Spain

Volunteer work in an animal welfare project in Tenerife

Q: How far in advance do I have to register?

Ideally your registration takes place at least 3-6 months before the desired departure date , But also short-term registrations are up 1-2 months before the planned departure is possible. But it could be that your dream project is already booked. In this case we will try together to find a suitable alternative for you.

animals in the wild
High recreational value
Knowledge sharing

Do you have a heart for animals and would you like to support abused, neglected or abandoned small animals, dogs, cats and horses? Then the animal protection project on Tenerife is just right for you! Together with volunteers from all over the world, you can give the animals the care they deserve and explore the beautiful and diverse Canary Island of Tenerife at the same time.

Southeast Tenerife

from 18 years

2 - 52 weeks / from €1.095

Wednesday, Sunday

Volunteering in animal welfare project in Spain, Tenerife

life on land

Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss.

Project ID : FA-SP472

As a volunteer
Spain

2 - 52 weeks / from €1.095
to the cost overview

Volunteer work animal welfare Tenerife, what's it about

What's the matter?

Unfortunately, on Tenerife and the Canary Islands as a whole, it is not uncommon for animals to be abused, kept inappropriately or abandoned. There are also thousands of stray cats and dogs living in the wild in dire conditions. In order to survive, these animals often depend on human help.

Your location is a sustainably run animal rescue center on Tenerife. There are now over 500 animals living here that have been rescued or found in the Canary Islands in recent years. It is not uncommon for them to have previously been mistreated or neglected by their owners. Small animals, dogs, cats and horses in need are taken in at the animal protection station and receive the necessary veterinary care, lifelong care and the attention they deserve.

The aim of the project is to provide a safe home for as many animals in need as possible. The focus is on appropriate medical care and care for the animals. Dogs, cats, horses and the like should be able to lead a life worth living in the rescue station.

Not only is the project an animal rescue center, but great emphasis is also placed on sustainability (solar power, recycling of used water, use of used materials to construct buildings and enclosures), which means that life in the animal rescue center is kept very simple.

You get 2 cooked meals from Monday to Friday (breakfast and lunch) and you can also take vegetables, fruit, pasta, rice and other food with you to your accommodation, depending on what is available. The animal rescue center lives Freegan, which means food that would normally end up in the trash is donated by supermarkets, sorted out and processed into delicious dishes.

Your tasks as a volunteer

The tasks that await you on Tenerife are very diverse and take place in all areas of activity at the animal rescue center. The volunteers work mainly with horses and/or small animals (such as guinea pigs, pigs, goats, birds); there is less work with dogs and cats because most of them can move freely in the animal rescue center.

The tasks include, for example, cleaning out the stables, preparing food, feeding the animals and caring for the animals. In addition, the volunteers' support in maintaining and setting up the facility and infrastructure as well as keeping the area clean, etc. is always welcome. You can also support the deployment site on Tenerife in earning the change necessary for the project through fundraising campaigns and fundraising.

A typical day at the animal welfare project could go something like this:

approx. 8:30 a.m.: Pick up the volunteers from their accommodation and transfer them to the animal rescue center
9:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.: Work in the animal welfare project
11:00 a.m. - 11.30:XNUMX a.m.: Breakfast
11:30 a.m. - 14:30 p.m.: Work in the animal protection project (working hours depend on the number of volunteers; can sometimes be shorter)
approx. 15:00 p.m.: Transfer of the volunteers to their accommodation
Afternoons and weekends: free time, opportunity to swim, hike, go to the beach, etc. (self-organized)

Accommodation Catering

all fotos

Accommodation in Tenerife

During your volunteer work in Tenerife, you will live in a volunteer house that can accommodate up to ten people. In addition to other volunteers, it may also be the case that tourists or people who work on the island live in the accommodation.

There are shared bedrooms that accommodate a maximum of three beds. There is also a shared bathroom and a fully equipped kitchen, washing machine and cleaning products are available. The common areas in the house are cleaned twice a week by a cleaner. The volunteers are responsible for their own bedrooms.

The dining area and living room are particularly cozy. There you can eat together and spend time together. The two large outdoor areas are also very suitable for, for example, ending the evening together and getting to know each other better.

In the area around the accommodation there are a few restaurants and two smaller supermarkets for daily needs. A highlight are the two nearby beaches, because here you can admire black sand.

Location

Southeast Tenerife

Tenerife is one of the Canary Islands, and the largest of them. The Spanish archipelago lies in the Atlantic Ocean, directly off the west coast of Africa, and is characterized primarily by its volcanic origins.

