Wolf, Wolfdog and Husky Sanctuary Helper

location
2 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 17 - 50+

rating  Brilliant 4.7  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Excellent response rate

Highlights

  • Assist with enrichment of rescued Wolves, Wolf dogs and Huskies at a sanctuary keeping them stimulated in captivity making "bark boxes', grooming and walking
  • Help with the feeding and care of rescued Marmosets, Alpacas and farm animals which live at the sanctuary
  • Take part in food preparation and feeding of various species of animals and learn about their diet and needs

Highlights

  • Assist with enrichment of rescued Wolves, Wolf dogs and Huskies at a sanctuary keeping them stimulated in captivity making "bark boxes', grooming and walking
  • Help with the feeding and care of rescued Marmosets, Alpacas and farm animals which live at the sanctuary
  • Take part in food preparation and feeding of various species of animals and learn about their diet and needs
  • Spend time with the rescued huskies assisting to socialise them
  • Jam packed weekends filled with extreme sports, whale & dolphin watching, local markets, lagoon cruises, beach & forest walks, wildlife safaris & animal sanctuaries


  • Especially good for

    Age 17+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Help out at an animal sanctuary working with rescued wolves, wolfdogs and rescued huskies and other animals like marmosets, llamas, tortoises and farm animals

    Surrounded by beautiful pine forests, this beautiful, serene 6-hectare sanctuary, founded in 2000, is home to rescued ex-pets and animals from the exotic pet trade. There are two areas that you could help with, one being with the wolves, wolf dogs, huskies, marmosets, tortoises and the other with ...

    About the program

    Surrounded by beautiful pine forests, this beautiful, serene 6-hectare sanctuary, founded in 2000, is home to rescued ex-pets and animals from the exotic pet trade. There are two areas that you could help with, one being with the wolves, wolf dogs, huskies, marmosets, tortoises and the other with the farmyard animals like the goats, pigs, sheep, horses, donkeys, emu, alpacas and bunnies.

    You would work as part of a team under the animal manager and between duties, have time to spend special moments with the animals.

    You will work Monday to Friday with plenty of time to explore the neighbouring areas on weekends from blue flag beaches, hiking, wildlife reserves, animal sanctuaries to getting to partake in the fantastic extreme sports the area has to offer

    Currently there are several packs comprising of wolves, wolf dogs, huskies and 2 marmoset brothers. The wolves, wolf dogs and huskies get fed once a day while the marmosets need to be fed twice a day

    The farmyard animals get fed three times a day so lots of feeding routines to help with

    Morning feeds start early at 8.00 am and the day normally ends at 5pm with lots of little breaks in-between. Please be aware some of the animals are fed a healthy raw food diet so meat is handled and needs to be prepared

    Your duties may include:

    • Food preparation- you will receive instruction on how to do this and what each animal’s diet is and how much to give them
    • Feeding routines through designated areas of the sanctuary
    • Checking the fences of the nature sanctuary
    • Cleaning, tidying, and repairing animal enclosures
    • Building new enclosures and expanding existing enclosures
    • Making animal enrichments like “bark boxes” and of course they love soft toys, so any donations are always welcome although they do not last too long
    • Walking and running the huskies. This needs to be done to alleviate boredom. The huskies in particular love a lot of attention. One of the huskies has Down Syndrome so in his case, a more slower pace walk is needed
    • Grooming and playing with the huskies
    • Removing alien and invasive vegetation around the sanctuary
    • Guiding tourists around the sanctuary and helping with the wolf tours. This is also a great way to learn about the background of the animals that are homed at the sanctuary
    • Helping with cutting firebreaks around the sanctuary
    • Assisting with general duties in the restaurant
    • Unloading deliveries
    • Administration work and any other general maintenance or project needed at the time
    • Assisting with social media- great photos of the animals are always appreciated
    If you have any specific skills or qualifications that you feel could be of extra help, please let us know



    Typical day

    Typical day

    • 7.00am – Wake up, freshen up, grab a bite to eat for breakfast and prepare a light lunch for the day
    • 7.30am – You will be collected at your accommodation by your volunteer coordinator to be taken to the sanctuary
    • 8.00am to 9.00am – Arrive at the sanctuary to help prepare the food for ...

    Typical day

    Typical day

    • 7.00am – Wake up, freshen up, grab a bite to eat for breakfast and prepare a light lunch for the day
    • 7.30am – You will be collected at your accommodation by your volunteer coordinator to be taken to the sanctuary
    • 8.00am to 9.00am – Arrive at the sanctuary to help prepare the food for and start the feeding routines
    • 9.00am to 10.00am – Time to do the rounds of the sanctuary and check that all is in order with the enclosures and animals
    • 10.00 am to 10.30am -Tea break
    • 10.30am to 1pm – Allocated volunteer daily duties or project
    • 1.00 to 2.00pm – Break for lunch
    • 2.00pm to 5.00pm – Complete your daily project and if finished early, enjoy some quiet time with the animals
    • 5.00pm- Your volunteer coordinator will collect you and drive you back to your volunteer accommodation or you may choose to spend a bit of time at the shops


    Free-time activities

    The area that Knysna is situated is the Garden Route of the province of the Western Cape and it is a dream for animal lovers and extreme sports enthusiasts as there are numerous private wildlife reserves, national parks, whale watching, predator sanctuaries, primate sanctuaries, elephant ...

