Dog walker

location
2 - 4 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Excellent 4.8  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Very high response rate

Highlights

  • Experience the love of our puppies at the shelter
  • Work with the local staff, who doesn't speak a lot of English but is used to work with volunteers
  • Build a strong relationship with our beautiful four-legged guests

Highlights

  • Experience the love of our puppies at the shelter
  • Work with the local staff, who doesn't speak a lot of English but is used to work with volunteers
  • Build a strong relationship with our beautiful four-legged guests
  • Enjoy the rides to the shelter in our pick up
  • Make some good physical exercise in the sun and enjoy the nearby beach


  • Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Most basic tasks (cleaning, feeding) are performed by local paid staff - we have 16 local employees. But, we always need help with delicate tasks such as cuddling.

    Information given in the Time Commitment session of this program are only orientative and they are not binding: the free day can be on any day of the week (may be on the weekend, maybe not) and the working time is per shift: one morning shift from 7,30 to 12,30 OR one afternoon shift from 13,30 to ...

    About the program

    Information given in the Time Commitment session of this program are only orientative and they are not binding: the free day can be on any day of the week (may be on the weekend, maybe not) and the working time is per shift: one morning shift from 7,30 to 12,30 OR one afternoon shift from 13,30 to 18,30. 

    Most basic tasks at the shelter (cleaning, feeding, walking) are performed by local paid staff - we have 14 local employees, 5 of which work at the shelter. But, we always need help with delicate tasks such as playing with the dogs, brushing the cats, changing the beds, and taking care of ill animals or of puppies. Notably, volunteers will (1) work in the place of paid staff when they are missing work and (2) supervise the work of local employees to ensure the highest possible welfare of the animals in our shelters. Clear instructions will be provided for accomplishing single tasks and volunteers are required to perform them accurately also for safety reasons. Volunteers are required to follow the instructions published on our portal for volunteers, and to ask for advice in case they collide with instructions received from the paid staff at the shelter. 

    Our program is important because it shows to the local population how to take care of animals, who are "like us". It is scientifically proven that violence on animals or neglect are directly connected with the same attitude to people, especially children. This is why our logo includes a dog, a cat and a child. Children abandonment is very common in Cape Verde, we try to give a good example by taking care properly and making people aware of the importance of having a family for animals in order to develop the same attitude towards children. 
    Taking care properly of a pet means also to keep him/her clean and dewormed, and taking dogs out to wee and poo, do that they don't do it in the house, as it is very common now in Cape Verde. All this is of course very important to assure a good level of hygiene and health for the local population. That's why SIMABO is a partner of the Ministry of Health in the fight against improper care of pets. 



    Typical day

    Work is per shifts, 6 days per week, starting from the day after arrival (i.e. if you arrive on a Monday you will start working on Tuesday and you will have free following Monday. Of course you can change your shifts with other volunteers, if you agree on a new schedule): morning from 7:30 to 12:30 ...

    Typical day

    Work is per shifts, 6 days per week, starting from the day after arrival (i.e. if you arrive on a Monday you will start working on Tuesday and you will have free following Monday. Of course you can change your shifts with other volunteers, if you agree on a new schedule): morning from 7:30 to 12:30 or afternoon from 13:00 to 18:00. Transport to/from the shelter is provided for free when needed by the paid staff. Work at the shelter includes walking the dogs with the help of a walking list, taking some of them to the beach nearby (one group in the morning and one group in the afternoon), and cuddling them in the big internal halls or the outside compounds when it is too hot to walk them, or when all of them have been walked already. 
    Most volunteers love the ride to the shelter and back on our open truck, with the local staff, and sometimes a couple of dogs that have to go to the shelter or to the clinic.

    Volunteers who work in the morning have to have breakfast at 6,30 before going, or must take with them something to eat during the morning because they will be very hungry after a couple of hour walking energetic dogs in the marine fresh air! Lunch is after coming back at 13. Most volunteers like to have something ready from the previous day so that they can eat as soon as they arrive home, and then they have still time to rest and go for some free time activity on the beach or in town or visit another village on the island. public buses go back and forth from town to the 4 villages on the coast during the whole day, with the last ones coming back from the villages at about 5 PM. Sometimes volunteers can organize shifts in the kitchen and prepare food for themselves at 12,30 and other volunteers that come from the shelter at 13. 
    Volunteers working in the afternoon must be ready to go at 13, so they have free in the morning.

    For people that don't like to cook or don't want to spend their time cooking, meals can be bought for little money in a lot of local small restaurants. You can be dropped off at the market place when you come back from the shelter at 1PM and have lunch there, before going straight to the beach for a nap. Everything is so close and easy to reach that there is almost no need to "organize" free time.
    Free time activities can vary according with the time of the year: in winter it is not so hot, so you can go round during the whole day. In Summer it will be difficult to do anything else than rest or being at the beach from 12 to 17. 

