Portugal, Lisbon4/5 (2 reviews)
Animal care programme in Portugal
Care for rescued cats and dogs at a shelter in Lisbon, Portugal: feeding, cleaning, playing with them and helping them find a loving home.
- Where
- Lisbon, Portugal
- Length
- From 2 to 12 weeks
- Minimum age
- 16 years old
- Language
- English basic
- Departures
- Every Sunday
from €1,760 for 2 weeks
Book my place online
- Today€300 deposit per participant, deducted from the price
- Within 48 hoursThe team confirms your place, or refunds you in full
- The balance12 weeks before departure, or on confirmation if you leave sooner
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Check availabilityFree and with no commitment: the team calls you back with availability.
Talk to the teamKey questions answered
- How old do I need to be?
- The programme is open to volunteers aged 16 and over.
- How long can I go for?
- From 2 to 12 weeks. Departures: every Sunday.
- How much does it cost?
- From €1,760 for 2 weeks.
- What will I do there?
- The Animal Welfare Programme in Portugal, based in Lisbon, is designed for anyone passionate about animal welfare.
- Where will I stay?
- Accommodation is provided in the volunteer house, in shared dormitories. While some rooms accommodate up to 8 people, others can host up to 14 volunteers (separate male and female dormitories).
- What is included in the price?
- Airport pick-up and transfer on Day 1 (Sunday), accommodation in shared rooms, three meals a day (local style), sustainable project with supervision and equipment, …
- Do I need to speak another language?
- Required level: English basic.
The project
The Animal Welfare Programme in Portugal, based in Lisbon, is designed for anyone passionate about animal welfare. Volunteers taking part in this sustainable tourism programme have the opportunity to work alongside a team that shares the same values.
The main mission is to support local organizations that rescue abandoned or stray cats and dogs. Animal shelters play a vital role in Lisbon due to the high number of abandoned pets. These shelters are often at full capacity and constantly rely on volunteers to provide animals with care, attention, and love, while ensuring their health and well-being and giving them the best possible chance of finding a forever home.
This sustainable tourism programme in Portugal aims to rescue stray cats and dogs from local communities and provide them with a safe and secure environment. The goal is to ensure they are happy, healthy, and adopted by loving families.
The shelters also work to raise awareness about pet abandonment through community events, which volunteers are encouraged to take part in.
Tasks vary from day to day but typically include:
- Playing with cats and dogs to keep them active, healthy, and socialized.
- Feeding the animals.
- Cleaning kennels, cages, and other shelter facilities.
- Assisting with basic animal care.
- Supporting adoption events.
- Maintaining the shelter gardens and outdoor areas.
- Taking part in events and capturing photos and videos of the animals to help promote their adoption.
- Spending time with the animals every day, which is essential for improving their socialization with people and increasing their chances of being adopted.
Why the project exists
- Make a difference: Help improve the lives of shelter animals and support them in finding loving adoptive families.
- Gain valuable experience: Develop practical skills and hands-on experience in animal welfare.
- Immerse yourself in Portuguese culture: Experience life in Lisbon while contributing to a meaningful cause.
Join this sustainable tourism programme in Portugal and help protect and care for cats and dogs in Lisbon!
A project we follow
Projects chosen with care and followed through regular visits on site.
Accommodation and meals
Accommodation is provided in the volunteer house, in shared dormitories. While some rooms accommodate up to 8 people, others can host up to 14 volunteers (separate male and female dormitories).
Volunteers have access to the common areas, as well as the outdoor spaces, including the garden and swimming pool, where they can relax. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the house.
Three meals are provided each day and feature local cuisine. Special dietary requirements can be accommodated upon request, including vegetarian, vegan, lactose-free, and gluten-free options.
Budget
How long are you going for?
Arrivals every Sunday
What is included
- Airport pick-up and transfer on Day 1 (Sunday)
- Accommodation in shared rooms
- Three meals a day (local style)
- Sustainable project with supervision and equipment
- Orientation session on arrival
- 24/7 assistance
- European Youth Card included to receive discounts all across Europe
Not included
- Flight tickets
- Travel and repatriation insurance
- Activities and personal expenses
- Local transportation
Where your money goes
Donations are reinvested in full and directly into the local associations. How the costs break down
See the budget week by week
| Length | Total programme budget |
|---|
Getting ready to leave
Your application
An up-to-date CV and a cover letter describing your background and what brings you here.
Conditions to take part
- Must be at least 16 years old.
- Basic level of English: able to understand instructions and communicate.
- Copy of your passport.
Insurance
For any project abroad, Freepackers requires travel insurance covering accidents, illness, repatriation and third-party liability. With Chapka Cap Student, you get 5% off.
Online language lessons
With Clic Campus: video lessons and an e-learning platform, from home.
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