In Tenerife you will find beautiful beaches, in colors from gold to black. The island's most famous landmark and at the same time the highest mountain in Spanish territory is the Pico del Teide, a dormant volcano. In the south of the island, directly on the Atlantic, are the popular holiday areas of Los Cristianos and Playa de las Américas. Santa Cruz, the capital of Tenerife, is also worth a visit. The port city is located in the northeast of the island and is considered the "heart of Tenerife" as it is the political, cultural, social and economic center.

Your project location, a horse farm, is located in the southeast of the island and can be reached from your accommodation within 10 minutes by car. You don't need to worry about the transfer because you will be driven to the project every day. In the small town where your accommodation is located, there are a few restaurants and two small supermarkets where you can find everything you need for your daily needs. The location is particularly nice because there are beaches with black sand right next to the accommodation.

Your free time in Tenerife

The animal rescue center is located in the south of Tenerife, about 15 km from Tenerife South Airport. It is about 10 minutes by car to your accommodation in Abades.

After you've finished working on the project, there's nothing better than ending the evening comfortably, right? The numerous restaurants near your accommodation are ideal for this. If you fancy the sea, then you certainly won't be disappointed, because there are beautiful black sand beaches right next to your volunteer house. The beaches on Tenerife are a paradise especially for (kite) surfers, snorkelers and divers. How fitting that there is a diving school with a German diving instructor about 5 km from your accommodation. You shouldn't miss this opportunity.

Anyone interested in history can pay a visit to the so-called “ghost town by the sea”. The site is an abandoned place where a clinic for leprosy sufferers was once planned. The ruins of the facility still exist today.

If you want to get out of the small town, then a visit to the capital Santa Cruz de Tenerife is definitely worth it. This is close to your project location and exudes its own unique charm. There you can admire sights such as various museums and the Carta Palace.

If you're lucky and are in Tenerife at just the right time, a real highlight awaits you: the second largest carnival in the world! Countless people from all over the world come to this festival to dance, sing and celebrate together. Let yourself be infected by the sensational atmosphere and be sure to check out this experience.

Are you more of a friend of nature and landscape? Then visit Tenerife's landmark, the Pico del Teide volcano. In the national park of the same name you can admire unique natural landscapes and enjoy a great view. The national park is particularly suitable for hiking, but also for long cycling tours.

From Abades you can take a bus to explore the island. Experience great hiking trails and beaches, book a surfing/diving course, go shopping or go whale watching by boat. The island has something to offer for everyone.

The leisure activities are designed and organized by the volunteers themselves, and the animal rescue center will be happy to give you tips.

On-site procedure

Arrival at the animal protection project in Tenerife

Arrival in Tenerife

After you land in Tenerife, you will be picked up from the airport by a team member and taken to your accommodation. Please make sure you land at Tenerife South Airport and your arrival time is between 8:00 a.m. and 20:00 p.m. When you arrive at your accommodation, you will have time to familiarize yourself with your new surroundings and possibly get to know other volunteers.

Orientation program in the animal protection project on Tenerife

Orientation program in Tenerife

Before work on the project begins, the orientation program takes place. Here you can find out more about the background of the project, your tasks and your target country. This is particularly helpful so that you can quickly get used to your new surroundings and quickly find your way around your work in the project.

When you arrive, you can usually choose which team you would like to work in (small animals or horses). It is usually also possible to work in both teams during your stay.

Project start in the animal protection project on Tenerife

Your first day in the project

After the orientation program, you will start working on the project. On the first day there is a short tour so you can get to know the animal rescue center a little better. Afterwards, you will receive appropriate instructions/training in the first few days in order to complete the assigned tasks accordingly. You will also get to know the local team and possibly other volunteers.

Pricing

base fee

€ 1.095, -

2 weeks of participation
extension week

€ 280, - / week

up to 48 weeks

included
Services

Before departure

Individual advice and support from our trained RGV team in Munich
Organization including placement in the project and coordination of your stay on site
Assistance with preparation: visa, health care, travel insurance, etc.
Non-binding flight advice
Travel ABC with packing list for your travel preparation
RGV t-shirt

On site

Orientation program with the team on site
Support and guidance from the on-site team
RGV 24h emergency number
Project t-shirt to wear during on-site activities

Airport transfer on the agreed arrival and departure days
Accommodation in Volunteer House

Daily drive to the project

Meals: Breakfast and lunch are provided by the project; Dinner is not included in the services

After return

Participation confirmation of your voluntary commitment
Reflection course on your experiences abroad
Evaluation sheet and optional feedback discussion

useful additional services

not included
Services

Round trip
Private expenses on site
Excursions with microlight flights
Travel and cancellation insurance
Visa and Vaccinations
All nights outside your agreed accommodation
Public transport and extra transfers

Individual Recommended additional offers
& must-haves

Would you prefer to stay in a single room? Are you vegan or do you have special requests for food? Or do you want to do some cool trips with other volunteers in your free time and explore the country?

