Animal Care and Shelter

location
1 - 20 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Brilliant 4.7  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Excellent response rate

Highlights

  • Help out at local animals shelters, who are in need of caring animal lovers to assist with the maintenance and care of unwanted animals
  • Get involved with community education, outreach and adoption services
  • Help care for the animals, and depending on experience, assist with procedures

Highlights

  • Help out at local animals shelters, who are in need of caring animal lovers to assist with the maintenance and care of unwanted animals
  • Get involved with community education, outreach and adoption services
  • Help care for the animals, and depending on experience, assist with procedures
  • Get involved in feeding, training, exercise, bathing, grooming and loving the animals, so they are ready for adoption
  • Stay with a host family for an authentic experience!


  • Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Many local animals shelters are in desperate need of caring animal lovers to assist with the maintenance and care of unwanted animals.

    PLEASE NOTE: Program closed between Saturday December 15th to January 11 2025 


    The Animal Care Project in Fiji serves the purpose of caring for unwanted animals and helping to educate the local people about the importance of a animal care awareness including spay and neutering. You may be a ...

    About the program

    PLEASE NOTE: Program closed between Saturday December 15th to January 11 2025 


    The Animal Care Project in Fiji serves the purpose of caring for unwanted animals and helping to educate the local people about the importance of a animal care awareness including spay and neutering. You may be a pre-university student considering a career in veterinary medicine, an undergraduate, a qualified vet or animal lover.    What ever your skill level we have opportunities for you to get your hands dirty!

    Volunteers work at various animal shelters in around the Nadi / Lautoka area.  The veterinary doctors who work in the clinics will be able to share their knowledge and experience with you.  You will gain valuable general and specialist animal experience sure to boost your resume in a highly competitive field.

    When you volunteer with animals, you’ll assist with the general running of animal centres.  Feeding, training, exercise, bathing, grooming, and loving the animals will be your main tasks, however volunteers with specialist skills can get involved in procedures and operations.  There is always a need for administrative assistance in the office as well as marketing and advertising support campaigning and educational materials.  In conclusion, you will see first hand how the running of a animal shelter works.

    IMPORTANT: As we are a non-for-profit charity organisation, all volunteers are required to meet a minimum fundraising commitment in addition to the program fees, to assist with the running costs of our organisation. The fundraising commitment is FJD 200 if you are placed for one week, FJD 350 for two weeks and FJD 500 for placements of three weeks or longer. The fundraising commitment can be either a cash donation or alternatively supplies to the equivalent value.

    Location
    Nadi is the main tourist hub with lots of back-packers places and night life. It’s also well known for for Denerau Marina where many large 5 star resorts are and western style shopping. Denerau is the gateway to the Fiji islands, which is the most popular choice for most holiday goers’ to Fiji. We’ll likely take you here and show you around as part of the orientation or if you’re heading out to the remote island teaching placement.

    Lautoka, located 20 min north of Nadi, is a lovely and safe working class harbour city with many areas to explore (eg. hiking trails, mud pools etc). You will be spending time in the working class areas where the genuine needs exist.

    Project Tasks
    Daily Tasks include the following below
    – Cleaning out Kennels
    – Feeding Animals
    – Vaccinations
    – Operations and inspections
    – De-sexing education
    – Cuddling and caring for the animals
    – Applying ointment and oral medications
    – Adoptive services
    – Phone & administration

    Periodic Tasks may include the following below (only sometimes required) 
    – Sanitation projects
    – Helping to run a pet fair 
    – Training local people
    – To teach young people skills in animal care. (When required)
    – Work on the development of material on pet care and the marketing of pet care for example, developing (When required)
    – School visit packages (including posters and talks) you will find entertaining and interesting.  

    *Please note

    The distance from the Host Family to the Animal Shelter is 20km.  There is no direct bus Service from the Host Family to the Animal Shelter so there are a few options to get and from the Animal Shelter;

    1. Option 1 includes walking and catching the Bus which can take approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes one way and will cost around $FJD4 one way.
    2. Option 2 is a combination of taxi and Bus which will cost you around FJD$15 one way and will take approximately 1 hour one way.
    3. Option 3 is door to door taxi service which will cost you FJD$30 one way and will take approximately 30 Minutes.

    Typical day

    7-8am – Breakfast and leave for volunteer project
    Break and lunch
    2-5pm – volunteering ends and then back to accommodation (you will volunteer for 4-6 hours each day)
    6-8pm – dinner

    Typical day

    7-8am – Breakfast and leave for volunteer project
    Break and lunch
    2-5pm – volunteering ends and then back to accommodation (you will volunteer for 4-6 hours each day)
    6-8pm – dinner


    Free-time activities

    Weekends are always free for relaxing or sightseeing of your choice. Our ground operators will help you organize additional trips with special (non tourist) rates which can be paid directly in local currency.