    Shifts are allocated according to the needs at the shelter and to the desires of the volunteers. Some people like better to work in the morning because it is cooler, but of course night life suffers from this schedule. Other people prefer to go to bed later, rest in the morning and work in the afternoon. In general volunteers are working one per shift or more only if available. 

    NOTES: 
    - Information given in the Time Commitment session of this program are only orientative and they are not binding: the free day can be on any day of the week (may be on the weekend, maybe not) and the working time is per shift: one morning shift from 7,30 to 12,30 OR one afternoon shift from 13,30 to 18,30.
    - changes in shifts must be communicated with a week notice and be authorized
    - changes in shifts can't leave shifts uncovered
    - we'll make our best to give you the morning shift on the last working day of one week and the afternoon shift of the first working day of the following week, so that you have 2 days and 2 nights off and you can visit another island if you like.  




    Free-time activities

    The island is famous for its music and its partying vibe! So night activity is guaranteed! 

    On the island you can find a diving center (in town), a windsurfing school and a kitesurfing school. 
    Capoeira is also widely practiced and can be learned with 2 groups in lessons held in the late afternoon.
    Hi

    Free-time activities

    The island is famous for its music and its partying vibe! So night activity is guaranteed! 

    On the island you can find a diving center (in town), a windsurfing school and a kitesurfing school. 
    Capoeira is also widely practiced and can be learned with 2 groups in lessons held in the late afternoon.
    Hiking paths are very simple to follow. Every volunteer who likes hiking can't miss visiting the neighboring island, Santo Antao, with its beautiful mountains and trekking paths. 
    If you are not so keen on hiking, you can rent a bicycles, electrical bicycles and scooters at local shops.



    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)

    Required Documents

    passport

    Nationality Restrictions

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

    Other Skills

    - Willingness to accept that a seemingly minimal oversight can become a problem and could result in loss of time and money (and even lives!), and should therefore be avoided by working with due concentration - Carrying out duties over a prolonged period, even if they become repetitive and/or boring; - Ability to perform the tasks assigned without repeatedly needing instruction; - Ability to enjoy their free time alone since other volunteers typically have their free time at OTHER times/days

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 07:30 - 12:30

    What's Included

    What's Included

    Services by Simabo

    The weekly fee covers

    - pick up from the airport at the arrival
    - accommodation in a single or double room if travelling alone or in a bigger room if travelling in group (shared bathroom).
    - advice to organize visits to other islands, especially Santo Antao, with hotel and ferry/flights reservations  
    - one tour of the island of Sao Vicente with our staff, usually with a deworming or spaying/neutering campaign
    - Food is not provided, but volunteers can use a communal kitchen.

    Airport Pickup at Cesaria Evora International Airport

    Our driver will wait for you in the airport arrival hall with a SIMABO sign with your name! Driving time to town is about 10 min. 

    Be prepared to stay in a row for paying the "airport fee" that costs 32 euros. You can avoid this applying via Internet and paying in advance by credit card. All info to accomplish this will be provided in due time. EU citizens are not required to have/pay a visa, only non-EU citizens will have to buy one at the airport for 25 euros. 

    Vaccinations are not required nor recommended. There is no rabies in Cape Verde. 

    Accommodation

    Accommodation for volunteers is available in single or double rooms with shared bathroom in our volunteer house, located just a couple of meters away from our clinic and hostel, the beach, and the main square of Mindelo.
    Volunteers can prepare their own food in the hostel kitchen, where paying guests are hosted to raise funds for the project.
    At the hostel volunteers can meet any kind of travellers and together they can plan trips, excursions, parties, dinners, anything that makes fun and makes your volunteering time unforgettable. 

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Food & Beverages

    Food, snacks or beverages are at extra costs.

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Cesaria Evora International Airport (VXE) in Sao Vicente. We assist you to find cheap flights to Cape Verde. 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 Cape Verde provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

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

    Details on arrival

    Volunteers are accepted throughout the year depending on availability.

    Usually the best months to come are from april o mid-July and form the beginning of October to mid-December, because of the temperature and also because of the cost of the flights, that can be a expensive in the high season (Christmas, August).
    Carnaval is a highlight of Mindelo's life, volunteers are always welcome at that time of the year. 

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

    Program fees

    2 weeks (min. stay) 200€
    3 weeks 350€
    4 weeks (max. stay) 450€
    Average fees 106€/week

    Program fees

    106€ per week 2 - 4 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    2 - 4 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 Simabo during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


    Meet your organization

    Simabo

    Excellent 4.8 rating (53 reviews)

    Non-profit - founded in 2008

    Verified by Volunteer World

      Very high response rate

    Coordinated by

    Silvia

    Spoken languages: Italian, Portuguese, German, English

    About the project

    SIMABO protects, rescues, assists, and spays/neuters dogs and cats in Sao Vicente, Cape Verde

    Meet your organization


    SI MA BO in Creole means “like you”. 