With us, you benefit from a variety of optional additional services that you can add individually to your booking, depending on your preferences.

" Round Trip
Cheap flights with our flight partner thanks to volunteer rates.

" Insurance
Benefit from the 4 in 1 ERGO travel insurance.

Personal development introductory course

Free of charge

Two tools to get you started on your personal development

Southeast Tenerife Team
site

Emma and Edo are the founders of the animal rescue station in Tenerife and are supported by a large team of volunteers from all over the world. All age groups are represented and the volunteers bring a wide range of skills that are happy to share with everyone. For each area (small animals, horses, kitchen, garden, construction team) there is a team leader who trains all new volunteers. Animals always have priority here and all volunteers have one thing in common: the love of animals and the passion to offer them a beautiful, lifelong home.

RGV FAQ
to the project

How far in advance do I have to register?

Ideally your registration takes place at least 3-6 months before the desired departure date, But also short-term registrations are up 1-2 months before the planned departure is possible.

But it could be that your dream project is already booked. In this case we will try together to find a suitable alternative for you.

Can I travel with a friend or in a group?

Yes! On request we enable a double room if you for two with a friend or a friend, or an apartment or other suitable accommodation for groups.

We are very happy to enable our participants to go on a project and share accommodation with friends. Shared accommodation is usually possible both in the volunteer house and with the host family, although the room in the volunteer house may also be shared with other participants. In some locations there is also the option of sharing an apartment.

When registering, please always mention the person(s) traveling with you!

Can I combine projects?

Yes! You can combine projects at one location, at different locations, but also in different countries. It is also possible to combine a project with a trip. You can specify your desired combination directly when registering.

Combination options at a glance:

Combine programs in one country
Combine programs across countries
Combine a program with a language course
Combine a program with ours Adventure & Trips

There are a few things Project combinations to note: The minimum length of stay per project must be observed and you may incur additional costs for country combinations, for example for an intermediate flight.

What are the project fees used for?

Although we are a non-profit organization, there are costs associated with volunteering abroad. Find out here, why volunteering requires money and what your project fee is used for.

What language skills do I need for the project in Spain?

English and Spanish are spoken in the project. A good knowledge of English is definitely required, knowledge of Spanish is very helpful on site. If you do not have any knowledge of Spanish, you will have to take a language course on site.

What are the requirements for the project?

You don't need any previous experience to volunteer in Tenerife. Knowledge of how to deal with animals, eg horses, is welcome in the project, but not a requirement. The only important thing is that you approach your work with a lot of motivation, commitment and a hands-on mentality. Of course, you should also bring a big heart for animals to the project.

Do I need a visa?

As an EU citizen and from Switzerland, you do not need a visa for a stay of up to 90 days. If you want to stay longer than 90 days, you have to apply for a residence permit in the first month at the location.

What meals are included in the project?

Breakfast and lunch are included in this project. The volunteers have to provide their own dinner and can use the communal kitchen in the accommodation.

The included food is “freegan”. This means that much of the food used is donations from farms, supermarkets and grocers on the island. This extremely sustainable concept can save a lot of food from being thrown away.

What to pay attention to?

In the period from September to the end of March, participation is only possible for three weeks or more.

General FAQ about volunteer work

Ready to volunteer in Spain? Start your adventure abroad with Rainbow Garden Village!

Rainbow Garden Village has been offering volunteer work and internships abroad since 1999. What started as a small student initiative in Ghana has now grown into an organization with over 250 projects around the world.

You can be sure that your work as a volunteer will be an unforgettable experience. Bring your commitment and your knowledge to do good locally - and at the same time benefit from the unique experiences that will promote your personal development.

Become part of our RGV community!
We look forward to you.

RGV Your way
to the volunteer

1
Choose your volunteer project and register online.

2
We will review your application and confirm your participation.

3
Prepare for your assignment online or in our preparatory seminar in Munich.

4
Here we go! During your volunteer work, we will support you at any time with our on-site team.

Gallery Impressions &
Impressions

Volunteers with horses in an animal welfare project in Tenerife

Cozy get-together in the animal protection project on Tenerife

A large group of volunteers in the animal welfare project in Tenerife

Volunteers take care of horse in animal welfare project

In the animal protection project on Tenerife there are all kinds of animals: horses, dogs, pigs, ...

In the animal protection project on Tenerife there are many animals who are happy about volunteers

Volunteers have fun in animal welfare project in Tenerife

Volunteers with baby goat in animal welfare project

The volunteers have a lot of fun in the animal protection project on Tenerife

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