The Animal Rescue Program
This wonderful Animal Rescue program in Croatia supports an animal shelter in the seaside city of Split. The Shelter provides refuge to hundreds of domestic animals that are abandoned or born homeless every year. With far too many animals neglected and far too few shelters to cater to their needs volunteers are desperately needed here!
The shelter, situated on the outskirts of Split, was set up to rescue abandoned, mistreated and homeless domestic animals; to provide a safe haven, medical care and attention with the focus on rehoming as many animals as possible. Volunteers are needed to interact with the animals, to regain their trust and help them to be become perfect pets ready for a forever home!
Goals of this Project:
- Provide a safe place for abandoned and homeless domestic animals
- Care for, exercise and rehabilitate the animals in care
- Find permanent, loving homes for abandoned, mistreated or homeless domestic pets.
- Educate the public on caring for animals and prevent future pets being abandoned
How You Can Help
This project provides essential support to a large number of animals in need of care, attention and new homes. To keep the shelter operational, day after day, year-round, is a big task and the assistance provided by volunteers is critical to fulfilling the shelter's mission. Without volunteer help the centre wouldn't be able to care for as many animals and provide them with the care, stimulation and exposure they need to be rehomed into loving families. Therefore, volunteers not only play a major role in caring for the animals but in keeping the whole operation sustainable and able to continue to care for these wonderful creatures.
Volunteers assist with tasks such as the cleaning and maintenance of the animal housing areas, walking the dogs, feeding, or even just spending time playing with the animals in order to reintegrate them with people. Volunteers also work on coordinating and assisting with making videos, taking photos and recording the unique personalities of each animal in order to find a perfect match with a new family. This program is a wonderful experience for international volunteers who adore dogs and cats and wish to partake in a European experience with a difference!
Volunteers on this project can expect to participate in a number of tasks, including:
- Assist with feeding duties
- Cleaning and maintaining the animal shelters and grounds
- Grooming, walking and interacting with the animals
- Helping with rehoming initiatives
Requirements
Love Volunteers welcomes all those 18 years and over (17 with parental consent) who wish to help domestic animals in Split. This 'hands-on' project is best suited to those who are either pursuing a career in animal conservation/veterinary studies, or who simply wish to explore an interest in this field. However, the project is open to all and does not require participants to have specific education, qualifications or experience, as you will be shown everything you need to know by one of local project leaders.
All applicants must of course display a genuine willingness to help, be fit and active, show drive and initiative, and bring a positive 'can-do' attitude. If this sounds like you, we want you on the team!
A basic knowledge of the local language (Croatian) is recommended but not essential.
Additionally, volunteers applying to join this program will be required to supply to following documentation:
- Emergency contact
- Vaccination Certificate
Project Location
Split perfectly melds the old and the new.
This vibrant Croatian coastal city showcases the best of relaxed European living, blended with history and ancient architecture. Bars, restaurants, markets and shops nestle within the walls of the Unesco listed Diocletian palace and the walls of the Old Town.
With it's backdrop of impressive mountains, coastal dining and alleys winding through the palace walls this is a city that will enchant!
Split is a ferry ride away from magical outlying Croatian Islands, perfect for a weekend getaway.
Start Dates & Duration
This project is available year-round with arrivals on SUNDAY. Volunteers can choose to participate for periods ranging from 1 week to 12 weeks. Longer stays can be arranged directly with the local team but will be subject to availability and individual visa conditions.
For current available start dates please check the calendar on the right.
Arrival & Orientation
Volunteers are met on arrival into Split airport and transport is provided to the hostel to settle in. On Monday a comprehensive orientation session takes place to cover the culture and customs, language basics, safety guidelines and practical information as well as an overview of the programs and volunteer experience. A 2-hour responsible guided city tour is also included - perfect for getting to know Split and meeting fellow volunteers and local staff.
- Arrival Day: SUNDAY
- Departure Day: SATURDAY
- Arrival Airport: Split International Airport (Resnick Airport). Code SPU.
Accommodation & Meals
Volunteers in Split are accommodated in a popular hostel, conveniently located 10 minutes walk from the centre of town and near to public transport. Rooms are dormitory style and split by gender with shared bathroom facilities.
The hostel is well equipped for a comfortable and enjoyable stay including free Wi-fi, storage lockers, great communal areas for relaxing and air-conditioning for the hotter months. Laundry services, a 24hr pharmacy and supermarket are all within close proximity. Linen and small towels are provided so volunteers need only bring their personal toiletries.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided daily (included in the program fee). Just note that the restaurant closes at 5pm 2 nights a week, so you will need to get in early, takeaway for later or, even better, explore the other local eateries! It doesn't get much easier than that!
Fees
That’s just USD 133 per day* for:
*In addition to the program fees listed above a Registration Fee is payable to secure your place. The registration fee is USD 299 for those volunteering with Love Volunteers for the first time or USD 149 for any subsequent volunteer placements. The registration fee includes: lifetime LV Alumni Membership, fundraising support & advice, dedicated pre-departure support, certificate of completion (on request), and exclusive access to the LV Trip Planner.
Some things are not included in the program fees listed above, such as flights, visas, vaccinations, travel insurance, additional foods and snacks, spending money, local transport, in-country trips and excursions, return airport transfer (unless mentioned above).
Please note that prices are subject to change without notice. Please ensure you have read the Love Volunteers Terms and Conditions & Refund Policy.