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Brilliant 4.72rating (254)
  • Life On Land

Stray Dog & Cat Rehabilitation

location
1 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 16 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Help with the day to day duties of a local dog & cat shelter
  • Take the dogs out for their daily walks
  • Help with medical treatment at the shelter

Highlights

  • Help with the day to day duties of a local dog & cat shelter
  • Take the dogs out for their daily walks
  • Help with medical treatment at the shelter
  • Lead obedience training with the dogs
  • Wash, bathe and feed the animals
    • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 16+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Help groom, exercise, and train both the dogs and cats. Assist with bathing, brushing, walking, leading obedience training, cleaning the kennels, medical treatment.

    Unfortunately, Guatemala has a significant problem with stray cats and dogs who wander the streets. These animals are often starving, with bad health and therefore can create an issue with safety within the community. Our local partners are grassroots organisations that provide care and treatment ...

    About the program

    Unfortunately, Guatemala has a significant problem with stray cats and dogs who wander the streets. These animals are often starving, with bad health and therefore can create an issue with safety within the community. Our local partners are grassroots organisations that provide care and treatment for the animals that have suffered so badly. They provide food, water, veterinary care and most of all, love and attention

    You will be helping to groom, exercise, and train both the dogs and cats. You can assist with bathing, brushing, walking, and leading obedience training, as well as cleaning the kennels. You can also take part in the medical treatment, spay/neuter programs, education, and fundraising. These projects working with animals heavily depend on volunteer efforts, so you know that the work you do here is truly helping to keep the program running efficiently.

    Location
    Projects are located in and around  the city of Antigua, which was declared an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. This is a popular tourist spot due to the pretty colonial buildings and ancient ruins. From the streets and rooftops, you can even see volcanoes towering over the city. Antigua’s Central Plaza has plenty of restaurants, shops, markets, and regular cultural events, making it an exciting city to call home.

    Typical day

    Sunday – Arrival / Welcome and Home Stay Introduction

    Monday – Orientation day

    Tuesday to Friday
    Here is a rough guide on what to expect:
    • Breakfast at the accommodation
    • 3-4 hours of volunteer work either in the morning or afternoon
    • Your own lunch at the accommodation or project site
    • Free time
    • Dinner at ...

    Typical day

    Sunday – Arrival / Welcome and Home Stay Introduction

    Monday – Orientation day

    Tuesday to Friday
    Here is a rough guide on what to expect:
    • Breakfast at the accommodation
    • 3-4 hours of volunteer work either in the morning or afternoon
    • Your own lunch at the accommodation or project site
    • Free time
    • Dinner at the accommodation

    Free-time activities

    There is so much to see and do around Antigua, including cultural events, tours and treks, and exploring the various markets. The local coordinators regularly post a monthly events calendar to let you know of the activities going on nearby. For more ideas on things to do in Guatemala…

    Tikal Ruins
    The

    Free-time activities

    There is so much to see and do around Antigua, including cultural events, tours and treks, and exploring the various markets. The local coordinators regularly post a monthly events calendar to let you know of the activities going on nearby. For more ideas on things to do in Guatemala…

    Tikal Ruins
    These Mayan ruins are set amidst the jungle of northern Guatemala and close to the borders between Belize and Mexico. The incredible ruins are a little hard to get to but have a spectacular backdrop. The ruins used to be one of the most influential cities in the Mayan empire.

    Semuc Champey Pools
    Another destination a little hard to get to (think long and windy bus ride) but definitely worth it for the incredibly blue pools of water you will find here, all surrounded by Guatemalan jungle. You can go swimming in the pools too!

    Acitve Volcanoes
    Pacaya, Santiaguito and Fuego are active volcanoes which visitors can climb up. These 3 are still active but Guatemala also has 37 volcanoes dotted around the country. If you love hiking, then make sure to try one of these treks for spectacular views.

    Lake Atitlan
    Lake Atitlan is a place where you can easily spend several days. This pretty lake has the backdrop of volcanoes and pretty wildflowers around the edge of the water. There are lots of small towns around the lake to explore, or you could simply relax by the sparling water or try SUP and kayaking.

    Indian Nose Hike
    This is a spectacular viewpoint which will only take around a 45 minutes climb. Situated close to San Pedro, this mountain is known for incredible sunrises, but we would recommend going with a tour group for this, for safety reasons. 

    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 16 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 16 years old on the program start date.

    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

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    • Airport pick-up
    • Host family accommodations
    • Breakfast and dinner, 7 days/week
    • 3-4 hours/day practical work, Monday-Friday
    • Program and safety orientation
    • Walking tour
    • Official certificate of volunteer service
    • Letter of recommendation
    • Spanish language tutoring table
    • Tandem Conversation Program
    • Office-wide WiFi and computer lab
    • Salsa dance classes
    • Cooking classes
    • Free coffee and tea and on-site snack bar
    • Institute is open 7 days/week
    • Emergency contact number 24/7

    Airport Pickup at La Aurora International Airport

    Airport pickup is provided. If arriving Sat an extra night will be charged. Full information in the welcome pack or feel free to contact us. 

    Accommodation

    The majority of volunteers stay with a pre-approved middle-class Guatemalan host family. You may choose from a shared or a private room. Shared rooms are between 1-3 other people (same gender & age group). You are provided with a key to the house and are free to come and go as you please, we ask you to respect the rules of the family. Our host families live in and around Antigua and are 10-25 minutes walking or by bus from the volunteer centre.

    You can also choose to stay in a student residence room, hostel, hotel or apartment, all of which can be private or shared between single genders. Please note, for hostels, hotels and apartments, meals are not included. 


    Private Room Upgrade: please contact us directly for options and pricing

    *Please note: Upgrade prices can change, so please check the price with us first

    Food & Beverages

    Breakfast and dinner are provided 7 days a week* and will generally be of local cuisine. Corn, rice, beans, beef, pork, chicken, cheese, and tortillas form the basis of the typical local foods. Meat stews and soups are very popular also.

    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 La Aurora International Airport (GUA) in Guatemala City. We assist you to find cheap flights to Guatemala. 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 Guatemala provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

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

    Details on arrival

    Program starts every Monday. Arrivals on Sat/ Sun. If arriving on Sat, an extra night is charged.

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

    Program Fees

    $746 per week 1 - 12 weeks Age 16 - 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
    4.7
    Top Pick
    One of the top picks on Volunteer World, according to travelers
    •
    2025
    I supported a loving team with daily tasks such as keeping the enclosures clean, shredding antelopes and feeding the kittens. Comments on ...
    •
    2025
    Very well organised, had no problem checking in. The work was so nice and the people were wonderful. Staff is also there to help out with ...
    Sarah Damaschin

    School Construction

    Location

    Americas > Central America > Guatemala > Antigua

    Meet your project coordinator

    Lauren
    254
    reviews
    4.72
    Brilliant
    1989
    Founded

    Verified

      Very high response rate
    Spoken languages: English
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    Volunteer Abroad  >  Animals  >  Street Animals in Guatemala
    Contact Lauren
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    English

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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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