The streets of Kathmandu is overflowing with life. Chronically overcrowded with humans, more than 20,000 dogs also live on the streets of Kathmandu. However, dependent on people to survive, the animals can often become the victims of neglect and cruelty. Often starving, they live with parasites, open wounds, injuries from impacts with vehicles and in some cases are left to die. At times, when the dog population becomes too great, a community will act to control this by poisoning the dogs, inflicting on them a painful death. They are beaten, kicked and every other day we see a dead animal lying on a busy road. In a survey conducted by Animal Welfare Network Nepal, 99% of the people interviewed considered street dogs problematic. Around 10% said that the street dogs need to be killed to control their population. And 12% confessed throwing stones at street animals. Over 200 people get rabies from dog bites every year. However, the Government of Nepal has not been able to focus on Animal Welfare.
The law in Nepal is unable to address issues related to abandoned animals. Hence, animal centers play a significant role in protecting stray animals by providing them shelter. They also encourage adoption as a mean of minimising violation of animal rights. The animal centers intend to reintegrate the animals and find them a suitable family. This reduces the chances of future abandonment. Due to the Government’s inability to address Animal Care in Nepal, and a large number of animals are on streets without food and shelter. The limited number of animal centers in Kathmandu are already crowded. Therefore, volunteers are crucial to support the goals of the animal shelters and improve conditions of animals.
The major goal of Animal Care Project is to contribute towards protection of stray animals and prevent them from further mistreatment. Interacting and playing with animals are very refreshing activities as it enables them to leave the tiny cage and feel loved. This enhances their health both physically and mentally. Humans can express their pain, animals cannot. They are neither able to fight for their rights nor protect them from abuse. Henceforth, this project puts a major emphasis on protecting stray animals form any forms of cruelty and harassment.
At VIN we are looking for volunteers or interns to work with animal care and re-homing centers in Kathmandu to help promote care, respect and responsibility towards animals among the Nepali people. As an Animal Care volunteer or intern, you will work with one of the animal care centers in or around Kathmandu. During your volunteering you will live together with a local Nepali host family learning and experiencing Nepali culture. On the basis of your experience, the Animal Care volunteer/ intern will perform one or more of the following activities:
- Assist the animal care center with their day-to-day activities
- Cleaning the shelter and assisting with feeding
- Spend quality time with the animals and help them to socialize
- Conduct exercise sessions recreational activities for sheltered dogs
- Work on various projects and campaigns conducted by the animal center
- Provide awareness and education on Animal Care to the Nepali people
- Assist in the rescue of sick and injured animals from the streets of Kathmandu
- Aware people about Animal Rights
- Assist in minor medical treatment (provided you possess the skill)
- Nurse injured animals to get back to sound health
- Make proper use of social media and photography to help promote the shelters
Project Specific Skills
- Should be an animal lover
- Proficient in conducting awareness sessions
- Previous experience in Animal Care
- Background or experience in Veterinary is an added asset
Desirable/ Common Skills
- Excellent communicator with good interpersonal skills
- A team player with good workethics
- Time management and leadership qualities
- Adaptable, flexible and able to work under pressure
- Accepting of different ideas and culture
- Problem solving: always be part of solutions than part of a problem
- Creative
- Positive attitude
Requirements
- Gender: Female / Male
- Minimum Age: 18+ years (16-17 years old person can volunteer but need to present parents’/ guardian’s consent letter)
- Language:English (Intermediate)
- Educational:High School Graduate
Your Experience/ Setting
Upon your arrival at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), you will receive a warm welcome and be transported to your hotel or hostel. If you are already in Nepal before the start of your placement, we can make alternative arrangements for you. You will undergo a comprehensive two- to three-day induction program after arrival. This induction will provide valuable information about your project and general information about the Nepalese language, culture, health, safety, and security. It is also an excellent opportunity to connect with fellow volunteers and interns who can become your companions for sightseeing and a source of support throughout your volunteer placement.
During the induction period, you will be accommodated in a budget hotel or hostel arranged by VIN. However, most of the VIN experience involves living with a Nepalese host family. While this immersion is essential for a complete experience, we understand that it can be challenging as you adapt to a new culture and adjust to facilities that may be more basic than you are accustomed to. Don’t worry; all our host families have experience accommodating volunteers, although their English-speaking abilities may vary. Also, you will have 24-hour access to our staff members for support and assistance throughout your placement.
Volunteers will be assigned to one of VIN’s working areas, which include Tarakeshor Municipality in Kathmandu, Taluwa, Thulachhap, and Bhadaure in Okhaldhunga, and Okharpouwa and Kaule in the Nuwakot district. While at the working site, volunteers are requested to bring their lunch box, water bottle, safety gear, face mask, and any other essential belongings. We advise volunteers to dress comfortably and modestly, preferably with long sleeves. Please get in touch with us for guidance and support if you want to raise project funds or collect project-specific resources. This will help the community a lot.
Schedule and Commitment
You will work five to six days a week, up to six hours per day. You may propose your preferred time and hours; however, the working time period will be dependent on the institution you have been placed. A minimum of 2 weeks’ time commitment is expected of a volunteer. The longer you commit; the better impact you can make. You should be willing to commit a certain amount of your free time and energy, show a lot of commitment and be a good listener. You are expected to work constructively and co-operatively maintaining good reputation and standards at all times. Volunteer should abide by relevant security concerns and access procedures. Moreover, you should be receptive and positive to performance appraisal, advice and feedback. Throughout your placement, you will have the full support of VIN. Your safety is our highest priority.
Your typical day might look like this:
| 07:00-08:00 | Tea/Leisure Time |
| 08:00-09:00 | Breakfast/Brunch (Nepali meal – Daal-Bhaat) |
| 09:00-10:00 | Assist in feeding the animals |
| 10:00-13:00 | Conduct exercise/ recreational activities |
| 13:00-14:00 | Lunch (Packed lunch) |
| 15:00-17:00 | Engage with the animals |
| 17:00-20:00 | Preparation for next day/Leisure time |
| 20:00-21:00 | Dinner (Nepali meal – Daal-Bhaat) |
You will receive a clear and concise on-the-job instructions, course of action, context of work and policies/strategies before your placement begins. You will be provided with ample of guidance and support throughout the placement with trainings / onboarding sessions incase necessary. You will be in a constant communication and regular check-in with the VIN volunteer coordinator. VIN aims to maintain a culture of continuous feedback between the volunteer supervisor at the placement to monitor the performance of the volunteer and ensure the project delivers desired outcomes.
In case of an emergency, you may contact one of our Volunteer Coordinators who will be available anytime for your assistance and support.
Click here to Learn more on how volunteering works
Mid and Long Term Volunteers:
2 weeks minimum stay- € 350
3 weeks – 450€
4 weeks – 550€ (after 4th week, for each additional week €85)
University Internships:
4 weeks minimum stay- € 650 (for each additional week – €95
Click here to Learn what’s included and excluded in our Fees Section
Click here to Learn recruitment process on how volunteering works
Our projects are open year-round, and our inductions begin on the first and third Mondays of each month. We would like to ask that volunteers arrive one day before the start of the induction. You can choose the duration of your participation based on your available time. However, so that you know, our volunteering placements are limited. We highly recommend booking your placement in advance to secure your placement. Click here to apply.
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