ANIMAL CARE & FARM – Caring for neglected animals
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Program Description
In the Dominican Republic, there are plenty of animals in need of care and a home. Many dogs are homeless and sick, you often find neglected and malnourished horses and cats are often treated badly – just to give some examples. It is rare that anyone cares about these animals or gives them the affection and nurture that they need.
For many years, a farm close to the city Samaná has already been helping animals in need by providing a home, food and arranging medical treatments. Dogs, horses, mules, cows and many other animals live on the ranch in the middle of the beautiful nature that surrounds Samaná. There is always a lot to do and support is much needed to be able to continue providing care to the animals and finding new homes, especially for the almost 50 dogs living on the farm. You can become a part of this project by taking care of the animals, training them and maintaining the property. 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.
For many years, a farm close to the city Samaná has already been helping animals in need by providing a home, food and arranging medical treatments. Dogs, horses, mules, cows and many other animals live on the ranch in the middle of the beautiful nature that surrounds Samaná. There is always a lot to do and support is much needed to be able to continue providing care to the animals and finding new homes, especially for the almost 50 dogs living on the farm. You can become a part of this project by taking care of the animals, training them and maintaining the property. 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.
Highlights
- Caring for dogs and training them- Caring for horses and mules and training them
- Maintaining the meadow, stables, and kennels
- Maintaining the farm by helping with painting, building fences, planting king grass, fixing doors, amongst other tasks
- Supporting veterinarians during medical treatments or operations to neuter or spay animals
- Developing and raising awareness and education activities for children or the general population in order to improve the situation of neglected animals in the long run
- Many fun activities with other volunteers at the weekend and in the free time: Visit the world's most beautiful beaches, go kitesurfing, hiking, diving and much more.
Qualifications
Overall there are no previous experiences required to participate in the program, but of course, you have to be an animal lover. A typical Animal Care & Farm Maintenance volunteer and intern has already worked in animal shelters, is a student in a veterinary school, or a dog walker, etc. However, a person that does not necessarily have any experience or training, but just really loves animals and wants to help care for them is welcome as well. He or she needs to be enthusiastic, proactive, ready for a challenge and willing to do maintenance work (for example cleaning kennels and stables). Friendliness, commitment, and patience are among significant qualities. Basic conversational SpanishInternship Types
- Agricultural Sciences
- Agriculture
- Animal Sciences
- Construction
- Ecology
- Environmental Studies
- Farming
- Veterinary
What`s Included
• Volunteer placement in the program/s of your choice• Accommodation
• Placement introduction and hand-outs, supervision, regular briefings
• Free Spanish language lessons
• Certificate and/or written reference upon completion
• Full support and 7 days, 24 hour back-up from our local staff
• Santa Barbara de Samana bus terminal pick-up or Samana-El Catey airport pick-up.
• Our staff will welcome you to our home-base upon arrival and ensure that all of your needs are met - from a safe and comfortable place to stay, to unparalleled access to perspectives and insight about the local culture
Other Programs From The Same Provider
Program Locations
Santa Barbara de Samana, Dominican Republic
Overall rating
10
Experience
10
Program Administration
10
Living Conditions
10
Cultural Immersion
10
Social Life
10
Health and Safety
10
Program Details
Provider:
ALDEAS DE PAZ – PEACE VILLAGES FOUNDATION
Location
- Dominican Republic: Santa Barbara de Samana
Language:
English
Term:
Academic Year, Fall, May Term, Spring, Summer, Throughout the year, Trimester, Winter
Duration:
1 year+, 1-2 weeks, 1-3 months, 2-4 weeks, 3-6 months, 6-12 months
Participants:
American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African, Worldwide
Cost:
Minimum donation starts at Euro 120 per week including accommodation at the Aldeas de Paz Guesthouse. Single occupancy add 10% to the rate. Minimum donation for the Host Family stay is Euro 190 per week and includes single room and full board accommodation at a local family home.
ALDEAS DE PAZ – PEACE VILLAGES FOUNDATION - Program Reviews
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.
Samana animal care experience
Review by: Shenger Dai-
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, On: 27 Mar 2018, Changed On: 27 Mar 2018 | Yes, I would recommend this programThe 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.
An eye-opening experience!
Review by: Bruce Ndala-
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, On: 09 Mar 2018, Changed On: 09 Mar 2018 | Yes, I would recommend this program