GoAbroad
Contact Provider for Cost Details, $300-600Program Costs
VerifiedProvider
4.5 / 5Overall Rating
2Reviews
2007Year established

Program Overview

Support shelters that rescue, rehabilitate and rehome abandoned, abused or stray dogs and cats. You will help give these animals daily care, compassion and support so they have a better chance of finding loving homes.

Your tasks will typically include feeding and grooming animals, walking and socialising dogs, cleaning enclosures and shelter facilities, helping care for sick or injured animals, assisting with general shelter maintenance, and contributing to kennel hygiene and health care routines. You may also support staff with administrative duties or adoption-day events.

This placement is ideal for volunteers who love animals, are patient, caring and ready for practical, hands-on work. No previous animal care experience is required because local shelter staff provide full guidance and support. A warm attitude and willingness to help are the most important qualities.

In your free time you can explore Cape Town’s natural beauty, beautiful coastal areas, iconic landmarks, enjoy local culture and cuisine, and experience everyday life in a vibrant South African city.

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Program Highlights

Programs start on the first and third Monday of the month. Duration from 1 to 24 weeks
Includes volunteer-house accommodation in Muizenberg, meals, airport pick up, orientation and 24/7 in-country support
Volunteer up to 5 hours a day caring for abandoned, lost or neglected cats and dogs at animal shelters in Cape Town (Grassy Park and surrounding areas)
Tasks may include feeding, cleaning enclosures, providing companionship, assisting with medical care, and helping prepare animals for rehoming
Opportunity to support animal welfare in Cape Town, help give vulnerable animals a second chance at a loving home, and experience South African culture while living in a coastal community

What's Included

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

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Cape Town, South Africa

Available Terms / Availability

  • Years Offered
  • Year Round

Eligible Nationalities

  • All Nationalities
  • This Program is also open to Solo, Couples, Families, Group

Education Levels & Language

  • Education
  • Any/All Education Levels Accepted

Accommodation Options

  • Dormitory
  • Group living

Application Procedures

  • Online Application

Age Requirement

18-30

Duration

  • 1-2 Weeks
  • 2-4 Weeks
  • 3-6 Months
  • 5-8 Weeks
  • 9-12 Weeks
  • After College
  • Post High School
  • During College
  • During High School
  • Career Break / Mid-Career

Starts At

Contact Provider for Cost Details, $300-600

Program Reviews

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

4.5
2 reviews

Rating breakdown

5
1
4
1
3
0
2
0
1
0

Top categories

Volunteer Placement
4.5
Program Administration
4.5
Living Situation
4.5
Health & Safety
4.5
Day to Day Life
4.5
Community Engagement
4.0

Participated in this program? Share your experience now.

Review this Program

Showing 1-2 of 2 reviews

Cheryl Gallo United States · August 2025

My first volunteer abroad experience!!!

From the very moment I was just considering volunteering abroad I was given all the help I needed to make my decision. After committing to the program and destination, I was given a user friendly check list, and any help I needed, and that continued on through the entire experience.. everything from the airport pick up, volunteer house and my surroundings were safe and comfortable. And of course, the program itself was a compassionate meaningful experience with a truly amazing staff. It was very hard to leave :( I will absolutely volunteer again and this time, bring my son as well!!!

Daniel JanickiUnited States · November 2018

The most profound experience I have had...

When I signed up for the South Africa program through IVHQ I was a little lost and at a crossroads of sorts. I had just graduated from university and was having a hard time finding use of everything I had just spent years learning. I didn't really have a path for the rest of my life beyond getting my 2 degrees but IVHQ gave me that. Because of my experience in SA I know I want to help fight the growing epidemic of illiteracy and the lack of fundamental education. The greatest moment of the trip was at the end of the second day of class; students rarely get 1-on-1 help because classes ar between 30 and 50 students for a single teacher. I was able to spend a good portion of the class time giving 5 students 1-on-1 help; at the end of class each one came up to me and gave me a hug and looked up at me with a huge smile and said, "Thank you sir!" Because of IVHQ I have found a calling and am currently in the process of forming a non-profit to help schools like the one I was helping at form after school tutoring and special education programs.

Response from provider

Thanks for your review Daniel! It is amazing to hear that your time on the program had such an impact and helped you decide what career path you want to take. I am sure you will continue to make an amazing impact. Claire - IVHQ Program Manager

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FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What is the Animal Care volunteer programme in Cape Town?

This programme places volunteers at a local animal shelter in the Cape Town area, working mainly with abandoned, lost or neglected dogs and cats. Volunteers support the shelter alongside local staff and help improve the animals’ quality of life and chances of rehoming.

You will care for cats and dogs that have been abandoned or lost, offering companionship, feeding, health support and general welfare assistance.

When can I start the Animal Care programme in Cape Town?

The programme offers regular start dates and flexible duration so volunteers can match their travel schedule and commitment level.

Programs begin every first and third Monday of each month.

Duration options range from 1 up to 24 weeks.

Volunteer hours are typically up to 5 hours per day in this programme.

Who is eligible for the Animal Care programme?

To join this programme, volunteers must meet specific age, vaccination, language and documentation criteria to ensure safe and effective participation in animal-care work.

Volunteers must be at least 18 years old on the programme start date; families may also join.

You must speak English and have appropriate volunteer travel insurance.

A current tetanus vaccination is required. Volunteers aged over 18 must provide a criminal background check.

What kinds of tasks will I perform as an Animal Care volunteer?


Your role will involve hands-on animal welfare and shelter-support activities, working closely with animals and staff in a shelter environment.

You’ll help care for the animals by feeding them, providing companionship, cleaning enclosures and supporting general health-care routines for cats and dogs.

You may assist with medication and injections under supervision, help with intake of new animals and monitor health and behaviour.

What are the accommodation and living conditions like in this program?


Volunteers stay in shared accommodation in the Cape Town area and receive full hosting so they’re supported while focusing on the animal-care placement and cultural experience.

Accommodation is in a volunteer house where you’ll share a room with other same-gender volunteers; bedding is provided and meals are included.

The programme includes orientation and 24/7 in-country local support to help you settle in and manage logistics.

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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