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Animal Care Volunteer Program in Argentina - Cordoba

Animal Care Volunteer Program in Argentina - Cordoba

Want to volunteer with animals in Argentina - Cordoba? International Volunteer HQ’s Animal Care project benefits both rescued animals and children from low-income areas of Cordoba. Volunteers help at a small farm that works as an animal refuge and learning centre where local children spend the day connecting with animals in the outdoors, getting involved in activities that they would not be able to access through their own means.

Highlights:
  • Programs start every Monday
  • Affordable fees from £321 for 1 week
  • Includes accommodation, breakfast and dinner, airport pick up, orientation and 24/7 support
  • Help care for rescued animals at a farm that provides fun experiences for disadvantaged children

  • Check out Córdoba’s rich history and beautiful ancient buildings

  • Stay in a home with other volunteers in a peaceful neighbourhood of Córdoba

Key information

Care for rescued domestic animals
Based at a farm in the Cordoba region
Local homestay accommodation
Volunteers aged 16+ and families
Fully hosted experience from £321 for 1 week
Durations from 1 - 24 weeks
Spanish lessons available
Up to 5 hours volunteering per day

This program is ideal for:

Volunteers who care about animals and also want to have a positive social impact in the local community.
Who is this program suited to?

What to expect and how you'll make an impact

Animal Care volunteers in Cordoba can assist a small farm of rescued animals which operates as a learning center and equine therapy center for disadvantaged children.

The farm provides recreational experiences and learning opportunities for local children that they would otherwise be unable to access through their own means. Visiting the farm is more than enjoying an afternoon in the outdoors, it is to learn about the world around us and how to take care of it.

Volunteers gain experience looking after animals such as horses, sheep, baby goats, rabbits, hens, chickens, quails, guinea pigs and dogs. These animals need care, treatment and attention so they can regain full health and find a loving home.

Volunteers are a vital source of support as the resources are very limited in the farm, and the more people available to help out, the healthier these animals will be while they transit through to a new home.

You’ll focus on all aspects of animal care. Volunteer duties can vary but generally include helping with:

  • Playing and entertaining animals
  • Feeding animals
  • Cleaning and grooming
  • Grounds maintenance. Painting and repairing as needed.
  • Help with equine therapy sessions and horseback riding
  • Prepare nurseries, crops, compost, soil and natural fertilizers.
  • Help receiving and guiding visitors
  • Maintenance of equine therapy gear
  • Help in preparing soil and fertilizers for sale & fundraise
  • Assist with organization of fundraising events
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 Cordoba with IVHQ?

By volunteering on the Animal Care project in Córdoba, you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:

  • Caring for rescued animals in need
  • Helping provide a safe outdoor space for local kids to learn and enjoy
  • Practicing your Spanish
  • Developing your communication skills
  • Gaining animal care and farm experience
  • Immersing yourself fully in the Argentinian culture
  • Exploring the stunning region and city of Córdoba

Volunteer requirements

  • Volunteers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to participate in this program
  • Volunteers aged 16-18 are required to provide IVHQ with parental consent and may be asked to provide additional documentation to the local team
  • All volunteers aged 13+ are required to provide a criminal background check to IVHQ prior to departure. Those aged 13-17, if unable to obtain a criminal background check, can provide two character reference letters instead
  • All volunteers are required to have adequate volunteer travel insurance
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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What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience

LE
Lucia Eshleman
27 Feb 2024

I would say that if you're going to volunteer anywhere, this is absolutely the place to do it! Not only is the work you'll do so empowering and joyful, the family makes a world of difference. I have done two other IVHQ programs and this one was my favourite!! I loved living with a family, it makes the whole trip so much more special. I loved how real it felt and how we got to see so many different parts of Cordoba. I really can't put into words how much I loved Cordoba and this program. I am so glad I chose this and I will hold onto these memories forever!! 11/10!!!

...
JM
Jaydanna Montgomery
07 Feb 2024

My advice would be to do your research before going to your chosen destination and to learn the basics of the language used there. I felt more connected once I was able to understand and communicate with the locals, as there are very few people who speak English fluently. My placement, program and everything else in Argentina was amazing! My host family did an amazing job at making me feel apart of their family and welcomed the whole time. If trying to decide on where to go, I would 100% suggest going here first. It was such a great first experience. I was able to learn and grow so much as a person.

