Animal volunteer guide: how to make a real impact

Do you want to make a real difference while diving into your passion for animals? Becoming an animal volunteer could be your next big adventure. This isn't just about giving back; it's about becoming part of something larger than yourself, where every effort counts towards saving lives and nurturing bonds between humans and animals.

From local shelters to wildlife sanctuaries, the opportunities are varied, ready for passionate individuals like you.

Benefits of volunteering with animals

Volunteering with animals is a game-changer. Helping our four-legged buddies goes beyond just lending them a hand - it's about sparking a change in their lives and yours. After all, when you volunteer with animals, you're not just giving your time. You're getting a whole lot back in return. Here are a few benefits from being an animal volunteer:

Making a difference

Every volunteer shift, every moment spent caring for an animal in need - it all adds up to a huge difference. By volunteering, you step into a role that's much larger than just you—it’s about joining forces with others for the greater good. You become a lifeline, a hero, a force for good in the world.

Building connections

When you volunteer with animals, you're not just connecting with the furry kind. You're also connecting with other humans who share your passion.

As an animal volunteer, you'll meet people from all walks of life - fellow volunteers, shelter staff, veterinarians, animal lovers of all stripes. These connections can lead to lifelong friendships, professional networks, and a real sense of community.

Personal fulfillment

There's a unique kind of joy that comes from impacting an animal's life in a positive way. Seeing a dog that you've worked with find their forever home, or watching an injured bird take flight after rehabilitation - those moments stay with you.

Apart from that, studies show that volunteering boosts happiness, reduces stress, and even improves physical health.

Gaining experience

Rolling up your sleeves and diving into volunteer work is an unbeatable way to get real, hands-on experience with animals. If you're interested in a career in animal welfare or veterinary care, volunteer work can be a valuable addition to your resume. You'll learn new skills, build your knowledge, and make connections in the field.

And even if you don’t plan on working in this field, you'll likely gain valuable skills and experience that can translate to all sorts of careers. Think about it: communication, teamwork, problem-solving, compassion. These are the kinds of skills that make you stand out in any field.

Main types of animal volunteer opportunities

There are many ways to get involved and make a difference as an animal volunteer. Shall we go over the main types of facilities that might need your help?

Animal shelters

Animal shelters are always in need of dedicated volunteers. Whether you're out there walking dogs, spending time with cats to help them get used to human contact, or lending a hand during adoption events, the opportunities to create positive change are endless.

Wildlife rehabilitation centers

Have a passion for wild animals? Wildlife rescue centers often rely on volunteers to help care for injured or orphaned animals, from baby birds to full-grown deer. You might assist with feeding, cleaning enclosures, or even releasing rehabilitated animals back into their natural habitats.

Animal sanctuaries

Animal sanctuaries provide a forever home for animals who can't be reinserted into nature. As a volunteer at a sanctuary, you might help with feeding, grooming, or providing enrichment activities to keep the animals happy and healthy. It's a chance to give these animals the love and care they deserve.

Veterinary clinics

Veterinary clinics sometimes accept volunteers to help with basic tasks like cleaning or restocking supplies. If you're interested in a career in veterinary medicine, it's a great way to gain experience and learn more about animal care.

Animal volunteer opportunities on Worldpackers

Ready to start your animal volunteer adventure? The work exchange platform Worldpackers is a great place to find opportunities all over the globe.

Here's the step-by-step on how to use it: 

1. First create a stellar profile that showcases your skills, experience, and passion for animal welfare. Be sure to include any relevant certifications, training, or previous volunteer work. Think of your profile as your volunteer resume - it's your chance to make a great first impression and stand out to potential hosts.
2. Once your profile is ready to go, it's time to start searching for volunteer opportunities that match your interests and skills. Use the search filters on Worldpackers to narrow down your options by location, type of project, and more. To see the opportunities related to animal care, click on “Volunteer opportunities”, and then choose the filter “Animal care” under “Skills”.
3. Found a volunteer opportunity that speaks to you? Great. Now it's time to apply. Read the project description carefully and be sure to highlight why you're a great fit for the project and what you hope to gain from the experience. If selected, you can also ask questions, discuss expectations, and make sure it's a good match on both sides.
4. Then it's time to start preparing for your big adventure. You might need to book your flights, make sure you're up to date with any shots, or pack the right gear for the trip.

Check out some of the animal volunteer positions available at the platform:

Volunteer in an animal sanctuary in Katmandu, Nepal

This animal sanctuary is looking for volunteers to help animals staying there. They currently host more than 200 dogs and farm animals like pigs, goats, buffaloes, and cows. They need help in bathing, walking, grooming, and feeding the animals, and cleaning the shelter. Vet students who want to do an internship are also welcome.