    Volunteers based in Nadi & Lautoka can choose from a wide variety of options with Nadi being ...

    Free-time activities

    Weekends are always free for relaxing or sightseeing of your choice. Our ground operators will help you organize additional trips with special (non tourist) rates which can be paid directly in local currency.

    Volunteers based in Nadi & Lautoka can choose from a wide variety of options with Nadi being the main tourist hub for Fiji and the Fijian Islands.

    Volunteers based in the Coral Coast can spend the weekends exploring Suva, visiting Colo-I-Suva or Mosquito Island and searching the craft and produce markets in Suva’s town centre. From Pacific Harbour you can organize activities, such as kayaking, white-water rafting, shark feeding, jet ski tours, zip lining and diving.

    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)

    Criminal Background Check

    required

    Required Documents

    Min fundraising requirement (see program info) and A Volunteer Visa is required for over 3 weeks duration

    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

    Services by Involvement Volunteers IVI

    Return airport pickup/drop off
    Accommodation  (Home Stays – Sharing with other volunteers)
    2 meals p/day (Breakfast & Dinner)
    Filtered drinking water, coffee & tea daily
    Full day orientation & training + cultural sightseeing
    In country 24/7 coordination & emergency assistance
    Fundraising support
    University course credits (where applicable)
    Certificate of Completion    

    Airport Pickup at Nadi International Airport

    For home stay placements, arrival and departure airport transfers are included in the cost of your volunteer program for a pick-up from Nadi to the Nadi / Lautoka areas. 

    Transportation to/from your home stay to the placement each day is generally your responsibility, however your home stay family will assist you and ensure you receive local rates for any costs involved. We’ll place you as close as possible to the placement to limit daily travel times. Expect between 5-50 min each way for a small local transport fee.

    If arriving on the Saturday, you’ll need to book an extra nights accommodation in advance for an extra cost p/night, which includes meals. 

    Accommodation

    Enjoy living like a Fiji local. You’ll have your own single or twin share room within private, clean and safe western style homes. You will have a place to store your personal belongings, a private bathroom and toilet (where possible – not all placements include this), a fan and single mattress or double/queen if sharing with your partner. Some home stays have self contained flats separate from the main residence. You can choose this option if desired. Internet is usually not included with most volunteers purchasing a temporary 3G plan for their own device.

    Food & Beverages

    Meals are included and served at the host family for breakfast and dinner with lunch on site. A typical day may consist of (subject to variation):

    Breakfast – cereal, bread, butter etc, tea, coffee, milo. Volunteers can make their own eggs should they wish.
    Lunch – Volunteers to prepare their own sandwich. Tuna, cold meat, salad, eggs. Some prefer to take left over dinner from the night before for lunch.
    Dinner – Cooked meal (eg. stews, soups, curries, fish, roast vegetables, taro, sweet potato, bread, rice etc.

    Internet Access

    Limited access at the project site

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Nadi International Airport (NAN) in Nadi. We assist you to find cheap flights to Fiji. 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 Fiji provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

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

    1 week (min. stay) 740€
    2 weeks 902€
    3 weeks 1,063€
    4 weeks 1,244€
    8 weeks 1,900€
    12 weeks 2,531€
    20 weeks (max. stay) 4,018€
    Average fees 470€/week

    Program fees

    470€ per week 1 - 20 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    1 - 20 weeks

    Deposit

    The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.


    Final Payment

    Your final payment will be agreed with Involvement Volunteers IVI during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


    Meet your organization

    Involvement Volunteers IVI

    Brilliant 4.7 rating (204 reviews)

    Non-profit - founded in 1989

    Verified by Volunteer World

      Excellent response rate

    Coordinated by

    Lauren

    Spoken languages: English

    About the project

    IVI are a non profit org with 28 years experience providing responsible volunteer placements in 15 countries worldwide. We help you connect with inspiring opportunities

    Meet your organization

    Involvement Volunteers International delivers positive social change to developing communities and vulnerable populations through local, national & international volunteering.  Our projects empower the skilled & un-skilled to catalyse the efforts of local partners in creating a better world.


    WHO WE ARE

    Founded in 1989, IVI is a pioneer of overseas volunteering.  Back when there was no internet and phones were a luxury in many parts of the world, we traveled to developing countries in search of credible NGO's in need of manpower and global volunteer resources.  Some of the many relationships we forged are utilized to this day. 

    We are passionate about volunteering and giving back to society and in particular developing communities which are less fortunate than us.  In this way, we combine travelling with volunteering to help people make a positive impact overseas.

    SOCIAL EXPERIENCES
    All of IVI’s projects have a strong social element at the core.  With more manpower (& womanpower!) we can truly catalyse the efforts of our local partners.  This means you're sure to meet loads of like-minded people from all parts of the world.   This type of experience truly broadens your understanding of the world and yourself, opening your heart to new enlightened ways of thinking .   With your new found travel companions, you'll have plenty of opportunity to explore and have fun!  

