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Animal Care Volunteering in Miercurea Ciuc, Romania

International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ] logo

by International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

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IVHQ
Contact Provider for Cost Details, $300-600Program Costs
VerifiedProvider
5.0 / 5Overall Rating
3Reviews
2007Year established

Program Overview

Volunteers support a local animal shelter that rescues and cares for abandoned or mistreated animals, giving them shelter, rehabilitation and a chance for a better life. You will assist with daily tasks such as feeding animals, cleaning enclosures, grooming pets, walking dogs, socialising animals and helping with basic care routines to maintain their health and comfort.

Some days might involve supporting adoption events, helping coordinate volunteer efforts or assisting with community outreach to raise awareness about animal welfare and responsible pet ownership.

This program suits volunteers who love animals, enjoy physical activity and are willing to get hands-on with both care and maintenance tasks. No prior shelter experience is needed because local staff provide guidance. What matters most is kindness, patience, empathy and a willingness to help improve the lives of animals in need.

In your free time you can explore the region: enjoy local forests, mountains and cultural sites, experience Romanian traditions, practise or learn the local language, meet locals and unwind in nature while knowing you supported a good cause.

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Program Highlights

Programs start every first and third Monday of the month. Duration from 1 to 24 weeks, typically around three to five hours a day.
Includes airport pick up, orientation, dormitory-style volunteer apartment accommodation, meals and 24/7 in-country support
Volunteer up to 8 hours a day at local dog shelters. Tasks may include grooming and brushing dogs, basic obedience training, cleaning cages, feeding and engaging dogs, occasional dog walking.
Help socialise puppies and young dogs to increase their chances of adoption, and optionally assist with small improvements at the shelter, photography, admin support or community vaccination campaigns
Support animal welfare, give neglected dogs a chance for a better life, gain hands-on animal-care experience, practise cross-cultural communication and immerse yourself in local Romanian life

What's Included

Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
Airport Transfer (Pick-Up)
Airport Transfer (Drop-Off)
Some Meals / Partial Meal Plan
In-Country Orientation
On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
Pre-Departure Orientation
Cultural Training / Program / Orientation
Certificate of Completion

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Miercurea Ciuc, Romania

Available Terms / Availability

  • Years Offered
  • Year Round

Eligible Nationalities

  • All Nationalities

Education Levels & Language

  • Education
  • Any/All Education Levels Accepted

Accommodation Options

  • Apartment/Flat
  • Dormitory
  • Home-stays

Application Procedures

  • Online Application
  • Written Application

Age Requirement

18-30

Duration

  • 1-2 Weeks
  • 7-12 Months
  • 2-4 Weeks
  • 3-6 Months
  • 5-8 Weeks
  • After College
  • Career Break / Mid-Career
  • During College

Starts At

Contact Provider for Cost Details, $300-600

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

5.0
3 reviews

Rating breakdown

5
3
4
0
3
0
2
0
1
0

Top categories

Volunteer Placement
5.0
Program Administration
5.0
Community Engagement
5.0
Health & Safety
5.0
Day to Day Life
5.0
Living Situation
4.7

Participated in this program? Share your experience now.

Review this Program

Showing 1-3 of 3 reviews

Alex RudnitskyIsrael · September 2019

IVHQ Romania animal care program

With full honesty it has been my best vacation yet, amazing location, accommodation and program, great staff and coordinators, great community and most importantly a great cause to contribute to. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to make a small positive change and loves animals.

Response from provider

Hi Alex, thanks for the great review. I'm so glad to hear you had a very rewarding experience in Romania. The contribution you made to the project is so valued. We look forward to having you volunteer with IVHQ again soon. ^Claire - IVHQ Romania Program Manager

Maxwell ArnoldUnited States · September 2018

A great week

Superb programme, exceeded all expectations. I would highly recommend this to anyone wanting to volunteer abroad. IVHQ are a very professional and caring company, and they make sure that their volunteers are looked after. Moreover, the animal care programme was excellent. The entire week provided me with long-lasting memories. I would definitely recommend IVHQ to anyone wishing to volunteer abroad.