“I spent a month at the organization and honestly didn't want to leave. The dogs are amazing. The family who live at the organization full time are so sweet and great with the dogs and the volunteers. The doctors are nice and work with dogs. There is a good amount of cleaning to do, but you do get to spend a good amount of time cuddling/walking/bathing the dogs as well. I miss these dogs more than anything”, said Nyssa, a former volunteer from the USA.

Help and learn about equine care and behavior in Greece

Does living on a Greek island while helping care for lovely ponies sound too good to be true? It's not! Through Worldpackers you can join host Amanda in helping her care for endangered Skyrian ponies on the Greek island of Skyros. 

During your stay you'll spend roughly 25 hours a week learning and helping care for the ponies as well as the other animals on the farm, which include dogs, cats, goats, and chickens.

“I stayed at Amanda and Stathis' farm for two months. Both of them are incredibly kind and welcoming, treating their volunteers with much respect and open hearts. Their dedication to the project is mind-blowing. They both give their all and still go above and beyond to care for not only the many beautiful horses, but all the animals they have taken into their care. The farm is a place where you can truly learn more about yourself, while also never getting too bored as there is always something to do or discover around the farm/island. I had a wonderful time there and would definitely come back!”, said Mara, from Germany, who recently volunteered there.

Contribute with a rescue center for stray dogs in Peru

At this rescue center for stray dogs in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, in Peru, they need help with the daily operation of the center, walking and playing with the dogs, feeding them and giving them water, hosting tours of the shelter for visitors, and working with the local population to raise awareness in dog welfare. 

They charge a volunteer fee of $56 per person for the first 2 weeks. If your stay exceeds 2 weeks, you will not be charged any further fees. This helps them with the costs of purchasing and maintaining volunteer amenities and facilities, utilities, Wi-Fi, and food ingredients.

“You are going to fall in love with the shelterdogs! Each of them is special, and if you're going to stay long enough you'll be lucky to get really closed to them. Emily will kindly and generously receive you in her home, with her two kids and all the dogs. She will let you feel at home and involved in all the daily activities. You are going to be part of a great family and to know a little piece of Peru in a special and truly way. Lastly, the shelter is located in an incredible position in which you can enjoy the Sacred Valley!”, said Benedetta, from Italy.

Care for rescued animals in Morocco

Discover the beautiful port city of Essaouira, Morocco while helping host Henry care for the cats, dogs, and donkeys that he's rescued from the streets. Most of the work there is cleaning and watching over the animals. Volunteers are given three meals a day and lodging and contribute with 12€ per day to cover their living costs.

“This was my first time volunteering and I couldn't have asked for a better experience! Hamila and Henry were amazing hosts that made me feel welcome and at home as soon as I arrived. I loved spending time with and caring for all the animals, cooking and cleaning and playing cards. Staying over Ramadan was especially a really lovely and cool experience that I would recommend to anyone. Thank you so much for your hospitality and the amazing work that you do, I can't wait to come back at some point”, said Amber, from the UK.

Help care for rescued llamas and alpacas in Texas

The Llama Rescue Foster Farm welcomes travelers who want to make a difference in the lives of llamas or alpacas that have been rescued. You can explore the hill country of Texas in your off hours and the hosts tailor projects to the talents volunteers may have, as there are many tasks to choose from. 

Among other things, you can help cleaning or repairing facilities and caring for the animals. In exchange for your volunteer work, you’ll get lodging in a cabin and three vegetarian meals a day.

“Our stay was wonderful. We were really able to understand the reasons why llamas and alpacas come to the shelter. Mrs. Baxter is a kind, patient and very special woman. We had a new experience with dry toilets and discovered that it's an interesting and viable alternative for environmental care and water saving. Our cat Baby Jelly loved the place, because he was able to explore a lot and be surrounded by nature. We were able to see spectacular sunsets and a starry sky that we'll not forget. The peace of refuge is unparalleled. Llamas and alpacas are treated with love and responsibility”, said former volunteer Valeria, from Colombia.

Play with animals at an NGO in Cape Verde

Does living on an island in Cape Verde while taking care of pets sound like a dream to you? At Simabô, an NGO that takes care of abandoned dogs and cats in Mindelo, there is paid staff to clean and feed the animals, so volunteers are responsible for walking the dogs, playing with them, brushing and cuddling them and checking that they are in good health, especially the puppies. 

They request volunteers to contribute 10 Euros per day to cover their accommodation and the transport to the shelter.