    We are an association for the protection of animals and the environment based in Sao Vicente, Cape Verde, West Africa. Cape Verde has been a Portuguese colony until 1975 and has still a very "European vibe". No vaccinations are required or recommended.The local population is peaceful and more interested in parties and music than in politics or world finance. Mindelo is famous for its music and dancing nights and for being the birth place of Cesaria Evora, the most famous Capeverdean singer. 

    SIMABO is a registered charity both in Cape Verde and in Italy. Article 3 of our Bylaws states out mission as following: "The purpose of the Association is to improve the living conditions of the population of the islands of Cape Verde.  In particular, by reducing the risk of transmission of parasitic diseases by cutting down the number of stray animals through spaying/neutering campaigns, also by involving the population in  activities of prophylactic antiparasitic care and by treating animals carrying diseases. The Association also aims at raising funds to be used for carrying out its activities in the Cape Verde islands."

    Our work with animals - including running a shelter with 110 dogs, a cattery with 18 cats, a 7/12 clinic, and ambulant castration campaigns - is partially financed by the Simabo's Backpackers' Hostel, a hostel for responsible tourists, which in the meantime has become the most famous tourist facility on the island. 
    We have treated and microchipped more than 12,000 animals so far and we are planning to expand the spaying/neutering campaigns to neighboring islands as well. 

    SIMABO Cape Verde is managed by a board of 11 directors (1 Italian, 1 Brazilian, 1 Russian and 8 Cape-Verdeans) and employs 12 local workers: 1 veterinarian, 1 nurse, 1 receptionist, 1 driver, 4 dog carers, 3 cleaning staff, 1 night watch + 1 administrator from abroad (Portugal), and relies on the help of 2 full-time volunteers + an average of part-time 10 volunteers on the field and abroad.

    The help we need varies depending on your skills. We expect someone who is a self-starter and can work independently with a very high degree of motivation. The focus must be to help the project, with the necessary amount of rest and freetime, to recover from the hard work and to visit the island of Sao Vicente and the neighboring island of Santo Antao, which can be done easily in the free time provided but the working schedule.

    Volunteering with SIMABO offers the opportunity to make a great experience abroad in a protected environment, where volunteers can meet other volunteers or hostel guests from all over the world. The relationship with the animals can be extremely rewarding form the emotional point of view, being Capeverdean dogs very tame and social. Volunteers are completely immersed in the local environment, working with local staff and being required to shop and cook their own food. For volunteers that don't want to cook by themselves a wide choice of different options is available to eat at local restaurants and bars for a little price.  

    Confirmed volunteers will receive a link to our portal with all the information required for their travel, their stay and the work with us in the different areas: Dog shelter, Cat shelter, Clinic, Hostel, Communication and Fundraising, Education, Maintenance. Feel free to choose the area the best suites you to make the difference for the animals on this beautiful island! 

    53 reviews · rating4.8

    Bridget Dewer rating5

    2024 at Dog walker

    I had a wonderful time at Simbalo - it was a truly unforgettable experience. The dogs at the Shelter are adorable; always so happy to see you and go for their walks. It is impossible to spend a couple of days there without at least one of them finding their way into your heart! I travelled to ...
    thierry ouzelet rating5

    2024 at Dog walker

    Unforgettable experience that I recommend to everyone. If you like to share and be useful, then come. I stayed 3 weeks and would have liked to stay longer. I will definitely come ...
    Christiane Scholz rating3.8

    2024 at Dog walker

    Zunächst einmal möchte ich erwähnen, dass lediglich ein Transport morgens um 8 Uhr zum Shelter erfolgt. Die Freiwilligen werden nicht wieder abgeholt und müssen vom Shelter aus zurück nach Mindelo trampen. Dies habe ich als sehr befremdlich empfunden, da man nicht immer auf nette Kontakte ...
    Clara Hafner rating1.4

    2024 at Dog walker

    Ich war zwei Wochen in Mindelo, untergebracht im grünen Haus. Zustände im Haus: Das Personal hat Dinge geklaut. Es fehlten manchmal Kekse, andere Mitbewohner haben zwei Flaschen Alkohol vermisst und vieles andere. Es gab kein warmes Wasser, obwohl die Anschlüsse vorhanden waren und man hätte ...
    carole walpen rating5

    2023 at Dog walker

    I absolutely loved my two weeks as a dog walker at Simabo. I have never met such adorable dogs before – each one of them walked so nicely and listened to instructions like "this way." They are full of love, these sweeties! I was staying at the Green Villa in a single room, just five minutes away ...
    Mélanie Lamiet rating4.6

    2023 at Dog walker

    J'ai passé un merveilleux séjour !!! Nous étions logés dans une belle maison avec d'autres bénévoles, entretenue chaque jour par des ladies adorables. La maison est située à Mindelo, une ville fabuleuse aussi bien culturellement, pour les rencontres, les sorties, pour découvrir la ...

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