ANIMAL RESCUE, ASSISTANCE & CARE

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Program Description
In the Dominican Republic, countless animals urgently need rescue, care, and loving homes. Homeless, sick, neglected, and malnourished dogs, horses, mules, and cats require our immediate attention. The local Veterinary Service is a lifeline, offering emergency care and helping with international adoptions. We welcome volunteers and interns to join our dog rescue project, even if you don't have a veterinary background - a passion for dogs is what matters most! By raising awareness and educating children about animal well-being, you can create a lasting impact. Your support is crucial in providing care, finding new homes, and maintaining kennels. Join us to make a difference by caring for animals, providing training, and assisting in surgeries and neutering campaigns. Veterinarians and vet students are especially valued in this program. Together, let's give these animals a chance at a better life!

Volunteer placement or internship
Our program offers flexible commitment options for volunteers, ranging from a minimum of 4 hours daily up to to 40 hours per week - you decide! If you're joining as an intern, we understand that your school or university may have specific requirements. Please inform us in advance about your internship criteria, enabling us to tailor a personalized work plan to suit your needs. Share your expectations and goals with us, and we'll work together to ensure you achieve them. We are happy to give students academic credit or provide a report outlining the learning outcomes and deliverables achieved during the internship.

What to expect
As a volunteer helping with animal rescue and care, you can look forward to a fulfilling experience! While prior experience in an animal shelter, veterinarian clinic, or as a veterinary student or dog walker is beneficial, it is not a requirement. We welcome everyone willing to contribute their time and passion to our cause. Your tasks may involve various aspects of animal care, including cleaning kennels and stables, assisting with feeding, grooming, and providing much-needed attention and companionship to the animals. Be prepared for some physical work and spending time outdoors, as our mission often involves hands-on interactions with the animals. Despite the challenges, the joy of seeing the animals thrive under your care and the bonds you'll form with them make this volunteer opportunity exceptionally rewarding. Your dedication and compassion will play a vital role in giving these animals a chance at a better life and finding their forever homes. Join us in making a difference, and together, let's create a brighter future for these beautiful creatures!

Holidays

Christmas Holidays from December 16 until January 06, 2025.

Attention: Volunteers are welcome to stay at our Volunteer Guesthouse during Dominican Christmas and new year holidays! Even though working and business life comes to a halt through this two week period when the whole country is celebrating Christmas, our volunteers are welcome to celebrate Christmas and new year together with us and the Dominican people!

Activities can include, but are not limited to:

• Caring for dogs, maintaining kennels, and taking them for walks

• Organizing awareness and educational activities to improve the situation of neglected animals in the long run

• Assisting veterinarians during medical treatments, operations, and neutering or spaying procedures

• Supporting the admission of new patients and handling administrative procedures

• Participating in the annual castration campaign.
  
  

Requirements
Discover a fulfilling volunteer opportunity! No experience required, just a passion for animals. Engage in physical tasks like cleaning kennels, and be rewarded with love and appreciation from the animals. Whether you have basic or advanced Spanish skills, there are ample opportunities for you to contribute. To ensure your smooth integration into the community, we offer free Spanish classes, full support, and 24/7 backup. Join us in making a meaningful impact in the lives of these animals. With the necessary tools and assistance, your volunteering experience will be truly rewarding and enriching. Come be a part of this impactful journey, and together, we'll create a brighter future for these beloved creatures. Please bring these items: Gloves, Hand sanitizer, Masks, Work clothes.
Optionally /additionally you can also bring: Small bags of dog or cat treats, Food and water bowls, Plates and bowls, Chew toys, Bones and treats, Brushes and combs, Towels, Cotton and gauze, Paper towels, Cat scratchers, Collars and leashes, ID tags

Availability
This program is ongoing throughout the whole year

Time Commitment
A minimum time commitment of 4 weeks is required and can be extended up to one year

Placement Location
Las Terrenas

About your Placement Location
The Aldeas de Paz Foundation is based in the charming coastal villages of Samana and Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic. Samana, in the north-eastern corner, has about 15,000 inhabitants and is renowned for its safety, tranquil atmosphere, and beautiful beaches. The community values social responsibility and exudes a secure, small European town vibe. The Dominican Republic's countryside is widely recognized for its peacefulness, making it one of the safest regions in the Caribbean. When you join our program, you'll experience a welcoming and secure environment while contributing to meaningful projects in this picturesque part of the world.