    Free-time activities

    The area that Knysna is situated is the Garden Route of the province of the Western Cape and it is a dream for animal lovers and extreme sports enthusiasts as there are numerous private wildlife reserves, national parks, whale watching, predator sanctuaries, primate sanctuaries, elephant sanctuaries, bird sanctuaries, skydiving, paragliding, sandboarding, ziplining, numerous interesting markets, quaint shops and fantastic restaurants so boredom is not an option and weekends are jam-packed. It is very easy to find your feet, so volunteers tend to settle in within a few days. You will be given a site induction  on arrival

    Included in the project is a tour of the Saturday markets and a wildlife reserve- entry for your own cost-and a Sunday welcome braai (BBQ) to experience true South African hospitality and traditional meals to add to your experience of South African culture


    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 17 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 17 years old on the program start date.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level)

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Other Skills

    Students studying zoology, conservation or veterinary medicine are also welcome. Those with a background in dog training, behaviourists or rescue would be a bonus

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 08:00 - 17:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    Services by Volunteer Int. Adventures

    The cost of the project includes accommodation, a food allowance, daily transport to and from Knysna to the project, airport collections and drop offs 

    from George or Plettenberg Bay airport  staff on the ground available for emergencies 24/7 and to oversee your stay and safety, marketing costs, donations to the project, a Saturday tour of markets and a wildlife safari- entrance fee for your own cost-and a Sunday lunch braai (BBQ) either at the beach or the forest with all the trimmings with true South African hospitality.  

     The Saturday tour and Sunday braai are included for those booking 15 days and longer. For those booking 14 days, only one or the other, is included

    Airport Pickup at George Airport

    Airport collection and drop off is included . You will need to fly into George Airport for your airport collection where you will be met by your Volunteer International Adventures representative and driven to your volunteer accommodation in Knysna. On completion of your project, you will be returned to George Airport in time for your flight

    Accommodation

    The volunteer accommodation is a self-catering shared apartment in the centre of the town of Knysna close to shopping malls, restaurants, take-aways, gyms, nightlife, entertainment areas and essential services. There is security and the area is safe to walk around during the day. Accommodation is either shared with another volunteer or single depending on volunteer numbers with each room having its own bedroom with either double or twin beds, a TV, bathroom with a shower, basin and toilet. There is a braai facility and kitchen for meals. There is also WIFI, satellite TV and a washing machine. Couples, friends, and families can be accommodated. Knysna also has taxis, shuttles and Uber for getting around.

    Food & Beverages

    You will receive a food allowance for your basic food essentials for preparing your meals. You will be taken for a grocery shop as part of your induction on your arrival. This means that you can choose the specific food if you have set dietary requirements. There is a kitchen for cooking

    Internet Access

    Limited access at the project site

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is George Airport (GRJ) in George. We assist you to find cheap flights to South Africa. 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 South Africa provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

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

    Details on arrival

    Starting days are Monday to Friday all year round. Closed between the 5th of December and the 15th of January.

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

    Program fees

    2 weeks (min. stay) 1,450€
    3 weeks 1,954€
    4 weeks 2,459€
    5 weeks 2,963€
    6 weeks 3,468€
    7 weeks 3,972€
    8 weeks 4,476€
    9 weeks 4,981€
    10 weeks 5,485€
    11 weeks 5,989€
    12 weeks (max. stay) 6,494€
    Average fees 633€/week

    Program fees

    633€ per week 2 - 12 weeks Age 17 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    2 - 12 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 Volunteer Int. Adventures during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


    Meet your organization

    Volunteer Int. Adventures

    Brilliant 4.7 rating (70 reviews)

    Agency - founded in 2020

    Verified by Volunteer World

      Excellent response rate

    Coordinated by

    Sharon

    Spoken languages: Afrikaans, English

    About the project

    We are a hands-on volunteer organisation with 16 years' experience of working with volunteers in animal care, veterinary, conservation and youth projects.

    Meet your organization

    Volunteer International Adventures is dedicated to youth and animal projects, which are areas of great passion for us. We recognize the need for assistance from international volunteers in developing countries and have witnessed the transformative impact of their hands-on involvement on communities and conservation efforts.

    "Empowering Change Through Ethical Volunteer holidays"

    Our core priorities are as follows:

    1. Culture and Cultural Sensitivity:

    We encourage our volunteers to fully immerse themselves in the culture of the country they are volunteering in, understanding that volunteering differs significantly from being a tourist. By working closely with local communities and project partners, our volunteers gain profound insights into the challenges faced by the country. We actively support and facilitate opportunities for volunteers to engage in various activities, interact with locals, and educate themselves about the nation's history, no matter how difficult it may be. Cultural sensitivity is paramount, and we ensure that our approach is collaborative rather than imposing our own ideas. We welcome suggestions and creative ideas from our volunteers, as they often prove to be feasible and enrich the communities we serve.

