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Solidarity trip with dogs in Cape Verde

Dog and Cat Rescue Shelter Centre in Mindelo

Collaborate in this project that contributes to the animal welfare of the whole island.

Dog and Cat Rescue Shelter Centre in Mindelo

from 500€ por persona
Open all year round.
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Cape Verde
Animals

The dog and cat rescue and fostering project is located in the beautiful town of Mindelo, capital of the island of Sao Vicente, in  Cape Verde.  The center offers rescue and shelter services for animals on the island, mainly domestic animals.

Sao Vicente is the second most populated island of Cape Verde. It is the origin of many styles of Cape Verdean and Creole music. It has beautiful architecture inspired by the Portuguese colonial era. It is an island that also offers many activities.

The project is fully dedicated to the protection of the animal population in the city of Mindelo, especially dogs and cats.

The aim of our organisation is to support and care for cats and dogs living on the streets, which are generally in very bad conditions.

They have around 100 dogs, some waiting to be adopted locally, and others in need of special care. They all need a lot of attention, dedication and above all ... Long walks!

The association has been running for more than 12 years, and 4 years ago they opened a hostel to make the project financially sustainable. They also have a house for volunteers and of a clinic own to care for the animals.

They offer treatment for animals in need of intensive care, such as victims of traffic accidents or poisoning. 

On the ground floor of the hostel you will find the 'cat paradise', where 22 cats are waiting to be adopted. They are cats rescued from the street. Help is always needed for delicate tasks such as brushing the cats, playing with them, taking care of the sick ones, etc. The moment you enter this cat shelter, they will come and greet you with a cat hug 🙂

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  • Project Location
    Mindelo, Cape Verde
  • Volunteer hours
    7:00 to 12:30 h or 12:30 to 18:00 h with one day off per week.
  • Volunteer activities
    walking with the dogs, washing and playing with them, preparing the material to coordinate the work.
  • Minimal collaboration
    2 weeks
  • Incluido
    Tumaini accompaniment
    Accommodation
    Kitchen
    Local Coordinator
    Training course
    Airport pick-up
    Volunteer liability insurance
  • No incluido
    Tourist activities
    Hot water
    Lunch
    Dinner
    Breakfast
    Travel insurance
    Flight
    WIFI

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Volunteer Program

1
Voluntary activities
  • Dog care (walking with the dogs, looking after them, playing with them).
  • Meetings with the monitors to coordinate the work and preparation of the necessary material for the following days.
   
2
Profiles required
To participate in this solidarity trip it is not necessary to have a specific profile. The only requirements are:
  • Good physical fitness as the work is intense.
  • Be of legal age or, in the case of minors, be accompanied by an adult. The minimum age to participate is 17 years old.
  • Be a positive and committed person. The work can be emotionally difficult, as you work with dogs with different diseases or disabilities. It can also be stressful due to the intensity of the work.
  • Be open-minded, tolerant, supportive and willing to learn. Flexibility is essential, as tasks may change depending on the needs of the NGO, similarly the ability to work in a team since volunteering is done in coordination with other people.
The project is particularly suitable for:
  • People of all ages in good physical shape 
  • Groups, single travellers, couples.
  • Families who want to educate children in values of solidarity and love of nature.
  • Students of veterinary medicine, biology and similar subjects.
3
A day in the project
Every day as soon as we enter, we report our arrival, tie up the free dogs and start with the morning walks in order and according to the list. We often take the dogs for a walk on the beach, the place is spectacular!  We work hand in hand with the local volunteers who are very nice and love dogs. Normally you only do one shift, either in the morning or in the afternoon. It is very special the feeling of community that is created in the hostel, the volunteer house and with the local people. You leave the place with even a bigger love for dogs and cats than you had when you arrived.  

 

Project Location

Project

The project is located in the beautiful Mindelo city (on the island of Sao Pedro). It has a clinic located a few metres from the hostel and a volunteer house.  The project and accommodation is located 300 m from the beach and the main square, 200 m from a small supermarket and about 15-20 minutes from the centre of San Pedro.

Climate

The average temperature is 25 degrees all year round. The best seasons are:
  • April to mid-July.
  • November to mid-December.

The cost varies according to the duration of your solidarity trip. The costs are approximate as they depend on the exchange rate at the time of payment.
Accommodation: Bed in a mixed dormitory in the project's solidarity hostel in the centre of Mindelo. Shared rooms with fewer people are available at an extra cost, please ask us!
Low season (1 April - 31 October):
  • 2 weeks: €500                                          
  • 3 weeks: €590                                      
  • 4 weeks: €680                                           
High season (1 November - 31 March):
  • 2 weeks: 550 €.
  • 3 weeks: €670
  • 4 weeks: 790 €. 

What is included?

From Tumaini::
  • Search for the solidarity trip that best fits your profile and interests to provide an enriching beneficial experience for both travellers and NGOs.
  • A guide of the project with useful up-to-date information on the status and needs of the project.
  • Support during the preparation of your trip: visas, vaccinations, tips for buying your flight, advice on what to visit, essentials to carry in your backpack, practical information (money exchange, transport, timetables, culture, etc.).
  • Tumaini coordinator available by email or phone whenever you need to solve all your doubts. Sometimes, if possible, face-to-face meetings are also held.
  • Online course on solidarity travel and responsible tourism, mandatory for volunteers to get the most out of their experience.
  • Contact, if possible and on request, with volunteers who have already been in the project.
  • Contact, if possible and on request, with people who are going to travel on similar dates to chat before the solidarity trip, resolve doubts or organize it together.
  • Basic Tumaini Portuguese-Spanish dictionary.
  • Accident and liability insurance specialized in volunteering.
  • Follow-up during the solidarity trip.
  • Letter of reference or certificate of solidarity travel/volunteering on request.
  • CO2 compensation by planting a tree and monitoring it for three years on the island of Borneo in Indonesia.

On the part of the project:
  • Accommodation in the chosen option.
  • Pick up at the airport (we can also arrange the return).
  • Local Coordinator.
What is not included?

  • International ticket
  • Travel insurance (compulsory)
  • Meals (you will have access to a kitchen)
  • Visa (free of charge for stays of less than 30 days)
  • Extras such as personal excursions, shopping, etc.
 
Your trip will contribute to the growth of the project. The total cost of your solidarity trip is divided into two parts:
  • A contribution to Tumaini for the efforts and assistance of the volunteers.
  • A contribution to the project for accommodation and, in some cases, food.
Your stay generates a direct benefit for the NGO, with your solidarity trip, you are directly contributing to making the project self-sustainable.
 
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