Orientation
When you arrive at the project you will have a few days to settle in and you will be given a detailed orientation. New volunteers will receive an orientation including:
- Basic animal care techniques
- Formula and diet preparation
- Proper bedding and housing
- Enrichment
- Cleaning
- Clinic maintenance
- Safety procedures and regulations
- Training on the area you will be working within whilst on the project
Accommodation and Meals
You will stay in one of three volunteer homes based on the property (mobile homes). Rooms are double occupancy. Each home can be mixed but rooms will be single sex. All basic furniture is provided such as sofas, tables, chairs, beds, and dressers as well as dishes, pots, pans and cooking utensils. There are two shared bathrooms in each home. The kitchen and living areas are common rooms used by all members of the household. You are responsible to bring or buy your own sheets and towels.
Meals are not included in the price of the programme. We recommend that you budget £25-£30 for food shopping each week. You will have ample opportunity to catch a ride to the local town for shopping throughout each week. You are responsible for cooking your own meals and tidying the kitchen after you are finished cooking. Many volunteers like to shop and cook meals together.
Free Time
You will have two days off each week. These may fall on the weekend, two days in a row or two separate days off. During these days off you can stay at the rescue centre or you can opt to do some independent travel. There is not a local taxi service to transport you from the centre to the local towns of Kendalia (five minutes drive away), Blanco (about 20 mins away), and Boerne (35 mins away) but it is very easy to catch a ride with a staff member or another volunteer. Volunteers generally organise activities together on days off. You could possibly discuss trips to the local big cities of San Antonio or Austin. It has been common practice that volunteers plan dinners, evenings out, day trips etc. You will have time to relax and unwind.
Project Age Limit
Minimum 18 years, maximum decided on potential participants’ health
Project Support
Throughout your stay you will have the support and guidance of your local project 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.
