partner of the Ministry of Health in the fight against improper care of pets. 

    Typical day

    Getting to the shelter

    • Work is organized in shifts, 6 days a week, starting the day after arrival (e.g. if you arrive on a Monday, you start working on Tuesday and have the following Monday off). You can swap shifts with other volunteers if you agree on a new schedule together.

    • A car leaves the hostel ...

    Typical day

    Getting to the shelter

    • Work is organized in shifts, 6 days a week, starting the day after arrival (e.g. if you arrive on a Monday, you start working on Tuesday and have the following Monday off). You can swap shifts with other volunteers if you agree on a new schedule together.

    • A car leaves the hostel at 8:00 AM and takes volunteers to the shelter for the morning shift.
    • There is no organized transport for the return journey: volunteers must make their own way back to town. The shelter is very close to town (4 km), so this is easy — on foot, by bicycle, by local shared taxi, by taxi, or even by hitching a lift along the main road to the airport.

    Daily schedule

    Schedules can vary depending on the season and the shelter's needs — the details below are indicative, not fixed.

    Work at the shelter includes walking the dogs with the help of a walking list, taking some of them to the beach nearby (one group in the morning and one group in the afternoon), and cuddling them in the big internal halls or outdoor compounds when it's too hot to walk them, or once all of them have already been walked.

    Morning shift: 8:00 – 12:00
    • Departure from the hostel at 8:00 AM.
    • Volunteers walk the dogs (using a walking list) for about 3–4 hours, and take some of them to the beach nearby.
    • Work finishes at 12:00. There is no return transport: volunteers make their own way back to town at this time.
    • Have breakfast before heading out, or bring something to eat — you'll be hungry after a few hours walking energetic dogs in the fresh sea air!
    Afternoon shift (when available): around 16:00 – 18:30
    • Depending on the period and the shelter's needs, a second shift may also run in the afternoon, historically from around 16:00 to 18:30, since it's too hot to walk dogs earlier in the day.
    • When active, a car picks up volunteers at 16:00 together with the local staff. As with the morning shift, there is no return transport: volunteers must make their own way back once finished.
    • This shift isn't guaranteed every season, so check with us for the current schedule.

    Work at the shelter also includes cuddling the dogs in the big internal halls or outdoor compounds, whenever it's too hot to walk them or once they've all already been walked.

    A shared experience
    Most volunteers love the ride to and from the shelter on the open truck, together with the local staff, sometimes with a couple of dogs that need to go to the shelter or the clinic too. These moments (the beach walks, the truck ride, the time spent cuddling the dogs) are also great opportunities to capture the photos and videos mentioned above.

    Meals

    Most volunteers prepare something the night before, so they can eat as soon as they get back at 12:00 and still have time to rest or enjoy some free time at the beach, in town, or visiting another village on the island.

    Some volunteers organize kitchen shifts, cooking for themselves and for others returning from the shelter later.

    If you'd rather not cook, meals are available cheaply at local restaurants, you can stop at the market on your way back and have lunch there, before heading straight to the beach for a nap.

    Public buses run between town and the 4 coastal villages throughout the day, with the last ones returning around 5:00 PM.

    Free time

    Free time activities can vary depending on the season: in winter it's cooler, so you can be out and about all day. In summer, it's best to rest or stay at the beach around midday, when it's hottest.

    Everything is close enough that free time rarely needs "organizing."

    Shift preferences

    The morning shift is the standard one and runs year-round. When an afternoon shift is also active, shifts are allocated based on the shelter's needs and, when possible, volunteers' preferences: some prefer the morning because it's cooler, though this leaves less time for nightlife; others prefer to sleep in, rest during the morning, and work in the afternoon instead. Generally, one volunteer is assigned per shift, or more if available.


    NOTES: 
    • The day off can fall on any day of the week (weekend or not).
    • Schedules are indicative and can change depending on the season and the shelter's needs. The standard shift is in the morning (8:00 AM – 12:00, about 3–4 hours of work); an afternoon shift may also run at certain times of year, generally around 16:00–18:30, depending on staff availability.
    • Return transport from the shelter is never provided, in either shift: volunteers are always responsible for making their own way back to town.
    • Shift changes must be requested at least a week in advance and be authorized.
    • Shift changes cannot leave a shift uncovered.
    • When both shifts are active, we'll do our best to schedule your morning shift on the last working day of one week and your afternoon shift on the first working day of the following week — giving you 2 full days and nights off, enough time to visit another island if you like.

    Free-time activities

    The island is famous for its music and its partying vibe! So night activity is guaranteed! 

    On the island you can find a diving center (in town), a windsurfing school and a kitesurfing school. 
    Capoeira is also widely practiced and can be learned with 2 groups in lessons held in the late afternoon.
    Hi

    Free-time activities

    The island is famous for its music and its partying vibe! So night activity is guaranteed! 

