Hedgehog Conservation Volunteer Project in Portugal - Porto
Become the hedgehog’s hero! Are you and advocate for animal welfare and conservation? If so, join our rescue center’s volunteer team to save, rehabilitate, and safeguard the future of the adorable European Hedgehog.
In recent years, there has been a significant decline in the hedgehog population because of growing infrastructure, mechanized agriculture, climate change, as well as natural causes such as, predation and disease. This goes on top of other natural causes such as predation and disease. Joining International Volunteer HQ’s Hedgehog Conservation project gives you hands-on experience in conservation and the chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of these charming animals.
Highlights:
- Programs start every first and third Monday of each month
- Affordable fees from AU$1112 for 1 week
- Includes accommodation, meals, airport pick up, orientation and 24/7 support
-
Gain hands-on experience in sustainable environmental and animal welfare movements in Portugal
-
Discover the natural wildlife and habitat of European Hedgehogs
-
Interact with like-minded volunteers in the project
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
Key information
This program is ideal for:
What to expect and how you'll make an impact
In this unique project, you will have the opportunity to contribute to a vital cause by joining a non-profit rescue center dedicated exclusively to the care of hedgehogs.
A one of its kind in the country, this rescue center focuses on the rehabilitation of injured and sick hedgehogs, with the ultimate aim of releasing them back into their natural habitat.
Hedgehogs have been facing increasing threats due to pollution, habitat loss, road accidents, and scarcity of food. These factors have led to a significant decline in the European Hedgehog population in recent years.
In response to these challenges, wildlife conservation organizations, including the center, are working tirelessly to bolster the hedgehog population and ensure the longevity of these fascinating creatures.
As a volunteer at this 100% volunteer-run center, your role is pivotal. You will assist the staff in various tasks to support the hedgehogs’ recovery and care, including:
- Cleaning cages and enclosures
- Feeding the hedgehogs
- Engaging in awareness initiatives
- Partake in the exciting process of releasing these animals back into the wild
- Support clinical procedures, such as wound cleaning, administering medications, and conducting coprology studies, among other tasks
Want to volunteer with a wider range of animals? Check out our Biological Park Conservation Volunteer Project in Miranda do Corvo, Portugal.
Why do Hedgehog Conservation volunteering in Porto with IVHQ?
When you volunteer in the Hedgehog Conservation project, you will be adding value to the local community while, at the same time, developing personal and professional skills by:
- Learning about how NGOs in Portugal operate
- Supporting the mandate and operations of local NGOs
- Driving impactful change to address pressing environmental issues in Portugal
- Participate in the hedgehog conservation movement in the region
- Immersing yourself in environmental initiatives such as habitat restoration and rehabilitation
Volunteer requirements
- Volunteers need to be 18 years or older to participate in this program. If you are under 18, IVHQ offers alternative volunteer opportunities for teens. Visit our High School Volunteer Abroad page to learn more.
- All volunteers are required to have adequate volunteer travel insurance
- All volunteers are required to provide a criminal background check to IVHQ prior to departure
- All volunteers must speak fluent English
Are you eligible to volunteer?
Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.
Apply For FreeNot sure which program to join?
Get personalized recommendations >
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
Portugal photo gallery
Academic course credit
Gain course credit from your college or university and meet your academic requirements when completing a volunteer abroad program with International Volunteer HQ!
Learn about course credit
Location
Experience the vibrant allure of Porto, Portugal’s eclectic gem!
This city is a tapestry of ancient charm and contemporary buzz. Wander through its serpentine, mural-adorned streets in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic center, where every corner tells a story.
There is so much to do!
You can hop on a vintage tram to where the Douro River kisses the Atlantic, discover sun-soaked beaches and chic outdoor cafés, try the typical “Francesinha,” immerse yourself in Serralves, and go to the famous library in the city center!
As night falls, the city transforms into a lively playground with an array of trendy rooftop bars, cozy cafés, and electric clubs.
Beyond its lively streets, Porto is the gateway to Northern Portugal’s rich tapestry of culture and scenery. It’s not just a city, it’s an experience!
Arrival and orientation
The program orientation begins on the first and third Monday of each month, and volunteers need to arrive in Porto on the Sunday before program orientation.
After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (Porto Airport) (OPO) in Porto on the Sunday before your program orientation. Your airport pick-up is included in your Program Fee.
When you arrive, you will be greeted at the airport by a member of the local team and transported to the volunteer accommodation in Porto. Your accommodation is covered by your Program Fee and includes the night before your program orientation.
If you are traveling in Portugal prior to your volunteer program, we can arrange for you to be picked up at a prearranged destination in Porto on the day before your program orientation.
Orientation is hosted by our Portugal team in Porto. Orientation begins on the morning of your chosen start date and covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in Porto – an introduction to Portugal and Porto, culture and customs, rules and expectations, safety, travel opportunities, and an introduction to the project and placement, along with a tour of the local area. The orientation will also give you a chance to meet other volunteers and swap contact details for weekend travel and socializing.
A separate orientation dedicated to your placement will be held the following day. You will be shown how to travel to and from your placement, receive an introduction, and complete your volunteering hours.
Volunteer schedule example
First Day
You will be escorted to your placement by a local coordinator and introduced to the placement staff you will be working alongside.