Response from provider

Hi Maxwell, thanks for your review! It's so great to hear that your time in Romania exceeded your expectations, it truly is an incredible place to visit and volunteer. I hope you'll join us again sometime soon! Meika - IVHQ Program Manager.

Georgia EvansUnited Kingdom · November 2017

Romania 2017

Volunteering in Romania was a highly rewarding and unforgettable experience. Working with the dogs in the shelter mainly consisted of caring for the puppies which was an exciting and beneficial opportunity. They responded very positively to love and attention which made the program very worthwhile for me. Seeing the confidence of the dogs grow also made me feel like I was making a difference to their general wellbeing. Volunteering with IVHQ also allowed me to meet some amazing new people whom I hope to stay in contact with now I have returned home. I also got the opportunity to explore the beauty of Romania and broaden my understanding of their wonderful culture. Overall, the Animal Care Project was a life changing experience and I'd definitely recommend volunteering there to a future volunteer!

Photos

Response from provider

Hi Georgia - thank you for your wonderful Romania Program review! I'm so thrilled to hear you enjoyed your time working in the dog shelter, and I'm happy to hear you felt you made a difference with your contribution to the well-being of the dogs and puppies. I have no doubt that both the animals and staff were grateful for your contribution, especially your efforts in constructing a new shelter for the dogs. We hope to have you join us again soon! ^Kaila - IVHQ Romania Program Manager<br/>

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FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to all the most common questions about International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ].

What does the Animal Care program in Miercurea Ciuc with IVHQ involve?

 The Animal Care project in Miercurea Ciuc has you support a dog shelter caring for hundreds of stray or abandoned dogs by helping with grooming, feeding, cleaning and play-time.

* Work includes brushing, walking and basic obedience training for dogs
* Assist with shelter maintenance, grounds work and socialising animals to boost adoption chances
* The shelter environme

When can I start and how long is the Animal Care program?


The program starts on the first and third Monday of each month and you can volunteer for between 1 and 24 weeks.

* Start dates: first and third Monday of each month
* Duration options: 1–24 weeks
* Volunteer days typically include 4–6 hours of animal-care work

What are the eligibility requirements for the Animal Care program?


Volunteers aged 16+ (or 12+ with guardian) are eligible, you must speak English and if you are 18 or older submit a criminal background check.

* Minimum age: 16 years (or 12–15 with guardian and references)
* English language proficiency required
* Criminal background check required for volunteers aged 18 or older

What accommodation and support are included in the Animal Care program

Your program fee includes volunteer apartment accommodation, meals, orientation and 24/7 in-country support from the local IVHQ team.

* Accommodation in shared volunteer apartments in Miercurea Ciuc
* Meals provided during your stay
* Orientation session and full local team support available

What skills and impact can I expect from volunteering in the program?


You’ll develop animal-care, maintenance and teamwork skills while helping give abandoned dogs social experiences and better chances at long-term homes.

* Build skills in grooming, feeding and shelter-care procedures
* Contribute to improving the wellbeing and adoptability of rescue dogs
* Experience cultural immersion in Transylvania while volu

Recognitions & Awards

Awards and accreditations earned by this provider

Top Rated Provider Volunteer Abroad 2025
2025 Finalist - Innovative Volunteer Abroad Program
Notable Mention - GoAbroad Top Rated Volunteer Abroad Providers 2024
Top Rated Provider 2023 - Volunteer Abroad
Top Rated Volunteer Abroad Organization 2022
Zero Carbon
Notable Mention 2021 - Volunteer Abroad
Innovative New Program – Volunteer Abroad 2021 Finalist
Innovative Student Video 2020 Finalist
Top Rated Volunteer Abroad Organizations of 2020
Innovative New Program Volunteer Abroad 2020 Finalist
2019 Notable Mentions
Top Eco-Traveling Enthusiast of 2017 - Sustainable Voluntourism
Certified B Corporation
GoAbroad Top Volunteer Abroad Organization 2018

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