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Animal Care Volunteer Program in Trinidad and Tobago

Animal Care Volunteer Program in Trinidad and Tobago

Purpose
Care for & rehome abandoned animals
Start dates
Programs start every second and fourth Monday of the month
Duration
Choose from 1-4 weeks
Volunteer hours
Up to 5 hours a day
Age
Volunteers aged 18+ and families
Accommodation
Stay in volunteer apartments
Apply for free
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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.

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This program is ideal for:

Energetic volunteers who love animals, especially dogs and cats, have an interest in animal welfare and love caring for and playing with animals.

Project details

Want to volunteer with dogs and cats as an Animal Care volunteer in Trinidad and Tobago? International Volunteer HQ’s Animal Care project gives volunteers the opportunity to help in a shelter that houses stray and abandoned dogs and cats. Volunteers gain experience looking after animals while providing the animals with human companionship, medical treatment and everyday care with the goal of helping them find loving homes. For those who are veterinary students or qualified vets, there is also a vet clinic in the shelter where they can provide assistance when needed, in addition to the shelter work they are assigned.

What to expect and how you'll make an impact

For many low-income communities in Trinidad and Tobago, food is scarce and cannot be spared to feed animals, even pets. This means many animals, especially dogs and cats, are abandoned on the streets and left to fend for themselves. With this lack of food and care they often end up ill or injured. Volunteers can help address this issue by assisting at an animal shelter that cares for displaced dogs and cats. The aim is to rehabilitate the animals and give them the best chance of being re-homed.

As an Animal Care volunteer, you’ll provide much valued human company and general care to these animals, many of whom have been abandoned by previous owners. You’ll assist shelter staff with:

  • Cleaning the shelter
  • Feeding the dogs
  • Training, walking and playing with the animals
  • Shelter maintenance and upkeep
  • Rescue missions for street dogs
  • The re-homing process

Volunteers who are training or qualified veterinarians may also have the chance to provide medical treatment and perform small procedures such as cleaning and dressing wounds.

Please note, all volunteers will need to bring scrubs to wear on this project.

Contributes to United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal #15: Life on Land

Contributes to United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal #15: Life on Land

Human activity has altered almost 75% of the earth’s surface and around 1 million animal and plant species are threatened with extinction. Nature is critical to our survival. We must promote kindness to animals and use regenerative techniques to combat deforestation, conserve biodiversity and protect wildlife.

Why do Animal Care volunteering in Crown Point with IVHQ?

When you volunteer with animals in Trinidad and Tobago, you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:

  • Helping care for and re-home stray and abandoned animals
  • Supporting local animal care initiatives
  • Developing your communication skills
  • Gaining animal care experience
  • Immersing yourself in Caribbean culture
  • Discovering the natural beauty of Tobago

Volunteer requirements

  • If volunteers wish to be considered for vet related tasks on this project, they must be enrolled in veterinary school or fully qualified as a veterinarian.
  • To join this program independently volunteers must be at least 18 years old. If you are under the age of 18, you must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over the age of 18 and have parental consent to join the program.
  • All volunteers over the age of 18 must have a clear criminal background check. For those under the age of 18, 2 character reference letters will suffice in lieu of a background check.
  • All volunteers are required to have adequate volunteer travel insurance.
  • 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 free

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'Who is going' users image
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.

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What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience

AA
Adela Amor
21 Mar 2024

The whole experience was heartwarming, eye-opening and humbling, I really enjoyed it and I can’t wait to do it again.

...
DO
David Ortiz
02 Feb 2024

This is a valuable lifetime experience that will enhance your confidence and you will feel very good about yourself for volunteering to help the less fortunate. There are so many benefits for both the volunteers and the recipients. IVHQ truly offers a win/win program for all participants.

...

To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.

Academic course credit

Academic course credit through International Volunteer HQ and Intern Abroad HQ.

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

Volunteer Abroad in Trinidad and Tobago with IVHQ

Location

The IVHQ Trinidad and Tobago volunteer program is based in Crown Point, a small coastal village on the island of Tobago. This is the smaller of the Twin Islands of Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean.

The island of Tobago is known for its stunning white sand beaches, turquoise waters, abundance of wildlife, and delicious seafood. The island is mainly untouched by mass tourism, making it an amazing place to reconnect with nature. There are more than 260 species of birds on the island, a diverse range of vibrant coral reefs to explore, and an abundance of waterfalls and rainforest you can hike through.

Crown Point is where orientation and general administration is carried out by our local team. Volunteer placements are between 15 - 30 minutes on public transportation from our program location.

Arrival and orientation

The Trinidad and Tobago Program has available start dates on the second and fourth Monday of each month, and volunteers can choose from a duration of 1 - 4 weeks.

We ask that you arrive at A.N.R. Robinson International Airport the Sunday prior to your start date. Your airport pickup is included in your program fee, and the local team can provide a pickup anytime on Sunday. The airport is approximately 15 minutes from the volunteer accommodation.

Orientation is provided by our Trinidad and Tobago team and begins first thing Monday morning. Orientation covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in Trinidad and Tobago – an introduction to the country, Trinidad and Tobago customs, rules and expectations, safety, travel opportunities in Trinidad and Tobago, and an introduction to your project and placement. The orientation will also give you a chance to meet other volunteers and swap contact details for weekend travel and socializing.

Your volunteer placement will begin the following day (Tuesday).

Volunteer schedule example

First day

You will be taken to your placement by a local team member and introduced to the placement staff.