...
LK
Lindsay Kilner
11 Dec 2023

I really enjoyed my stay in Cordoba with Nadi and Pedro. They treated me as if I were a member of their family and it really felt like a home away from home. I felt incredibly safe and well taken care of from the moment I arrived to my departure. It provided an amazing opportunity to learn about the local culture while still feeling at home! I am incredibly grateful for my time in Cordoba and of course to Pedro and Nadi. I really hope to have the opportunity to return to them one day.

...
LR
Lourdes Ramirez
11 Dec 2023

I feel like I gained so much from this experience in all aspects of my life. Argentina was always a dream of mine to travel to and giving back to a community there was even more than I expected. I fell in love with the people and their culture. There was always something fun to do even if we just stayed at the house, we were able to relax by the pool and enjoy time together. I highly recommend anyone looking to gain a similar experience as mine to join the program, you won’t regret it.

...
JH
James Hoefer
14 Sep 2023

The program, and individuals that I met along the way, enriched my life in so many ways. It is always good to have changes in your life so you can grow as an individual and giving back to others, animals, and the environment are extremely rewarding.

...

To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.

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Volunteer Abroad in Argentina, Córdoba with IVHQ

Location

In the middle of Argentina, IVHQ’s Córdoba projects are set against the breathtaking backdrop of rolling hills and valleys which surround the city. Córdoba is home to Argentina’s second largest university and hundreds of thousands of students who give it a lively, modern flavour. You’ll find great markets, picturesque parks, pumping nightlife and masses of museums, cathedrals and cultural icons just waiting to be discovered.

Arrival and orientation

After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at the Ambrosio Taravella International Airport (COR) in Córdoba. Your airport pick-up is included in your Program Fee. We recommend that volunteers under the age of 18 travel internationally with a notarized letter of consent from their parents to support their documentation.

When you arrive, you will be greeted at the airport by a member of the local team and taken to the volunteer accommodation in Córdoba. Your accommodation is covered by your Program Fee and includes the night before your program orientation.

If you are travelling in Argentina prior to your volunteer program, we can arrange for you to be picked up in Córdoba on the day before your program orientation. Orientation is hosted by our Córdoba team and begins on the morning of your chosen start date. It covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in Córdoba – an introduction to Argentina, culture and customs, rules and expectations, safety, travel opportunities, and an introduction to project and placement. The orientation will also give you a chance to meet other volunteers and swap contact details for weekend travel and socialising.

Volunteer schedule example

First Day

On your first day of volunteering, you will be escorted to your placement by a local coordinator and introduced to the placement staff you will be working with.

Weekdays

Volunteers will have a morning or afternoon shift, which will last around 2 to 5 hours. A typical morning schedule is as follows:

7:30 AM Breakfast at the volunteer accommodation.
8:00 AM Volunteers travel to their placements to join local placement staff. Start time and daily workload depends on the project that the individual volunteer is participating on.
1:00 PM Work at the placement usually ends. Volunteers are free to travel back to the volunteer accommodation, go sightseeing, or do some shopping. If volunteers are taking Spanish language lessons, they will usually do this in the afternoon (or in the morning if they are volunteering in the afternoon).
8:00 PM Dinner at the volunteer accommodation.

Weekends

Maybe the rhythm of Córdoba’s famous cuarteto music will call to your feet, maybe you’ll forage for a flea market bargain, take a trip to the Che Guevara Museum, adventure in the mountains, try Argentina’s beloved Fernet and Coke or spend your time discovering the Jesuit Block. Maybe you’ll do it all and more, or just relax in a peaceful park and sip a coffee. In any case there’s no shortage of things to see and do during your free time in Córdoba. But if it’s time for a change of scene, Córdoba’s central location means it’s easy to hop on a plane or jump in a car or bus and visit Argentina’s buzzy capital, Buenos Aires, or pay a visit to the Mendoza wine region or the city of Rosario. If the outdoors are your thing, there’s plenty of trekking, mountain climbing, horseback riding, paragliding, and abseiling fun to be had in the Córdoba region and nearby.

Accommodation and WiFi

Volunteers are accommodated in a family homestay in Barrio El Refugio, a peaceful neighborhood, 15 - 20 minutes drive from Córdoba airport, and 30 minutes drive to the city center. Your hostess is also your coordinator so our local team will be very easy to approach and always available in case you need anything.

This two-story homestay has great facilities for volunteers, including a barbecue area and a swimming pool which is available in the summer. Bedrooms have single beds and bunk beds and you can expect to share a bedroom with one to three other volunteers of the same gender. Bathrooms with hot showers and western toilets are shared between no more than three other volunteers, and bedding and towels are provided.

