Animal Rescue Society Near Cape Town, South Africa

  South Africa

• Cape Town: 
Cape Town (Kaapstad)

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: multiple start dates year round

Description: Be part of it with i-to-i!
Our goal is to achieve 400yrs of combined volunteering all over the world by the end of 2008.

So far we have achieved 325yrs which when broken down means we achieved the following:

- Over 5500 children cared for on our community projects around the world
- A minimum of 13,000 children and adults taught English in schools and community centres
- Hundreds of animals protected including Turtles, Pandas, Elephants, Monkeys and more
- At least 80 homes and structures built for families and communities in need
- More than 8000 trees planted which are enough trees to offset the CO2 emissions of over 2,000 cars

Have you got a soft spot for animals?

If the answer is yes then South Africa is the country for you and TEARS is the project! When an economy struggles the first charities to feel the pinch are those working with animals, so your efforts are much needed. This is a great society which provides food parcels, veterinary treatment and animal care education for those that could not otherwise afford it. It also works with children who have had extremely hard lives and aims to break the cycle of abuse by teaching them to care and be responsible for animals. You'll get a great opportunity to visit local communities and visit animals there, while for those considering a future in veterinary care there is valuable chance to help the resident vet, who requires daily help.

Find out more about i-to-i, watch their short video here: http://video.i-to-i.com/site-videos/video.html

Highlights: What were the highlights of your trip that you couldn't wait to tell your friends about?

"My achievement and helping a range of cats and dogs. Going out into the local townships and offering a mobile surgery, seeing what a positive attitude the locals have towards TEARS." (Selina Davies)

Your work here will take on many roles; from feeding and caring for the many animals to working closely with staff as they go out into the local informal settlements to collect, return and vaccinate animals on site. There is also the opportunity to work along side the resident vet, who requires daily assistance. Be warned, this is not for the faint hearted. On quieter days you can get involved with a programme called 'Open Paw' which is a training programme to help the dogs understand basic commands helping with the adoption process.

You will also help with daily tasks such as feeding, cleaning and exercising the animals. You can show visitors around the centre and may be asked to assist with home visits and are expected to assist with regular cleaning duties and general maintenance around the centre. You will be able to visit the local informal settlements alongside Nicholas in the TEARS/IFAW mobile clinic, providing a chance to assist with basic, primary care treatments such as vaccinations and flea and tick treatments. You will also get the opportunity to observe and assist veterinary operations within TEARS new in-house surgery and any volunteers with veterinary experience would be much appreciated.

Cost in US$: $1090.00 for 2 weeks, $200.00 for every week thereafter

Before you depart we offer:
- detailed information on your project and country
- fundraising advice and support
- visa instructions
- vaccination recommendations
- advice on health, safety & culture shock
- contact details to pass along to your family

When you arrive we provide:
- pick-up from the airport on the designated arrival date
- welcome orientation
- accommodation and food
- well-researched, quality placement
- support of in-country i-to-i team

You will always have:
- access to our emergency support team 24/7
- assistance of the global i-to-i staff
- guidance and advice from experienced i-to-i travelers

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: If you are interested in immersing yourself in another culture while giving your time to a worthy cause, then you are a typical i-to-i volunteer. We invite you to join the i-to-i community of dedicated volunteers aged 18-80 who are working on community development, building, teaching, and conservation projects across the globe. Together, we make a lasting impact that changes lives and helps preserve the planet through hundreds of worthwhile projects around the world.

Age Range: 18-80

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to South Africa Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Phone Interview

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network

i-to-i Meaningful Travel's Mission Statement: Founded in 1994, i-to-i is an award-winning organization providing unique opportunities for you to travel, work and live abroad. Thousands of travelers aged 18 to 80 have joined our volunteer vacations and over 50,000 have learned to Teach English as a Foreign Language through our tailor-made TEFL courses. With over 400 projects on 4 continents, you can join the worldwide i-to-i volunteer community on an extended adventure in areas such as teaching, community development, sports coaching, conservation, building or internships in tourism, marketing, journalism, or health.

Year Founded: 1994