I feel I gained a lot from the experience I made so many new friends not just with the volunteers but also with the locals in the village and I gained a whole new perspective on life and on filipino culture. I would tell somebody who is hesitant about going to Tigman, to just book it its not a scam and its a amazing place and I know all the volunteers who went fell in love with it as well there wasn't one person at the camp that didn't enjoy their time there.
Animal Care Volunteer Project in the Philippines - Palawan
Purpose
Care for abandoned animals
Start dates
Programs start every Monday
Duration
Choose from 1-24 weeks
Volunteer hours
Up to 4 hours per day
Age
Volunteers aged 18+ and families
Accommodation
Dormitory-style volunteer house
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.
This program is ideal for:
Perfect for those passionate about improving the welfare of stray animals in the Philippines.
Project details
Are you passionate about improving the lives of animals in need? International Volunteer HQ’s Animal Care project helps care for stray and rescued cats and dogs in a safe, nurturing environment. Many of these animals have been abandoned, mistreated, or surrendered, and are now given a second chance through dedicated rehabilitation and ongoing support. As a volunteer, you’ll play an important role in their daily care and overall well-being, contributing directly to their recovery and long-term quality of life.
What to expect and how you'll make an impact
Like many regions, Palawan struggles with a growing population of stray and abandoned animals. This program offers you the chance to support the care and rehabilitation of injured, neglected, and orphaned cats and dogs, working alongside experienced local rescuers.
You’ll be involved in various aspects of animal care. Volunteer tasks may vary, but typically involve:
- Providing medication to animals
- Cleaning and maintaining the sanctuary
- Feeding the animals
- Offering companionship to animals in need
- Constructing and maintaining enclosures
Why do Animal Care volunteering in Palawan with IVHQ?
As an Animal Care volunteer in the Philippines you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:
- Improving the health and well-being of animals
- Practicing your Filipino
- Developing your communication skills
- Gaining animal care experience
- Acquiring a cross-cultural understanding of animal care
- Immersing yourself in the Filipino culture
Volunteer requirements
Volunteers staying in the Philippines for more than 4 weeks are required to obtain a Special Work Permit (SWP), as enforced by the Philippines Bureau of Immigration.
4 weeks or less (including exactly 4 weeks): No SWP required (tourist visa/visa-free entry applies depending on nationality).
More than 4 weeks (5+ weeks or 4 weeks + Culture Week): SWP is mandatory.
The SWP is arranged after arrival, completed in person at the Immigration Office (not online), and usually takes one day with full support from the local team. Additional fees apply and are paid locally.
Volunteers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to participate in this program, provide IVHQ with parental consent in order to participate on the program, and may be asked to provide additional document to the local team.
Volunteers aged 16 or 17 on their start date, if unable to obtain a criminal background check, can provide two character reference letters instead, and are required to provide IVHQ with parental consent in order to participate on the program, and may be asked to provide additional document to the local team.
To respect the local culture and customs in Philippines, volunteers should be aware that they’re unable to have anything obstructing their face while at their volunteer placement.
Volunteers aged over 18 on their start date are required to provide a criminal background check to IVHQ before departure.
All volunteers must speak English and 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.
Not 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.
Philippines photo gallery
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Animal Care project
Exploring Narra Market during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Estrella Falls during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Palawan during an IVHQ weekend
IVHQ volunteers exploring during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Palawan during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Estrella Falls during an IVHQ weekend
Academic course credit
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 creditLocation
Location
Set in the western Pacific ocean, the Philippines is a collection of incredible islands that are home to nearly 110 million people known for their friendly smiles. With a multicultural population and a newly industrialized economy, cities in the Philippines have been making great strides towards reducing poverty. However, in the country’s more remote areas low-income communities still struggle to access basic necessities like healthcare and education. Volunteers are valued in these areas for the help they provide to local schools, community services and initiatives that aim to improve the quality of life for those outside the main centres.
