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Brilliant 4.71rating (174)
  • Life On Land

Support a Cat Shelter

location
2 - 24 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Get to know Chile, one of the most amazing and diverse countries in the world.
  • Boost your CV with international volunteer experience.
  • Grow as a person by stepping out of your comfort zone.

Highlights

  • Get to know Chile, one of the most amazing and diverse countries in the world.
  • Boost your CV with international volunteer experience.
  • Grow as a person by stepping out of your comfort zone.
  • Raise a voice for animals and get more passionate about helping animals that are forced to live on the streets.
  • Develop essential intercultural skills that will not only enrich your own life but also enable you to bridge cultures with grace and understanding.
    • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Take care of kitties in a shelter for rescued cats in Santiago. Support this great cause and help rehabilitate our furry friends so that they can find a loving home.

    Unfortunately, in Chile and much of Latin America, animal life is not half as valuable as in developed countries. Despite the constant improvement of the situation in recent years, there is a huge lack of professional implementation in dealing with the many hundreds of thousands of animals that are ...

    About the program

    Unfortunately, in Chile and much of Latin America, animal life is not half as valuable as in developed countries. Despite the constant improvement of the situation in recent years, there is a huge lack of professional implementation in dealing with the many hundreds of thousands of animals that are abandoned to live on the street. Throughout Chile, the cityscapes are characterized by countless street dogs and cats.

    Fortunately, there are a few charities that take care of animals that have suffered extreme abuse, malnutrition, diseases or violence. One of these wonderful charities is our volunteer project. Founded in 2010, this NGO is dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of stray cats in Santiago, giving cat lovers the opportunity to support the shelter with love and attention to pets in need. The shelter provides veterinarian care and a warm home to neglected and abused cats. In addition, the project regularly organizes adoption events for the nearly 200 cats in the shelter.

    Most cats that live in the cat house are rescued from the street, only a small number are brought in from households because of not species-appropriate husbandry. Some cats are pregnant and need a safe environment to give birth, care for, feed and educate their offspring. Others are sick, malnourished or seriously injured because of abuse or by years of stray on the street. Once sheltered, the cats get regularly food, water, vaccine, socialization program (with other cats and humans), vaccines and veterinary care. In addition, veterinary treatment including sterilization is provided. The charity depends on donations and is happy about every committed animal lover who wants to become a volunteer to give these cats a better life.

    Typical day

    You are important! The cat refuge would not exist without the help of volunteers. They are important to keeping the project alive and to care for the current cat population at the shelter (about 200!), feed, clean, play and to prepare adoption processes. Unfortunately, there are only a few ...

    Typical day

    You are important! The cat refuge would not exist without the help of volunteers. They are important to keeping the project alive and to care for the current cat population at the shelter (about 200!), feed, clean, play and to prepare adoption processes. Unfortunately, there are only a few initiatives in Chile that deal with street cats. If you love cats and want to help them, then this is your chance!

    Your help is needed in various areas, such as:

    • Feeding the cats
    • Cleaning blankets and cat beds
    • Cleaning and maintenance of cages and premises
    • Cleaning and refill feeding bowls
    • Cleaning litter boxes
    • Administrative tasks
    • Accompanying veterinary treatments (not possible for all volunteers)
    • Helping with adoption processing (not always possible)

    In this volunteer project, you have the opportunity to work up close with cats and to improve their living conditions. Your support makes all the difference and helps to rehabilitate the street cats, give them a new home and a make life outside the street possible for them. Your activities will change the behavior, the health and the life situation of the cats sustainably and at best enable them to find a loving home.

    You do not have to be a cat expert to participate in this volunteer program. Your motivation and a positive attitude are enough! These furry and cute strays depend on the support of us.


    Note: The tasks may vary. They depend on factors such as number of volunteers, weather, season, current needs of the project, as well as self-motivation. Not every volunteer may be fully involved in all these tasks.

    Free-time activities

    Chile is a country that unites many different climates and landscapes. Due to its remarkable length of 4,300 kilometers you can discover extremes such as deserts, salt lakes, volcanoes, temperate rainforest, mountains over 6,000 meters high and eternal ice fjords. With its indescribably ...

    Free-time activities

    Chile is a country that unites many different climates and landscapes. Due to its remarkable length of 4,300 kilometers you can discover extremes such as deserts, salt lakes, volcanoes, temperate rainforest, mountains over 6,000 meters high and eternal ice fjords. With its indescribably large variety of landscape, vegetation and climate, Chile is a popular destination all year round.

    The capital of Santiago de Chile never sleeps and in recent decades has developed into a very popular and modern metropolis. There are activities that your heart desires! There is something for everyne; for art lovers, nature fans, culture enthusiasts and party people. Santiago’s location is just perfect since within about an hour can either be in the mountains or at the beach. You can find outdoor adventure sports, like hiking, rafting, climbing, horseback riding, and so on, or just relax at the beach during the weekend.

    In Santiago you can:
    - Hiking/walking in the hills and parks
    - Sightseeing
    - Visiting museums and art galleries
    - Exploring beautiful neigborhoods
    - Strolling through local markets
    - Shopping
    - Enjoying restaurants and bars / nightlife
    - Meeting up with other volunteers
    - Doing sports
    - Going on day excursions to the amazing surroundings

    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)

    Education Requirements

    at High School 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

    • Single room in a local homestay (breakfast & dinner can be added at US$ 100 / week)
    • Internet access at your homestay
    • Airport pick-up
    • 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
    • On-site volunteer coordinator
    • 24/7 emergency number
    • Advice on travel insurance
    • Certificate of participation

                              Note: A donation of CLP 25.000 (US$ about) has to be paid on-site to the project.

                            Airport Pickup at Arturo Merino Benitez Airport

                            You will be picked up at the airport of Santiago de Chile. Our transfer service will bring you to your homestay.

                            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.

                            You will be provided with a single room, while the bathroom can be private or shared. 

                            Upon request you can add daily breakfast & dinner at an extra cost of US$ 100 / week.



                            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 Arturo Merino Benitez Airport (SCL) in Santiago. We assist you to find cheap flights to Chile. 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 Chile provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

                            Vaccines

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

                            Details on arrival

                            The volunteer work can be joined throughout the year. The start and end date can be set flexible, according to your availability and travel plans. Ask our experienced staff to coordinate your participation in this meaningful volunteer project.

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

                            Program Fees

                            $287 per week 2 - 24 weeks Age 18 - 50+

                            Payment methods

                            Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

                            NO CREDIT CARD FEES

                            Duration

                            2 - 24 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

                            Volunteer photos

                            •
                            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
                            I spent 2 weeks in May 2025 volunteering at the cat shelter in Santiago. Xaviera runs the shelter, she is such a sweet woman with a kind ...
                            Helen Carliss

                            Support a Cat Shelter

                            •
                            2025
                            All is good thank you, the accommodation is comfortable and in a good location for supermarkets, restaurants and bus/metro. The cat shelter ...
                            •
                            2017
                            Since I wanted to make something sensible in my life, I took a two-month break from my work in March / April 2017 to make volunteer work in ...

                            Location

                            Americas > South America > Chile > Santiago de Chile

                            Meet your project coordinator

                            Marion
                            174
                            reviews
                            4.71
                            Brilliant
                            2003
                            Founded

                            Verified

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

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                            Travel dates

                            1. - 1. Jan 1

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                            Price details