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Trip | Internship, Volunteer in Dominican Republic

Animal Care and Farm Maintenance Intern or Volunteer in Samaná, Dominican Republic

Samaná, Dominican Republic
Quick Facts
about this position

Working hours

none

Minimum age

Education

Language skills


About this position

Overview: Animal Care and Farm Maintenance Intern or Volunteer in Samaná, Dominican Republic

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. 


What to expect

Description: Animal Care and Farm Maintenance Intern or Volunteer in Samaná, Dominican Republic

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. 

Activities can include but are not limited to:

  • Caring for dogs, dogs and mules and training them
  • Maintaining meadow, stables and kennels
  • Maintaining the farm by helping with painting, building fences, planting king grass, fixing doors, among other tasks
  • Supporting veterinarians during medical treatments or operations to neuter or spay animals
  • 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

Requirements

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. It is important to keep in mind that the farm work does not only consist of petting dogs but also includes physical work like cleaning kennels and stables and being outside a lot. Nevertheless, the animal’s love and affection that you will be met with are worth all of the effort! Friendliness, commitment and patience are among significant qualities.

In this program, we also encourage you to come with a friend and volunteer together because sharing the work at the farm will be even more fun.


Itinerary of your stay abroad

Start of the internship

All internships are available the whole year. So you can flexibly choose the right date for your start and we will coordinate it between you and the organization.


Time of arrival


It is always more comfortable to arrive a few days before the actual start of your internship. You won't only avoid stress, but also you time to get over the jetlag. As soon as our local partner will get your data of arrival , he will settle all details with your accommodation. If you are living with a host family, you can move in up to three days earlier with no further charges. You will have enough time to relax after your long trip, to make some first excursions and to get to know your environment, your host family as well as the countryside and people.


Arrival at Las Americas International Airport


After your arrival you will picked up by a driver of our local partner organization who will take you to the nearest bus terminal Santa Domingo about 10 minutes away. You will receive a ticket from the driver and then take the Bus to Santa Barbara de Samana, which is a 2 hours drive. If you plan to arrive in the afternoon, at another airport or reach the Dominican Republic on other ways, it is suggested that to look for an accommodation for one night in Santa Domingo and to continue your journey to Samana on the next day. This can also be arranged with our local partner.


Arrival at Samana, El Catey International Airport


After arrival at the airport one of the staff of our partner organization will wait for you and drop you to your accommodation, which is a 40 minutes drive.


Arrival at different airports


Please inform our partner organization in Samana, which airport you are planning to arrive and kindly follow their instructions.


Your first days in Samana


To avoid a cultural shock you will get an instruction to the culture soon after your arrival or just shortly before your first day of work. During this briefing you will get informed about people and culture as well as cultural features and the most important Do’s and Don’ts. Furthermore you will get some insider tips which makes it more easy to find an access into the new lifestyle. And of course also the understanding will get more easy. By the way, your volunteer program includes a language course which will also be helpful for you to settle.

Ready to get started?

Animal Care and Farm Maintenance Intern or Volunteer in Samaná, Dominican Republic

Flexible dates

from

1780 EUR

Questions? We will help you!

Contact us
Your accommodation

Accommodation in the Dominican Republic

There are 2 types of accommodation options available:

Shared living community:

The volunteer/ intern houses are well equipped with electricity, normal toilets, fully equipped bathrooms, common kitchen and a dining area, where you can meet up with the other participants.

Living in a host family:

You also can choose to live with a host family in Samana. All host families are carefully selected and already have experiences with foreign guests. This is a perfect opportunity to experience authentic Caribbean life! You will be accommodated in a private room equipped with bed and cupboard. Furthermore, you will join 2 meals a day with your host family. During your stay you will become a part of the family and can immerse into the Caribbean culture. Also, put your Spanish skills into practice and improve them during everyday conversations. 


Our Service

What's included:

  • Placement in a volunteer program according to your demands
  • Assisting visa application
  • Information about affordable flights, travel insurances and other important travel documents
  • Airport transportation with direct transfer to your accommodation
  • Airport transfer to bus terminal Santo Domingo
  • Bus ticket from Santo Domingo to Samaná inlcuding return ticket
  • Accommodation in a guest house or guest family for the duration of your project (please note: an additional fee for living a guest family applies)
  • Living in a host family includes 2 meals a day
  • Living in s shared flat: slef-catering
  • 6 hours Spanish lessons per week
  • Orientation on site through a staff member
  • Tips and information about freetime activities
  • Contact person during your stay abroad
  • 24-hour emergency number
  • Regular meetings with all volunteers or interns
  • Certificate

What's not included:

  • Visa
  • Insurances
  • Flights
  • Meals (shared flat)
  • Additional personal expenses
  • Transportation
  • Airport drop
Our local team
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Our local team

Manfred - local coordinator

Due to his passion for travelling the world, experiencing new cultures and being socially committed, Manfred early decided to work in the field of development aid. Thus, in 1998 he started to organize a street kids projects in Caracas, Venezuela. He mainly took care of international cooperation, cultural exchange and volunteer work.  His efforts in Venezuela have proven that popular, so that he decided to establish a new volunteer program in the Dominican Republic. The more people can be helped, the better! Now he is coordinating volunteers in Samaná, the Dominican Republic, and will become your contact person during your stay in the Caribbean!  Learn more about Manfred here!