IVHQ’s Philippines program is set in the Arborlan District on Palawan - an island often considered one of the most beautiful in the world. With turquoise waters lapping at the edges of white sandy beaches, breathtaking scenery, UNESCO World Heritage sites and world-class diving spots, it’s a coastal paradise to rival any place you could dream of. Volunteers will stay near the remote Tigman Village on the east coast of Palawan.
Arrival and orientation
The program orientation is held every Monday and volunteers need to arrive in Palawan on the day before orientation.
After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at the Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPS) on the Sunday before your chosen start date between 10am and 5pm. 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 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 transported to the volunteer accommodation in Tigman Village. Your accommodation is covered by your Program Fee and includes the night before your program orientation. If you are travelling in the Philippines prior to your volunteer program, we can arrange for you to be picked up in Puerto Princesa on the day before your program orientation.
Orientation is hosted by the Philippines local team. There are two options for the orientation of the Philippines Program:
The One-Day Orientation: This begins on your selected start date and all volunteers will attend. It covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in the Philippines, including an introduction to the IVHQ Philippines program, the local team, general rules and a class on the local culture and language. In the afternoon, you’ll learn about the projects, take a walking tour of the local area and arrange your SIM card. The orientation will also give you a chance to meet other volunteers and swap contact details for weekend travel and socialising.
Culture Week: The Culture Week begins on the first and third Monday of each month and your volunteer program will commence the following week or you can start the week before if this works better with your schedule. The Culture Week is very popular among IVHQ volunteers. We recommend all volunteers take advantage of this week to gain a deeper understanding of the Filipino culture, a true appreciation of life in the Philippines and bond with fellow volunteers while also taking a cooking class, necklace or bracelet making, and touring local attractions. It’s also a great way to help settle the culture shock you can face when arriving in the Philippines. The Culture Week has an additional cost of US$367 (approximately £287).
If you wish to participate in the Culture Week, you can indicate your interest in this option on your application form when you apply for the program or you can let your Program Manager know once you’ve been accepted on the program.
Volunteer schedule example
First Day
On the first day of the volunteering placement, you will be escorted to the project by our local staff and introduced to the staff at the placement you will be working with.
Weekdays
A typical volunteer day is as follows:
| 8:00 AM | Breakfast with fellow volunteers. |
| 9:00 - 11:30 AM | Volunteers work at their placements. |
| 11:30 AM | Volunteers break for lunch. If volunteers are unable to return to the volunteer accommodation, they will be given a packed lunch. |
| 1:30 - 2:00 PM | Work at the placement resumes. |
| 3:30 - 4:00 PM | Work ends and volunteers have free time to explore the local area. |
| 5:00 - 6:00 PM | Dinner with fellow volunteers. |
Please note that the schedule may occasionally change due to weather, public or school holidays, or other unforeseen events that could affect your placement. We recommend checking in advance whether your intended travel dates coincide with any public or school holidays.
Weekends
Volunteers have weekends free to relax and explore the beauty of Palawan and the Philippines. The project is based in Tigman Village, a peaceful and remote area where you can enjoy quiet beachside living. Many volunteers choose to visit the nearby town of Narra to browse vibrant local markets, sample street food, and stock up on fresh tropical produce and other essentials.
Palawan is renowned for its natural beauty and diverse wildlife, offering no shortage of unforgettable adventures. You might spend your weekend island-hopping around El Nido’s famous lagoons, enjoying lunch at a nearby waterfall, exploring one of the world’s longest beaches, cruising along an underground river, or simply relaxing poolside with a cool drink. Whether you’re after adventure or downtime, Palawan has something for everyone.
Looking for more ideas of things to do in the Philippines? Check out our Philippines Experiences & Tours page!
Accommodation and WiFi
You’ll be staying in one of two volunteer houses in the remote village of Tigman, with both houses potentially open depending on program demand. Accommodation assignments are random, and we are unable to accommodate specific requests. However, volunteers traveling together as a group will be accommodated together.