    2. Fulfilling Volunteer Experiences:

    We strive to ensure that all our volunteers leave with a sense of accomplishment. Whether it is helping a child grasp mathematics, teaching cricket to school children, providing sewing classes to uplift youth, participating in wildlife conservation efforts such as satellite collaring African wild dogs or rhino relocation, collecting data on great white shark populations, treating sick indigenous wildlife, assisting with animal sterilization in disadvantaged communities, instilling a love for reading in children, or teaching marimba classes—the list is diverse and extensive. We want our volunteers to develop a deep connection with the country they are assisting and forge lifelong friendships that can serve as future ambassadors for their respective nations.

    3. Ethical Projects:

    We strictly oppose trophy hunting and the breeding of lions for commercial gain. Our wildlife and animal projects take place in free-roaming reserves, registered rehabilitation centers, or sanctuaries where the animals are non-releasable due to injuries, human habituation, or being non-indigenous to the area. We support local and ethical animal sanctuaries and reserves, which our volunteers can visit during their free time. When working with children in teaching, care, or youth development projects, we require a recent paper copy of a background check (CRB check) from volunteers' countries of origin. This precaution ensures the safety and well-being of the children we serve, who often come from challenging socio-economic backgrounds and have been let down by adults in the past. We prioritize the protection of innocent animals and children who cannot advocate for themselves.

    4. Responsible and Sustainable Approach:

    We take pride in implementing responsible and sustainable projects that involve local community members, ensuring the continuity of operations even when volunteer numbers are low. While some projects rely heavily on volunteer support due to limited funds, we strive to strike a balance by involving sufficient local participation.

    5. Cost Effectiveness:

    Having collaborated with volunteers on projects for nearly 15 years, we recognize that volunteering can come at a significant cost. Therefore, we are committed to making volunteering more accessible, reasonable, and inclusive. Our projects encompass various extras, and we maintain affordability by keeping costs low and encouraging increased hands-on assistance. We offer negotiable family, friends, and group discounts, as volunteering together enables us to further reduce expenses. Loyalty is rewarded, and returning volunteers receive special recognition in our projects. Additionally, our costs include donations to our projects, contributing to their sustainability and impact.

    6. Safety:

    The safety of our volunteers is of paramount importance. We thoroughly vet and assess all our projects, ensuring adequate safety measures are in place. While certain areas may be off-limits due to potential risks, it is important to note that complete safety guarantees are impossible in any location. We have established channels for reporting incidents and maintain close relationships with in-country support on the ground. Furthermore, we possess liability insurance and require all participants to have personal travel insurance. To provide comprehensive support, we arrange airport collections and drop-offs, ensuring our volunteers are assisted throughout their entire journey. We pride ourselves on delivering a personal touch and remain available 24/7 to address any emergencies.

    Please remember to arrange your comprehensive travel insurance at the time of booking your trip, as it is an essential aspect of ensuring your well-being and peace of mind.

    We sincerely appreciate your interest in Volunteer International Adventures and our commitment to making a positive impact through responsible volunteering. Should you have any further questions or require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact us.

    70 reviews · rating4.7

    Ra Ramakrishnan rating5

    2023 at Wolf, Wolfdog and Husky Sanctuary Helper

    Our volunteer experience was nothing short of amazing. Sharon and Rustin took care of us from A to Z, ensuring we had a safe, fun and comfortable trip during our time in South Africa. Volunteering with the wolf sanctuary was fruitful and educational, with Angelique and Carina making sure we had ...
    Kemly Yambay rating5

    2024 at Horse Rescue and Rehabilitation

    An experience that I will never forget and forever in my heart thanks to all the team of the Horse Rescue and Rehabilitation. Amazing team and good people My best wishes for the new farm and see you guys very ...
    It is difficult to know where to begin, this process has utterly changed my life in the most positive ways. During my stay in Knysna I got the opportunity to volunteer at a local NGO that offers so many people the support they need. The work involves engaging and educating prisoners to working in ...
    I have absolutely loved my experience in South Africa volunteering with Endangered Wildlife Monitoring and Research, and I am sad that I have to leave in a few days. By the time I leave I will have spent six weeks in South Africa, so I've been lucky enough to volunteer at all three of the reserves ...
    Esther Burden rating5

    2024 at Big Cat Sanctuary on a Wildlife Reserve

    I would 100% recommend this excellent volunteer programme to anyone interested in big cats. I know now that i didn’t do enough research about the lion industry and ethical vs non-ethical sanctuarys before my three-month stay at this sanctuary, but i was very lucky to end up somewhere where the ...
    Lynn van den Broecke rating5

    2024 at Ethical Predator Sanctuary Assistant

    A massive thank you to everyone who was involved in this project! I felt safe and well taken care of. I think about this experience a lot. I would definitely recommend it to everyone! ...

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