"The experience at Simabô was the best thing I’ve done in my life so far. In addition to accomplishing the dream to live in another culture, I was able to do incredible work in a wonderful place with very inspiring people. The choice of the NGO could not have been better. I was very well received and the work itself is enriching", said Worldpackers’ volunteer Danielle, from Brazil.

Help protect sea turtles on Pacuare Island, Costa Rica

What about living by the beach and helping endangered sea turtles? Poaching and habitat loss caused by urban development, tourism and global warming are some of the menaces faced by sea turtles in Costa Rica. 

To join the fight against those threats you can volunteer with organizations like this one and help the turtles by doing night patrols, gathering data for researchers, among other activities. At the same time, you can live the pura vida lifestyle, relax, and have fun.

"I spent an amazing week with 2 of my friends here! All of the staff were such kind and wonderful people and I miss them already. The work was enjoyable and we had a great time taking a break from our regular lives. Considering the remote setting, amenities were definitely reasonable and the hosts were always committed to help us make our stay comfortable. Be prepared for physical activity (especially if you go on turtle patrols.) The setting was beautiful and it was incredible to see so many animals like sea turtles, monkeys, sloths and more in their natural habitat! Thank you so much!", said Amberley, from Japan.

You might also like to read:

• 15 amazing Worldpackers experiences to volunteer with animals
• 6 types of volunteer work abroad that gives you free accommodation
• The best environmental volunteering opportunities around the world

What to expect as an animal volunteer

Want to have an idea of what you can expect as an animal volunteer? Every host has its own set of needs when it comes to how many hours volunteers should chip in. Some ask for a weekly or monthly commitment, while others are more flexible. Be realistic about how much time you can give and communicate that clearly with the volunteer coordinator.

Typical duties

Your day-to-day tasks will depend on the type of organization you're volunteering with and your specific role. If you’re applying to be an animal volunteer through Worldpackers, this will be stated in the position’s announcement, and you can get more specifics by talking to the host.

For example, you could be out there strolling with pups, scrubbing down kennels, whipping up some pet chow, or helping furry friends find their forever homes. Don't worry if you're not an expert - most organizations will provide all the training you need.

As an animal volunteer, you'll likely interact with a wide variety of furry (or feathered, or scaly) friends. Some may be friendly and outgoing, while others may be shy or fearful. Treating each animal like the unique individual they are while sticking to safety precautions is crucial.

It’s also good to know, however, that volunteering with animals doesn't always involve direct animal care. Your help might be needed in administrative tasks or community outreach programs. In this case, you help spread the word about animal welfare issues, promote adoption and spay/neuter programs, and educate the public about responsible pet ownership.

Following safety guidelines

Speaking of safety, most organizations have strict protocols in place to protect both volunteers and animals. This might include washing your hands between handling animals, wearing closed-toe shoes, or avoiding certain areas of the facility. Be sure to pay attention during training and ask questions if you're unsure about anything.

Tips for success as an animal volunteer

So, you've signed up to volunteer with animals. Congrats! Buckle up because you're about to dive into an adventure of a lifetime. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your experience:

Communicating with staff and other volunteers

Communication is key in any volunteer setting. Don't be afraid to ask questions if anything is unclear. The more you know, the more confident and effective you'll be as a volunteer.

If you notice anything unusual about an animal's behavior or health, speak up. Your observations could make a big difference in catching and treating potential issues early on.

Prioritizing animal welfare

Of course you want to have a good time but remember that your top priority should always be the welfare of the animals in your care. This means following all safety protocols, handling animals gently and respectfully, and advocating for their needs.

It also means taking care of yourself so that you can show up as your best self for the animals. Make sure you're getting enough rest, eating well, and taking breaks when needed.

Reaching out for emotional support if needed

Volunteering with animals can be incredibly rewarding, but also emotionally challenging at times. Take some time to reflect on your motivations, set realistic expectations, and build a support system of friends and family who can cheer you on from afar.

You might see cases of neglect or abuse that break your heart. You might get attached to an animal only to say goodbye when they find their forever home. It's okay to feel those emotions - it means you care. But hey, let's not forget to celebrate the positive changes you're sparking out there, even if they seem tiny. Every animal you help is a life changed for the better.

By choosing to become an animal volunteer, you're not only lending hands but also heart—helping shape better futures for our furry (and not so furry) friends. From bustling city shelters to serene wildlife sanctuaries across the globe, many animal care facilities thrive because people like you decide they want their days filled with purposeful actions.

So, what are you waiting for? Sign up to Worldpackers, create your free profile and start saving your favorite animal volunteer opportunities!