A private room (without a private bathroom) can also be requested at an additional cost of US$70 (approximately £58) per week for a single room or US$105 (approximately £87) per week for a double room. This needs to be paid to our local team in Córdoba and needs to be arranged prior to arrival.

WiFi is available for volunteers to use at the homestay. You can also purchase a local SIM card with data for an unlocked mobile phone to keep connected.

Meals

Breakfast and dinner are served every weekday at the volunteer accommodation. On the weekend you will only be provided with breakfast, however, you will be provided with supplies so that you can prepare your own dinner.

If you have any special dietary requirements, please let us know ahead of time so that we can make arrangements for you. Remember that you should be flexible and open to trying new foods and we will do our best to see that you are well taken care of.

Pricing

  • USD
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 £320 Equivalent to £46/day
2 weeks £529 Equivalent to £38/day
3 weeks £712 Equivalent to £34/day
4 weeks £895 Equivalent to £32/day
5 weeks £1078 Equivalent to £31/day
6 weeks £1258 Equivalent to £30/day
8 weeks £1607 Equivalent to £29/day
10 weeks £1949 Equivalent to £28/day
12 weeks £2257 Equivalent to £27/day
16 weeks £2874 Equivalent to £26/day
20 weeks £3490 Equivalent to £25/day
24 weeks £4073 Equivalent to £24/day
  • Accommodation
  • Breakfast and dinner
  • 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
  • Discounts on language lessons
  • 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.

  • All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$329 (approximately £274) 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 GBP.
  • 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, lunch, public transport to and from your placement each day and return to the airport when your program finishes.
  • Recommended spending money: Volunteers in Cordoba generally find US$50 to be sufficient for weekly expenses, including in-country tours and optional Spanish lessons.

Free-time experiences & tours in Argentina

Take your volunteer experience to the next level with IVHQ's affordable activity and tour add-ons in Argentina! Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ Argentina program.

BBQ Night
BBQ Night

Experience an authentic home-made Argentinian BBQ with plenty of meat and vegetables.

£25
Buenos Aires Overnight Tour
Buenos Aires Overnight Tour

Experience a 2-day round trip tour to Buenos Aires.

£130
Cordoba Mountain Tour (Full Day)
Cordoba Mountain Tour (Full Day)

Enjoy a captivating 10 hour guided tour to any of the six different valleys and towns that you have to choose from.

£45
Buenos Aires Overnight Tour
Buenos Aires Overnight Tour

Experience a 2-day round trip tour to Buenos Aires.

£130
Cordoba Mountain Tour (Full Day)
Cordoba Mountain Tour (Full Day)

Enjoy a captivating 10 hour guided tour to any of the six different valleys and towns that you have to choose from.

£45
Cordoba Mountain Tour (Half Day)
Cordoba Mountain Tour (Half Day)

Enjoy a 4 hour guided tour to any of the six different valleys and towns that you have to choose from.

£30
BBQ Night
BBQ Night

Experience an authentic home-made Argentinian BBQ with plenty of meat and vegetables.

£25
Iguazu Falls Trip
Iguazu Falls Trip

Embark on a captivating three-day journey to witness the largest waterfall system in the world.

£750
Private Virtual Spanish Language Lessons
Private Virtual Spanish Language Lessons

Improve your Spanish skills before volunteering abroad on the Buenos Aires program with our interactive one-to-one online language lessons.

From £108

Spanish language lessons

Fluency in Spanish is not a prerequisite for the IVHQ Argentina - Córdoba program, however on certain projects volunteer work will be restricted with limited language ability. IVHQ, therefore, strongly recommends that volunteers take advantage of the very affordable language lessons offered exclusively to IVHQ volunteers. Past volunteers feel that taking these lessons help immensely with day-to-day volunteer work and communicating with local people. Taught by professional Spanish teachers and tailored to each person’s specific needs, the classes run for one hour a day, Monday through Friday. The lessons are arranged with your IVHQ Program Manager prior to departure.

  • 1 hour, private lessons (5 hours per week): £65 per week

Check what's required to visit Argentina

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

Capital Buenos Aires
Population 45.1 million
Languages Spanish
Currency Argentine Peso
Time zone UTC-03:00

Weather and climate

Like its topography, Argentina’s climate varies greatly. The climate ranges from subtropical in the north, to humid in the central regions, to sub-Antarctic in the south. Winter, from June to August, is the driest period of the year. The coldest months are June and July and the warmest month is January. Average annual temperatures in Buenos Aires range from 51°F to 83°F (11°C to 28°C).

Other projects you may be interested in

How to get started

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