Accommodation
Discover our sought-after volunteer guesthouse apartments in Samaná and Las Terrenas, offering convenience, safety, and scenic beauty. Standard accommodation includes shared rooms for bonding with fellow volunteers from diverse backgrounds. Choose from double, single, or homestay options to immerse in local culture. Enjoy free wifi and access to a washing machine. Collaborate with volunteers worldwide for a rich cultural exchange and lifelong friendships. Join us in creating a respectful and supportive community, ensuring a personally rewarding volunteering experience. Be part of this meaningful journey and leave with unforgettable memories and lasting friendships.

Travel Logistics
Volunteer safety is our top priority. Upon your arrival at the airport, our friendly English-speaking driver will be there to greet you and help with your transit to the bus terminal. They'll ensure you have a direct and comfortable bus ticket to Samana, your placement location (approximately 2 hours). Once you arrive, our dedicated staff and fellow volunteers will warmly welcome you and escort you to your accommodation.

Costs & Benefits
At Aldeas de Paz, we are committed to affordability and financial transparency with our open book policy. Our minimum contribution starts at just €155 per week (after the second week). This inclusive package covers Spanish language classes, comfortable accommodation in fully equipped guesthouse apartments, a dedicated program donation, personal welcome service, airport pick-up, bus transfer, bus fare, and a free transfer to your placement location.

This is included:

• Airport welcome service & transfer to your placement location

• Fully equipped Accommodation in Las Terrenas or Samana depending where you will be placed

• Free WiFi & access to washing machine

• Free regular Spanish lessons throughout your placement

• Placement introduction, certificate & student credit

• Full support and 24/7 backup from local staff

• Information about adventure packages & in-country travel

Special Offer
Enjoy free Spanish language classes for volunteers and interns, emphasizing practical communication skills. Develop listening, speaking, reading, and writing abilities naturally, similar to learning one's mother tongue. From day one, you'll use Spanish in real-life situations with role-plays, situational dialogues, and work projects complementing the basic syllabus. Beyond the classroom, immerse yourself in the Spanish language and Dominican culture for a continuous learning experience.

Program Highlights

• Immerse in the vibrant Dominican lifestyle, embracing the rhythm of Caribbean music

• Master Spanish fluency through free classes and embrace daily life with locals.

• Fuel your passion for learning and boost your career with international experience.

• Create unforgettable memories with weekend excursions alongside fellow participants.

• Relish the stunning beaches of Samana, conquer Pico Duarte's peaks, and explore Santo Domingo's historical colonial town.

What makes the Dominican Republic and Samana unique?
Samana, a captivating peninsula in the northeastern part of the Dominican Republic, boasts breathtaking beauty. With its lush coconut trees extending into the sea, it feels like a secluded island. The town of Samana is a picturesque and tranquil port, where friendly locals engage in tourism, agriculture, and fishing, all accompanied by the lively rhythms of Merengue, Bachata, and Salsa music. A two-kilometer-long Malecon (seaside promenade) offers delightful strolls day and night, leading to a variety of charming restaurants and bars, perfect for relaxing evenings. Surrounding the peninsula, you'll find hundreds of fantastic beaches, ready to be explored on day trips or weekend getaways. Embrace the Dominican lifestyle, enjoying the soothing rhythm of Caribbean music in this idyllic destination!

Packing List of program material (in case you like to bring with you):

• Gloves

• Hand sanitizer

• Masks

• Work clothes

• Garbage bags

• Cotton balls

• Food: Small bags of dog or cat treats

• Food and water bowls

• Plates and bowls

• Chew toys

• Bones and treats

• Brushes and combs

• Towels

• Cotton and gauze

• Paper towels

• Cat scratchers

• Collars and leashes

• ID tags

Contact Information
Project/charity name: Fundación Aldeas de Paz
Address: Samana, Dominican Republic
Whatsapp: +1 829 7055 123
E-Mail: mail@peacevillages.org
Webpage: https://www.peacevillages.org/animal-rescue-farm-maintenance/
Facebook: https://www.facebook/AldeasdePaz
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AldeasDePaz
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AldeasDePaz
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/Peacevillages