    On the island you can find a diving center (in town), a windsurfing school and a kitesurfing school. 
    Capoeira is also widely practiced and can be learned with 2 groups in lessons held in the late afternoon.
    Hiking paths are very simple to follow. Every volunteer who likes hiking can't miss visiting the neighboring island, Santo Antao, with its beautiful mountains and trekking paths. 
    If you are not so keen on hiking, you can rent a bicycles, electrical bicycles and scooters at local shops.

    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)

    Required Documents

    passport

    Nationality Restrictions

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

    Other Skills

    - Willingness to accept that a seemingly minimal oversight can become a problem and could result in loss of time and money (and even lives!), and should therefore be avoided by working with due concentration - Carrying out duties over a prolonged period, even if they become repetitive and/or boring; - Ability to perform the tasks assigned without repeatedly needing instruction; - Ability to enjoy their free time alone since other volunteers typically have their free time at OTHER times/days

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 07:30 - 12:30

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    The weekly fee covers

    - pick up from the airport at the arrival
    - accommodation in a single or double room if travelling alone or in a bigger room if travelling in group (shared bathroom).
    - advice to organize visits to other islands, especially Santo Antao, with hotel and ferry/flights reservations  
    - one tour of the island of Sao Vicente with our staff, usually with a deworming or spaying/neutering campaign
    - Food is not provided, but volunteers can use a communal kitchen.

    Airport Pickup at Cesaria Evora International Airport

    Our driver will wait for you in the airport arrival hall with a SIMABO sign with your name! Driving time to town is about 10 min. 

    Be prepared to stay in a row for paying the "airport fee" that costs 32 euros. You can avoid this applying via Internet and paying in advance by credit card. All info to accomplish this will be provided in due time. EU citizens are not required to have/pay a visa, only non-EU citizens will have to buy one at the airport for 25 euros. 

    Vaccinations are not required nor recommended. There is no rabies in Cape Verde. 

    Accommodation

    Accommodation for volunteers is available in single or double rooms with shared bathroom in our volunteer house, located just a couple of meters away from our clinic and hostel, the beach, and the main square of Mindelo.
    Volunteers can prepare their own food in the hostel kitchen, where paying guests are hosted to raise funds for the project.
    At the hostel volunteers can meet any kind of travellers and together they can plan trips, excursions, parties, dinners, anything that makes fun and makes your volunteering time unforgettable. 

    Internet Access

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

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Food & Beverages

    Food, snacks or beverages are at extra costs.

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Cesaria Evora International Airport (VXE) in Sao Vicente. We assist you to find cheap flights to Cape Verde. 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 Cape Verde provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

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

    Details on arrival

    Volunteers are accepted throughout the year depending on availability.

    Usually the best months to come are from april o mid-July and form the beginning of October to mid-December, because of the temperature and also because of the cost of the flights, that can be a expensive in the high season (Christmas, August).
    Carnaval is a highlight of Mindelo's life, volunteers are always welcome at that time of the year. 

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

    Program Fees

    $130 per week 2 - 4 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES

    Duration

    2 - 4 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

    4.76
    ・
    58 reviews

    Volunteer photos

    •
    2025
    Ich bin sehr zufrieden, es war eine tolle erfahrung, sehr viele nette und tolle Menschen kennengelernt. Silvia ist super angagierr und hilft ...
    Laura Corleto

    Dog walker

    •
    2024
    I had a wonderful time at Simbalo - it was a truly unforgettable experience. The dogs at the Shelter are adorable; always so happy to see ...
    Bridget Dewer

    Dog walker

    •
    2024
    Unforgettable experience that I recommend to everyone. If you like to share and be useful, then come. I stayed 3 weeks and would have ...
    thierry ouzelet

    Dog walker

    •
    2023
    I absolutely loved my two weeks as a dog walker at Simabo. I have never met such adorable dogs before – each one of them walked so nicely ...
    carole walpen

    Dog walker

    •
    2022
    Hi everybody I’m Mailys and I was a volunteer at Simabo. I volunteered as a dog walker in the shelter. I spent 3 weeks there but it ...
    Mailys Robert

    Dog walker

    •
    2021
    A small association that does a great job, needs volunteers to carry out its mission. My experience in the association began a few years ago ...
    Maio

    Dog walker

    Location

    Africa > Western Africa > Cape Verde > Mindelo

    Meet your project coordinator

    Silvia
    58
    reviews
    4.76
    Brilliant
    2008
    Founded

    Verified

      Very high response rate
    Spoken languages: Portuguese, English, Italian, German
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    Volunteer Abroad  >  Animals  >  Street Animals in Cape Verde
    Contact Silvia
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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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