Weekdays

You may have a morning or afternoon shift, or both, and can expect to work a minimum of 3 hours, Monday through Friday. Please note that the schedule below is an example schedule only. Start time and daily workload depends on your chosen project. A typical daily schedule would be as follows:

7:30 AM Breakfast at the volunteer accommodation.
8:00 AM Travel to placement to join local placement staff and begin work on your project.
12:00 PM Break for lunch.
1:00 PM Work at the placement commences if you have been assigned with an afternoon shift.
3:30 PM You are free to travel back to the volunteer house to relax, go sightseeing or do some shopping.

Weekends

With weekends free, you’ll be able to explore all that Tobago and neighboring islands have to offer, including the country’s distinctive food, music and culture.

Weekends can be spent exploring Tobago, island hopping or joining an add-on tour. The local team will also have great recommendations for things to see and do locally, which they will discuss with volunteers as part of orientation.

Accommodation and WiFi

Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Crown Point while enjoying the comforts of our two-story volunteer apartment. Nestled within walking distance of picturesque local beaches and a variety of authentic Tobagonian eateries, the accommodation offers a cozy and communal living space beyond your volunteer duties.

Expect to share a bedroom with 1 to 2 fellow volunteers. While bedrooms are typically gender-specific, mixed-gender arrangements may be necessary during peak program times. If this arrangement does not suit you, alternative accommodations can be arranged. Each bedroom is furnished with single beds and provided with clean linens weekly.

Within the apartment, you’ll find a shared living area, a bathroom, air conditioning, reliable Wi-Fi, and a fully equipped kitchen for communal meals and gatherings. The accommodation is cleaned twice weekly, with volunteers responsible for maintaining their personal spaces.

For those seeking added privacy and comfort, you can inquire about the private studio apartment upgrade, featuring a king bed, air conditioning, private bathroom, and kitchen facilities, available for an additional fee, but subject to availability. Pre and post-program accommodations can also be arranged upon request. Please ask your IVHQ Program Manager for more details.

Stay connected during your stay by bringing an unlocked mobile phone and purchasing a local SIM card upon arrival in Trinidad and Tobago. Our local team will assist you with this during your Program Orientation, ensuring you have seamless communication throughout your volunteer experience. Additionally, Wi-Fi is provided at your volunteer accommodation for your convenience.

Laundry facilities are not available on-site, but can be accessed in town (approximately 15 minutes driving) at a cost of approximately CA$8 ($40TNT) per load.

Meals

Volunteers are provided with light breakfast items in a self-serve manner each day, which include toast, cereal, tea, coffee and creamer. You are welcome to purchase your own groceries to supplement these items for your personal preferences.

Volunteers are responsible for their own lunch and dinner each day. You will have access to your own kitchen in the accommodation, and groceries can be purchased locally so you can prepare your own meals. There are a few restaurants within walking distance of the accommodation if you’d prefer to eat out. We recommend budgeting around US$10 - 30 per meal if you choose to eat at a local restaurant or cafe.

Pricing

  • USD

Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$299 (approximately CA$441) you secure your spot and unlock all our preparation and training tools.

You don't need to worry about paying your Program Fee until you get closer to your start date.

Duration
Program Fee
Due 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you.
  • USD
1 week $630 Equivalent to $90/day
2 weeks $1,030 Equivalent to $74/day
3 weeks $1,395 Equivalent to $66/day
4 weeks $1,739 Equivalent to $62/day
  • All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$299 (approximately CA$441) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services.
  • A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
  • Recommended spending money: Volunteers in Trinidad and Tobago generally find US$200 - $300 per week to be sufficient for additional expenses.
  • Light breakfast supplies
  • Airport pick-up
  • Accommodation
  • 24/7 in-country support
  • In-country program orientation
  • Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
  • Personalized preparation tools, guides and check lists
  • Access to IVHQ’s preferred insurance and flights partners
  • Discounts on travel and tour add-ons
  • Certificate of International Volunteer Service

Learn more about what's included in your IVHQ Registration Fee and Program Fee.

  • Lunch and dinner
  • Transport to and from your placement each day
  • Return to the airport when your program finishes
  • Flights
  • Visa (if required), travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check.
  • Personal spending money for snacks, laundry, public transportation, drinks and leisure activities during your free time.

Popular add-ons & experiences in Crown Point

Take your volunteer experience to the next level with these popular add-ons and experiences. Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ Crown Point program.

Buccoo Reef & Nylon Pool Tour
Buccoo Reef & Nylon Pool Tour

Join us for an exploration of Tobago’s coastal treasures that promises memories to last a lifetime!

CA$73
Extra Night of Accommodation
Extra Night of Accommodation

Arriving early or departing a day after your program has finished? Book your extra nights of accommodation.

From CA$98
Extra Night of Accommodation - Private Studio
Extra Night of Accommodation - Private Studio

Stay in Trinidad and Tobago longer with extra nights of accommodation in the private studio upgrade.

From CA$113

Check what's required to visit Trinidad and Tobago

Safety and support

Safety and support with IVHQ

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.
Learn more about IVHQ's safety

Essential country information

Essential country information

Capital Port of Spain
Population 1,412,090 country population
Languages English
Currency Trinidad & Tobago Dollar (TT$)
Time zone UTC-4:00

Weather and climate

The climate of Trinidad and Tobago is tropical, with high relative humidity. The coolest months are December to February, when the average minimum temperature ranges from lows of 71 °F (22°C) and highs of 86 °F (30°C). The warmest months are August to October, which have an average maximum temperature of about 89 °F (32 °C).

Apply to check if you're eligible!

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How to get started

Pick a destination + project and apply for free
Meet your personal volunteer travel expert
Pay the Registration Fee to secure your place and upgrade your MyIVHQ account
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