The Rescue Program
Argentina's border is currently closed to most international arrivals and this program can't get the assistance it needs right now. Book now for 2021 and we'll work with you every step of the way and provide complete flexibility with dates!
This wonderful program’s aim is to simply provide care to animals in need. The Sanctuary was founded in 2010 by a local mother and daughter team, who were driven by the ill treatment of animals in their own country. Over time the shelter has grown from strength to strength and combined with the assistance from international volunteers, they now care for approximately 150 rescued animals, including pigs, goats, rabbits, cows, horses, cats, dogs, ducks, guinea pigs, chickens and parrots. These animals have often been saved from mis-treatment or rescued with life-threatening injuries. The team at the sanctuary work to rehabilitate the animals with love and medical care, aiming to give each animal the care and attention it deserves. Volunteers with a compassionate nature who are prepared to do any number of tasks to provide quality care to animals in need are ideal for this program.
Goals of this Project:
- Provide a safe place for mis-treated animals
- Provide medical attention and rehabilitation to animals who have been injured
- Provide a home for animals without one and who would suffer otherwise
- Provide an opportunity for cross cultural exchange between volunteers and locals
How You Can Help
This project provides essential support to a large number of animals in need of care and attention. To keep the shelter operational, day after day, year-round, is a big task in itself, hence the assistance provided by volunteers forms an integral part of the operational plan. Without volunteer help, the sanctuary would be unable to offer assistance to as many animals as the workload would be too great. 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 on this project can expect to participate in a number of tasks, including:
- Sort and assist with feeding as required
- Feeding out to the animals and cleaning the animal shelters
- Working in the organic garden
- Raking and yard work – keeping all pathways clear and presentable
- Fixing fences and other infrastructure
- Brushing, playing with and walking the dogs
Requirements
Love Volunteers welcomes all those 18 years and over who wish to give their time and energy to help protect and conserve the native wildlife of Argentina. This project is best suited to those who are either pursuing a career in animal conservation/zoological 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. Importantly though, we ask that all volunteers on this program have at least an Intermediate level (conversational) knowledge of Spanish, so as to enable effective communication with local and project staff. Additionally, all applicants must first and foremost have a genuine willingness to help, show drive and initiative, and bring a positive 'can-do' attitude. If this sounds like you, we want you on the team!
Additionally, volunteers applying to join this program will be required to supply to following documentation:
- Emergency contact
Project Location
Volunteers will have the ability to help animals in need, while being based in the bustling city of Buenos Aires, less than one hour away. It’s the best of both worlds; helping animals and having the opportunity to explore this wonderful city, known as the ‘Paris of South America’, filled with amazing architecture and fun nightlife and many cultural activities. Volunteers without two left feet can learn the tango – the traditional dance this country is famous for! This location offers many amazing volunteering and travel experiences for the international traveler.
Start Dates & Duration
This project is available year-round and programs start every 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.
Spaces on this project are limited and therefore subject to availability. Early booking is recommended.
For current available start dates please check the calendar on the right.
Arrival & Orientation
Upon your arrival in Buenos Aires, you will be collected at the airport and delivered to your accommodation. Here you will receive an orientation to help you settle in, find out about your volunteering placement, the local surroundings and meet your fellow volunteers. A representative from the local team will fill you in on local and regional customs, traveling, rules and recommendations, and of course, what to expect from your volunteering experience. They will also provide you with your Welcome Pack, which contains a local sim phone card, local maps and a transport guide. This is a great opportunity to get to know your hosts, meet your fellow volunteers, and ask any last questions you may have.
- Program Arrival Day: SUNDAY
- Program Departure Day: SATURDAY
- Arrival/Departure Airport: Ministro Pistarini International Airport (aka Ezeiza Airport), Buenos Aires, Argentina (Code: EZE)
Accommodation & Meals
Volunteers on this project will be accommodated in a multi-story, dormitory-style volunteer house which is perfectly located in the neighbourhood of Balvanera, in the heart of central Buenos Aires and within a short walk from the many attractions of this vibrant city. The Volunteer House has free WiFi and great facilities for volunteers, including a roof-top terrace and barbecue area, communal kitchen and living areas, hammocks and a TV room. Nice!
Volunteers can expect to share a bedroom with up to three other volunteers of the same gender. Bedrooms are comprised of single beds and bunk beds with bedding and towels provided. Bathroom facilities are shared between volunteers with hot showers and western-style toilets.
Laundry facilities are available at the Volunteer House and there are also inexpensive laundrettes near-by.
Ingredients are provided for volunteers to prepare breakfast each day and volunteers can prepare/cook lunches and evening meals for themselves in the generous and well established communal kitchen of the volunteer accommodation which has a gas hob, oven, microwave, fridge and pantry space. Alternatively volunteers can take the opportunity to go out and experience the amazing culture and cuisine that Buenos Aires has to offer. Simply get a few of your fellow house mates together and head out to one of the hundreds of local restaurants, bars, cafes or Churrascaria’s (Argentina’s famous BBQ joints – YUM!).
Home-stay options are also available on request ($20 extra per night with no meals included or US$30 extra per night with 3 meals provided). Host families also provide the option of a private room (not available in the Volunteer House).
Additional nights in the volunteer house are US$15 p/n. In the host family accommodations extra nights are US$20 p/n.
Those wishing to arrange their own accommodations are welcome to do so. The program fee is reduced accordingly to a fixed price of US$390.
Fees
That’s just USD 88 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.
Additional Info
Prefer to stay with a Host Family or have a private room?
For those volunteers who prefer to be more immersed in the local culture, staying with one of our wonderful local host families in Buenos Aires is an excellent way to 'live like the locals do' and get first hand experience of local culture and customs.
Private rooms can be arranged with host families (this is not available in the Volunteer House).
Additional costs apply for Host Family accommodation:
Without meals US$20 per person per night
With 3 meals daily US$30 per person per night
If you would like to upgrade to Host Family accommodation, simply let us know!
Those wishing to arrange their own accommodations are welcome to do so. The program fee is reduced accordingly to a fixed price of US$390.
Want to learn Spanish?
Why not use this opportunity to improve your knowledge of Spanish and really get immersed in the local culture during your volunteering placement? We can offer both full time and part time Spanish classes at very competitive rates for you, so simply let us know if you are interested!
Intensive Spanish course: 20 hours a week (taken full-time, before or after volunteering) .
- 1 week: USD 192
- 2 weeks: USD 370
- 3 weeks: USD 549
- 4 weeks: USD 723
- 8 weeks: USD 1411
*An accommodation supplement of US$130 per week is also required when undertaking full-time Spanish classes. This is instead of the listed program fee
Regular Spanish course: 9 hours a week (taken in conjunction with volunteer work)
- 2 weeks: USD 175
- 3 weeks: USD 255
- 4 weeks: USD 347
- 8 weeks: USD 629
Fees for Spanish Classes must be paid directly to your volunteer coordinator on arrival in Argentina.