    Our projects create a unique platform to experience the true heart and soul of a destination rather than simply the tourist areas.   We'll involve you in meaningful & responsible volunteer work that really benefits the local communities.

    AFFORDABLE VOLUNTEER TRAVEL
    As a non profit org, we are not motivated by shareholder profits.  Our fee structure is fully transparent to ensure volunteers hard earned money is going directly to the areas where it is most needed.  It is vitally important to us that the presence of volunteers has a positive and sustainable impact on the local communities we work with.   

    We charge a one off US$275 application fee per volunteer to cover the running of IVI including administration overheads, project inspection costs, marketing, and salaries.

    The program fee starts at $150 p/week and goes straight to the in country management to cover arrival airport transfers, on the ground coordination, orientation, accommodation, meals, in country 24/7 project support, project development, donations and related administration costs.   

    In comparison to many of our competitors, our programs are incredible value.

    SAFETY & RESPONSIBLE PROGRAMS
    With approx 80-90% of our volunteers being single young female travelers, volunteer safety is of the utmost importance.  All of our projects include a dedicated 24/7 in-country management support contact as well as a dedicated placement manager pre/post journey.  This ensures you will be cared for every step of the way.    The local teams are highly experienced and qualified to manage emergency situations.

    All IVI projects have been personally inspected to ensure the standards meet necessary guidelines for quality and safety.  In addition, we monitor and maintain communication with local embassies to oversee potential issues in order to notify volunteers and their families accordingly.   

    Our Australian team are available 24/7 and only a phone call away.

    Our responsibility also extends to the local people which is why volunteers working in childcare related fields must provide a criminal background check before they travel.   Our ultimate goal is the long term development of the communities we work with, hence we work closely with our local partners to ensure that projects are needs driven and sustainable. 

    SUPPORT

    From your very first inquiry, right through to your welcome home, you'll have the same dedicated volunteer manager at every stage.  We are experts in the field and will provide you in depth insights about what to expect and how to prepare to ensure you have an amazing experience overseas.  Every project includes a detailed welcome pack which provides all aspects needed such as in country contacts, what to pack, cultural values, basic language guides and much much more.   

    On arrival at your destination, you'll be greeted by one of our in-country team and in many cases 1 week orientation is provided to help ease you into the way of life and ensure you're equipped with the right customs to ensure a successful volunteer abroad experience.  

    FUN!
    Volunteering abroad is quite possibly the most rewarding experience you will have in your life!   We know this not only through our own experiences, but through the testimonies from thousands of volunteers we have successfully placed worldwide over 27+ years in operation.  Volunteering overseas is not only rewarding.   It's fun!   You're meeting new people, you're seeing new sights, and you're expanding your understanding of yourself and the world.  You're experiencing something real and life changing in many ways...  

    GET INVOLVED WITH IVI TODAY!

    204 reviews · rating4.7

    Elke Wiget-Schwartz rating5

    2024 at Animal Care and Shelter

    "A fantastic and varied experience at the animal shelter with a welcoming team of colleagues. The shelter provides a meaningful opportunity to get involved in animal care, while also offering a unique insight into the daily life and culture of Fiji. It’s the perfect experience for anyone who is ...
    Jessica M rating5

    2023 at Animal Care and Shelter

    The volunteering was amazing!! I really enjoyed my time in Fiji working with all the staff members at Animals Fiji, they were all amazing and made us feel so welcome. During the volunteering I spent time in the shelter working with the puppies, dogs and kittens, the tasks included health checks, ...
    Madison rating5

    2023 at Animal Care and Shelter

    It was an awesome time volunteering at Animals Fiji Nadi clinic. I learnt so many new skills and have seen a new perspective on the animal industry in a third world country. I loved being apart of both the shelter team and clinic and applying my own strengths to them as well as developing my ...
    Steph rating4.6

    2023 at Animal Care and Shelter

    Volunteering was excellent, I got to experience what it was like to be working with animals in Fiji. I had conversations with locals which gave me great insight into religious and cultural beliefs which impact animal control. Being immersed in local culture was fantastic and gave an experience which ...
    Chayenne rating4.6

    2023 at Animal Care and Shelter

    Looking after dogs, cats and puppies was my main task. Taking them for a walk and giving them lots of love is the best thing you can do. Some of them went through a lot so they needed you much more. Perfect! So grateful for the everyone I got to know the last two weeks! Accommodation & food were ...
    Steph rating4.6

    2023 at Animal Care and Shelter

    Volunteering was excellent, I got to experience what it was like to be working with animals in Fiji. I had conversations with locals which gave me great insight into religious and cultural beliefs which impact animal control. Being immersed in local culture was fantastic and gave an experience ...

    Location

    Oceania > Melanesia > Fiji > Nadi

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    Contact Lauren
      Excellent response rate
    English

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