Each house offers dormitory-style accommodation with air-conditioned rooms, where you’ll share a room with up to eight others of the same gender. There are shared bathrooms with western toilets and cold-water showers (a refreshing way to cool off in the heat). You’ll also have access to a fridge for storing personal food and an area for hand-washing laundry.
The main house has a pool, ideal for unwinding after a busy day of volunteering. If the main house reaches capacity, you’ll be accommodated in a second house nearby. Although this house doesn’t have a pool, it provides the same warm, welcoming atmosphere. You’ll also be welcome to visit the main house during your free time and enjoy the pool.
WiFi is available in both houses for volunteers to use throughout their stay.
Meals
Volunteers are served breakfast, lunch and dinner on weekdays with just two meals provided on weekends. Breakfast consists of bread and spreads with tea or coffee, while lunch and dinner are local Filipino cuisine. Rice is a staple in the Philippines and most meals will include a portion of rice, accompanied by two or more dishes which will be a combination of vegetables, meat or seafood cooked in local spices and sauces.
IVHQ volunteer accommodation
IVHQ volunteer social area
IVHQ volunteer social area
IVHQ volunteer social area
IVHQ volunteer social area
IVHQ volunteer accommodation
IVHQ volunteer typical bedroom
IVHQ volunteer accommodation
IVHQ volunteer typical bathroom
Private room upgrade
Private room upgrade
IVHQ Private self contained cabin
Typical volunteer bathroom
Typical volunteer bathroom
Typical volunteer living room
Typical volunteer kitchen
Typical volunteer breakfast
Typical volunteer breakfast
Typical volunteer lunch
Typical volunteer dinner
Typical volunteer dinner
Pricing
Secure your place for just US$329 (approximately £257), pay your Program Fee later.
Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$329 (approximately £257) 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.
|
|---|---|
| 1 week | $390 Equivalent to $56/day |
| 2 weeks | $542 Equivalent to $39/day |
| 3 weeks | $734 Equivalent to $35/day |
| 4 weeks | $906 Equivalent to $32/day |
| 5 weeks | $1,078 Equivalent to $31/day |
| 6 weeks | $1,250 Equivalent to $30/day |
| 8 weeks | $1,594 Equivalent to $28/day |
| 10 weeks | $1,938 Equivalent to $28/day |
| 12 weeks | $2,282 Equivalent to $27/day |
| 16 weeks | $2,970 Equivalent to $27/day |
| 20 weeks | $3,658 Equivalent to $26/day |
| 24 weeks | $4,346 Equivalent to $26/day |
- All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$329 (approximately £257) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services.
- A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
- Meals
- Airport pick-up
- Transport to and from volunteer project
- Accommodation
- 24/7 in-country emergency support
- In-country program orientation
- Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
- Personalised preparation tools, guides and check lists
- Access to IVHQ’s preferred insurance and flights partners
- Comprehensive in-country day to day support and guidance
- Discounts on travel, tours, and experiences
- Certificate of International Volunteer Service
Learn more about what's included in your IVHQ Registration Fee and Program Fee.
- 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 tours & experiences in Palawan
Take your volunteer experience to the next level with these popular tours and experiences. Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ Palawan program.
Airport Drop-off
Enjoy a stress free ride from the accommodation back to Puerto Princesa International Airport arranged by our local team.
£56
El Nido Dive, Explore & Unwind - 6 night excursion
Discover the natural beauty and vibrant culture of El Nido, Palawan, one of the world’s top travel destinations.
£287
Philippine Culture Week
This week-long add-on in Palawan offers a hands-on experience of the island’s vibrant culture, language, and traditions.
£287
Check what's required to visit the Philippines
Entry requirements can change at any time, so it's important you monitor this right up until you depart for your trip.
Safety and support
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
Essential country information
| Capital | Manila |
| Population | 116 million |
| Languages | Filipino, English |
| Currency | Philippine Peso (PHP) |
| Time zone | UTC+08:00 |
Weather and climate: The Philippines has a hot and humid tropical climate year-round, with average temperatures ranging between 25°C and 32°C (77°F to 90°F). The hottest months are April and May, when temperatures often exceed 30°C (86°F).
