Animal Shelter Volunteer: Volun­teering With Animals

As a volunteer in one of our animal welfare projects abroad you dedicate yourself to protecting turtles, cats, wolves, as well as to conserving the South American,African, and Asian wildlife such as elephants, primates, or wild dogs.

As part of an international team of volunteers, you will support the project to protect and conserve certain animal species and learn a lot about the behaviour and needs of the animals.

Get in touch and let's plan your animal protection project!

Why volunteer with animals?

Each living creature is unique, has the right to live and, therefore, should be protected and conserved. Nature and animals are of utter importance for our lives. If we don’t treat them carefully, we also destroy our own livelihood. Animals, just like plants, function as natural markers and indicate if our natural environment is healthy or not. They show us whether our air, earth, or water is clean or needs help.

If we don’t commit to protecting our animals and allow species to go extinct, future generations will face great challenges. Ecosystems will sometimes suffer from gaps that can’t be closed – the ecological balance will be disturbed. Last but not least, ethical reasons make the protection of animals an indispensable task. Learn more about where and how to volunteer with animals.

Animal shelter volunteer opportunities

Our Natucate animal shelter programmes give you the chance to travel and to volunteer with animals at the same time. Volunteer with horses in Canada, become active as a wildlife sanctuary volunteer in Florida or join a wildlife conservation volunteering project in Southern Africa. There are numerous reasons and places to volunteer with animals.

If you decide to volunteer with animals in one of the Natucate projects, you become active in protecting and rehabilitating or researching and conserving different animal species, depending on the programme’s focus. Learn more about our animal shelter volunteer opportunities.

Volunteering with cats

Volunteering with cats is an emotional and rewarding task. Stray dogs and cats are common in many countries in the world and mostly struggle to survive. As a volunteer, you dedicate yourself to these animals, and support the team of an animal rescue centre in caring for them, feeding them and assisting with medical treatments. And another important task of yours: Giving them love and attention.

Volunteering in rescue centers for wild animals

Rescue centers for wild animals are also in need of helping hands of national and international volunteers. As an animal rescue volunteer, you support the animal welfare team on site by helping to take care of the animals, carrying out cleaning and maintenance tasks and welcoming guests to tell them more about how to handle animals appropriately and to raise awareness for their threats and dangers.

You can volunteer in wildlife rescue projects in Malawi, in Peru, or in Guatemala.

Volunteering in wildlife conservation

Wildlife volunteer opportunities: Your voluntary commitment in projects dedicated to wildlife conservation will also enable you to work together with fascinating animal species – whereas researching the animals is of great importance. As part of programmes dedicated to protecting species like whale sharks or orangutans you are familiarized with essential research methods, apply them in the field and learn from experienced researchers.

Your work as a wildlife rescue volunteer focuses on observing and data collection – sometimes you get the chance, though, to get into touch with the animals, for example as a volunteer in sea turtle projects.

Volunteering with animals in Africa

Wildlife volunteer in Africa: Last but not least, you can make an active contribution to animal welfare as a volunteer in Southern Africa’s national parks and nature reserves. The focus is put on wildlife observation and research, which means you will spend your time studying endangered animals like elephants, lions, leopards, wild dogs or rhinos. Maintenance work is another typical element of volunteering in Africa. Living and working in the last wild places on earth and experiencing Africa’s wild fauna in its natural habitat is definitely an unforgettable adventure.

As a participant in one of our animal rescue projects and together with an international volunteer team you help save neglected, abused or endangered animals, encounter amazing animal species in the wild and gain valuable knowledge on animal welfare and animal care. Volunteer with animals abroad and experience a rewarding time amidst impressive natural landscapes. To get an overview of fascinating programmes for volunteer work abroad with animals and the best wildlife conservation opportunities, we invite you to take a look at our Natucate project portfolio.

FAQ – Volunteering with Animals

1. What is volunteering in animal conservation?

Volunteering in animal conservation means actively contributing to the protection, care, and preservation of animals. As a volunteer, you support local animal welfare projects and learn a lot about animal behavior, care, and species conservation.

2. Which animals can I work with in animal welfare projects?

Depending on the project, you may work in Europe with cats, turtles, or even wolves. In wildlife projects in Africa or South America, you can observe and help protect elephants, wild dogs, primates, sea turtles, or whale sharks.

3. Where can I volunteer in animal welfare abroad?

Our projects are located worldwide: in Africa, South America, Asia, and Europe. You can work in wildlife rehabilitation centers, national parks, or facilities for stray dogs and cats.

4. What tasks can I expect as an animal welfare volunteer?

Tasks vary by project and can include feeding and caring for animals, assisting with medical treatments, observation, monitoring, and research in species conservation, as well as maintenance work on-site.

5. How long can I volunteer in animal welfare?

Assignments range from a few weeks to a full year abroad. The duration can be chosen individually depending on the project and availability.

6. What are the benefits of volunteering with animals?

You gain practical experience in animal care and conservation, work in international teams, learn about different species, and make a direct contribution to protecting endangered animals worldwide.