Weekdays
During the week, you will have an afternoon shift, which will last approximately 4 hours from 2:30 PM - 6:00 PM. Please keep in mind that the Hedgehog Conservation project is available from Tuesday - Friday, there is no volunteering work available on Monday. Note that start times and daily workload will depend on your specific placement.
A typical day between Tuesday and Friday on the Hedgehog Conservation project is as follows:
| 7.00 AM - 10.00 AM | Breakfast at the volunteer accommodation |
| 9.00 AM | Free time to explore or rest. You are free to relax at the accommodation, go sightseeing, or head out for some shopping |
| 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM | Lunch is served at a local restaurant near the volunteer accommodation |
| 1.30 PM | Travel to your placement via public transportation, which can take approximately an hour, depending on traffic |
| 2.30 PM | Volunteering on your placement begins alongside placement staff and other volunteers until approximately 6:00 PM. |
| 6.00 PM | Volunteering work on your placement usually ends. You are free to travel back to your accommodation |
| 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM | Dinner is served at a local restaurant near the volunteer accommodation |
Weekends
Volunteers can travel and explore the eclectic city of Porto, Portugal. From visiting one of the oldest libraries in the world, catching a futebol match, or trying out a local francesinha, you can create an itinerary by yourself or with your fellow volunteers!
Volunteers staying in Portugal longer or who wish to travel before or after their program can visit areas further afield in Portugal, including Lisbon, the Azores, the Algarve, and many other places. With the advice and guidance of our expert local team, you can make travel arrangements once you arrive in Porto
Accommodation and WiFi
Volunteers are accommodated in a dormitory-style hostel along the scenic Douro River in the heart of the city – the perfect retreat for volunteers in Porto. The accommodation is just a stone’s throw from the metro and a short walk from Porto Cathedral and Torre dos Clérigos.
Volunteers can immerse themselves in the lively neighborhood, teeming with supermarkets, quaint cafes, bustling bars, and all modes of public transportation. Expect cozy accommodations shared with up to eleven other people per room. The rooms are equipped with air conditioning, en suite showers and toilets, and bedding. Along with personal touches, like reading lights and power outlets at every bed and individual lockers to store your belongings securely.
The accommodation communal areas feature a fully equipped shared kitchen and lounge area, allowing you to relax and mingle with fellow volunteers.
WiFi is available at the volunteer accommodation and is free of charge. Please note that the the signal may be weaker in some areas of the accommodation. WiFi is also available at many cafes and restaurants in the area.
Meals
Volunteers are provided with breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day.
Breakfast is served buffet style at the volunteer accommodation. The buffet includes cereals, yogurt, seasonal fruits, bread, butter, jam, coffee, milk, and tea.
Lunch and dinner are served in a nearby restaurant which prepares tasty Portuguese dishes with fresh local ingredients. The menu consists of local food, a mixture of meat, fish, and vegetable dishes.
Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and lactose-intolerant options are available upon request.
Pricing
Duration |
Program FeeDue 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you.
|
|---|---|
| 1 week | AU$1112 Equivalent to AU$159/day |
| 2 weeks | AU$1934 Equivalent to AU$138/day |
| 3 weeks | AU$2757 Equivalent to AU$131/day |
| 4 weeks | AU$3579 Equivalent to AU$128/day |
| 5 weeks | AU$4401 Equivalent to AU$126/day |
| 6 weeks | AU$5224 Equivalent to AU$124/day |
| 8 weeks | AU$6868 Equivalent to AU$123/day |
| 10 weeks | AU$8513 Equivalent to AU$122/day |
| 12 weeks | AU$10158 Equivalent to AU$121/day |
- Accommodation
- Meals
- 24/7 in-country support
- In-country program orientation
- Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
- Airport pick-up
- Personalised preparation tools, guides and check lists
- Access to IVHQ’s preferred insurance and flights partners
- Certificate of International Volunteer Service
Learn more about what's included in your IVHQ Registration Fee and Program Fee.
- All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$329 (approximately AU$530) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services. IVHQ fees are priced in USD but you may elect to pay in AUD.
- A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
- Additional things to budget for include: Visa, flights, travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check, public transport to and from your placement each day and return to the airport when your program finishes.
- Recommended spending money: Volunteers in Porto generally find US$150 to be sufficient for weekly expenses, including transport and miscellaneous spending.
- Any changes or cancellations within 14 days of your start date are subject to a US$200 late change/cancellation fee.
Check what's required to visit Portugal
Safety and support
IVHQ follows best practice and industry-leading health and safety procedures, which are regularly reviewed and optimized as part of the B Corporation recertification.
- All volunteers encouraged to complete our interactive pre-departure training.
- All local teams trained on best practice volunteer management & First Aid.
- All IVHQ programs are required to adhere to IVHQ's Risk Management Policy.
- All volunteers have access to 24/7 in-country support from our local team.
Essential country information
| Capital | Porto |
| Population | 214,349 |
| Languages | Portuguese |
| Currency | Euro (EUR) |
| Time zone | UTC+00:00 |
Weather and climate: Porto has generally moderate temperatures. The average annual high is around 20 °C (68 °F) and average low around 11 °C (52 °F). The climate is also only mildly seasonal, from a maxima of 14 °C (57 °F) in January to 25–26 °C (77–79 °F) in August, while minima is around 5–6 °C (41–43 °F) in January and 15–16 °C (59–61 °F) in July and August.
Latest blog posts
Other projects you may be interested in