The country experiences two main seasons:
- Dry season: January to June (with the hottest period from March to May)
- Wet season: July to December (bringing increased rainfall and humidity)
What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience
AC
Annabelle Cooper
...
GS
Giorgia Scala
I can't recommend IVHQ programmes more to everyone at every stage of life. I didn't have much expectations from my experience and I kept a very open mind. Well, the volunteering in Palawan went way beyond any thoughts I had before. It is a true transformative experience, for the way you travel and discover the local communities away from the usual touristc routes, for the impactful tasks you are asked to handle as a volunteer, for the like-minded people you meet and share your daily life as a family, and finally, for the extreme sense of freedom you feel in such trips. I will absolutely volunteer again and I can't recommend it to anyone who wants to find a comfort zone...outside their comfort zone. Sincerely thank you to the local team and IVHQ for such unimaginable opportunity to grow and be free.
Thank you all, and I'll come back very soon!
All the very best, Giorgia
...
AS
Amelie Steen
For someone who is hesitant about joining this program I would 100% recommend just going for it! I was nervous about making friends with the other volunteers but once I arrived I was soon at ease as everyone was in the same position. I have made friends that I’m still in contact with now and we were given the opportunity to travel outside of the program which was such a great experience.
...
SP
Steph Pedersen
IVHQ was fantastic at organising the trip and making the preparation process smooth and well-managed. Their guidance from start to finish gave me real confidence when travelling abroad. The Local Team were absolutely brilliant - they ensured everyone was treated with care, respect, and a strong focus on safety. Even though it was a short experience, it left me feeling inspired and eager to participate in more of the IVHQ programs.
This program was life-changing and offered so much more than I expected. I genuinely believe that the effort you put in directly shapes what you get out of it. Everything about the experience was exceptional - especially for a young female solo traveler. The program not only opened my eyes to new cultures but also gave me a deeper appreciation for everything I have. Even if your time is short, you do make a difference. The team welcomed us with open arms and always made safety a top priority. I couldn’t recommend IVHQ more highly.
...
To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.
Apply to check if you're eligible!
Latest blog posts
Other projects you may be interested in
Sea Turtle Conservation in Nusa Penida, Bali
Animal Care in Lisbon, Portugal
Wildlife Conservation in South Africa
Elephant Welfare in Chiang Mai, Thailand
Turtle Conservation in Lombok
Turtle Conservation in San Jose, Costa Rica
Wildlife Conservation in Victoria Falls
Turtle Conservation in Sri Lanka
Animal Care in Cusco, Peru
Animal Care in San Jose, Costa Rica
Animal Care in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
Horse Caretakers in Lisbon, Portugal
Animal Care in Antigua, Guatemala
Elephant Conservation in Nepal
Animal Care in Rome, Italy
Animal Care in Athens, Greece
Giant Tortoise Conservation in Galapagos Islands
Turtle Conservation in Huidong, China
Animal Care & Rescue in South Korea
Animal Welfare in Arusha, Tanzania
Animal Care in Cape Town, South Africa
Wildlife Conservation in Namibia
Sea Turtle Nest Monitoring in Galapagos Islands
Animal Care in Barcelona, Spain
Sea Turtle and Reptile Conservation in La Ventanilla, Mexico
Wolf Conservation in Mafra, Portugal
Animal Care in Cordoba, Argentina
Horse Care and Village Support in San José Manialtepec, Mexico
Animal Care in Split, Croatia
Deer Conservation in La Ventanilla, Mexico
Veterinary Care in St Mary, Jamaica
Animal Care in Delhi, India
Animal Care in Egypt
Animal Care in Lima, Peru
Elephant Welfare in Sri Lanka
Animal Care in Crown Point, Trinidad and Tobago
Animal Care in Miercurea Ciuc, Romania
Therapeutic Horse Care in Porto, Portugal
Animal Care in St Mary, Jamaica
