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The aim of this programme is to rescue, protect and care for abandoned and mistreated animals in Jaipur, India. As a volunteer you will be playing an active role in the efforts to rescue the neglected animals, assist with the treatment and care of the animals, educate the community and help to develop community adoption projects. You do not need veterinary experience as self-motivation and an eagerness to help is enough. Workshops and cultural excursions will also be organised for you, allowing you to experience India’s fascinating culture.
The Volunteer Programme
The project is located in Jaipur, a city that offers volunteers the perfect mix of modern and traditional India. Jaipur is known as the Pink City because of the colour of the stone used exclusively in the walled city and is now the major business centre for Rajasthan, benefiting from all that a metropolitan city needs. The city homes beautiful artistic temples, gardens and famous structures such as Hawa Mahal, Amber Fort and City Palace.
Animals in Jaipur
Due to the fast increase in urbanisation in most areas of India, the health and well-being of the countries animals are suffering as a result. Areas in which the animals once populated are now being taken over by urban development. The urban environment is extremely unfamiliar to the animals and leaves them vulnerable to disease, mistreatment and undernourished.
In Jaipur, taking care of these neglected animals is not considered as a priority. India does have laws that protect animals but they are not effectively enforced or taken seriously by many in the community.
Volunteer Activities
Many people have expressed a heartfelt interest in assisting with improving the welfare of animals in India. Volunteers on this programme have the opportunity to utilise their passion for animal rights by helping to rectify the appalling conditions that many animals are forced to live in on Jaipur’s streets.
While on the project the main animals that you will be rescuing and caring for will include cats, dogs, cows, donkeys, elephants, camels and monkeys. The activities that you will be getting involved in include:
- Animal Rescue Outreach Missions: You will accompany an ambulance vehicle to travel around Jaipur looking for neglected and sick animals. You will then take the animals back to the shelter in the ambulance so that they can receive proper medical care.
- Animal Rescue Hotline: You will assist with an animal rescue hotline by taking calls and helping with general administration. The hotline is available for people to call if they are concerned about an animal they think is being neglected.
- Adoption Programme: Volunteers will have the opportunity to assist with a wide-reaching adoption programme. You will be helping the local community to look after the stray cats and dogs. All of the adopted animals will then get free medical care from the Animal Rescue Campaign.
- Community Educational Awareness Campaigns: You will also be part of an awareness campaign in local schools and community centres. These will be used to stress the importance of caring for and adopting stray animals. As part of the campaign you will also spend time distributing leaflets to advertise the hotline number and to encourage adoption.
- Vaccination and Sterilisation Programmes: Volunteers can also help with a sterilisation and vaccination campaign. The animals that are rescued will be sterilised and freed of any potentially harmful diseases they may have.
At the end of your programme you will be provided with a transfer back to the airport or if you wish to continue your travels you can do this instead.
Excursions and Sightseeing
As part of your programme you will have the following excursions included in the price:
- A visit to the Taj Mahal, India’s most famous of historical monuments. This will include one night at a hotel in Agra, dinner, breakfast and a local English-speaking guide.
- A camel safari, which includes camping overnight in a desert (only included for participants on a minimum 4 week programme).
- Sightseeing of Amber fort in Jaipur. (Please note, this usually includes an elephant ride, however if for unforeseen circumstances this cannot be provided your transfer to Amber fort will be via jeeps.)
Project Age Limit
Minimum 18 years, there is no maximum age limit.
Project Support
Throughout your stay in India you will have the support and guidance of our coordinator and team. You will be provided with competent assistance and help with any questions or advice you may need during your stay.
In addition you will have access to a 24 hour emergency contact number so you can contact one of our UK staff at any time should you need to.
Project Orientation
At the beginning of the programme you will have a comprehensive orientation period, to fully prepare you for the project at hand.
Accommodation and Meals
Throughout the project your accommodation will be at a volunteer house or apartment in Jaipur. Bedrooms have bunk beds and you will be sharing with a minimum of 2 and maximum 4 participants per room. There is also a living room with televisions/DVD player, a video and book library and board games. You will have access to a refrigerator for any drinks and snacks you want to buy.
Bathrooms will have the normal Indian style “bucket bath” where you can wash with hot water and toilets will be a mix of European and Indian style facilities.
Meals are included as per the itinerary and will be of good quality. Food will include a mix of Indian, continental, Chinese and “fusion” cuisine.
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