Location
  • Dominican Republic
    • Santo Domingo
Length
2 to 50 weeks

Program Details

Language
Spanish
Age Min.
14
Age Max
99
Timeframe
Year Round
Housing
Apartment Guesthouse Host Family
Groups
Small Group (1-15) Medium Group (16-30) Large Group (31+)
Travel Type
Budget Family Older Travelers Solo Women

Pricing

Starting Price
1360
Price Details
Aldeas de Paz works hard to keep the required financial contribution to an absolute minimum and to offer financial transparency by practicing an open book policy. The minimum contribution starts at €155 per week (after the second week) and includes Spanish language classes and accommodation at our fully equipped guesthouse apartments, a special program donation as well as a personal welcome service and pick-up at the airport, transfer to the bus, bus fare and free transfer to your placement location.
What's Included
Accommodation Activities Airport Transfers Equipment Wifi
What's Not Included
Airfare Domestic Airfare Meals SIM cards Transportation Travel Insurance Visa
Jan 16, 2023
Mar 27, 2018
7 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

In the Dominican Republic there are plenty of dogs in need of being rescued, cared for and placed at a loving home. Many dogs are homeless and sick, and you often also find neglected and malnourished horses, mules and cats. It is rare that anyone cares about these animals or gives them the affection and nurturing that they need. The local Veterinary Service provides emergency veterinary services, home and finds dog lovers overseas who are willing to adopt rescued dogs! This Dog rescue project is the perfect placement for volunteers and interns. By raising awareness and educating children about how animals can increase our well-being if we take care of them, you can also contribute to improving the situation in the long run. There is always a lot to do and your support is much needed to be able to continue providing care to the animals and finding new homes, especially for the dogs.

This program is no longer offered. View more programs from Fundación Aldeas de Paz.

Video and Photos

Program Highlights

  • Caring for dogs, taking them for a walk and maintaining the kennels
  • Developing and executing awareness rising and education activities for children or the general population in order to improve the situation of neglected animals in the long run
  • Support for the admission of new patients and other administrative procedures
  • Supporting veterinarians during medical treatments or participation in the annual castration campaign or operations to neuter or spay animals
  • Gaining Spanish fluency by receiving up to six free Spanish lessons per week.

Program Impact

There is always a lot to do and your support is much needed to be able to continue providing care to the animals and finding new homes, especially for the dogs. You can become a part of this project by taking care of the animals, training them and assisting in maintaining the Kennels. The team also always needs experienced vets or vet students that can assist during surgeries, neutering campaigns or similar. If you are a veterinarian or veterinary student you will love this program. It is of advantage if the volunteer or intern has already worked in an animal shelter or a veterinarian clinic, is a veterinary student or a dog walker, etc. But even with little experience you will be of great help! It is important to keep in mind that the farm includes some physical work like cleaning kennels and stables and being outside. Nevertheless, the animals’ love and affection that you will be met with are worth all of the effort!

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Program Reviews

5.00 Rating
based on 1 review
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Showing 1 - 1 of 1 reviews
Default avatar
Shenger
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Samana animal care experience

Thanks to the Fundacion Aldes de Paz for bringing me such an enjoyable, memorable volunteering experience. Working on a farm was definitely one of the best experiences in my life.

The Dominican Republic is a very beautiful Caribbean country. It is well known for its blissful beaches. The Foundation is located in Samana, which is wild and verdant, with coves, bays, waterfalls, mountains and awe-inspiring views – there is lots to explore. It is such a pity that local animals are suffering. Because of low education and tradition, people in the DR believe dogs and cats carry diseases. Also, dogs disturb people’s lives such as barking at night or seeking food in trash cans, so there are lots of street dogs in Samana. Julia and Sebastian (two sweet and thoughtful staff members from the foundation) introduced me to a farm owner Kim at the first day I arrived in Samana. Kim is also a defender of animals. She takes in street dogs, takes care of sick and poisoned dogs and also teaches locals how to take care of their animals.

There are lots of things I could do on the farm: clean and maintain the farm equipment, provide clean water and feed animals, learn how to observe the health condition of horses, pigs, dog etc. But most of the time I just played with dogs. Giving them attention and making them trust humans is very important. There are 30 young healthy dogs on the farm, one of my jobs is training the dogs with some simple orders, correcting their behaviors for when they get the opportunity to be adopted in a big city. I love animals. And I believe that a sustainable future for the planet can only be achieved if both animals and people are part of the solution. My journey in Samana was short (only 2 weeks), but it was meaningful and helpful. Also, I had a good time with other volunteers who worked on other projects, I enjoyed the local food and the beautiful landscapes. Finally, I want to thank Julia and Sebastian for helping to make my trip safe, comfortable and meaningful.

43 people found this review helpful.

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