I think I gained and learned a lot from just going for one week. I think the whole experience was amazing, everybody was super kind and accommodating and I would completely do the experience again. The dogs and the team at the shelter are amazing and do their jobs so well, I 100% recommend going.
Animal Care Volunteer Project in Romania - Miercurea Ciuc
Purpose
Care for & rehome abandoned animals
Start dates
Programs start every first and third Monday of the month
Duration
Choose from 1-24 weeks
Volunteer hours
Up to 8 hours a day
Age
Volunteers aged 16+, or 12+ accompanied
Accommodation
Dormitory-style volunteer apartments
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
This program is ideal for:
Volunteers who enjoy working with dogs, are interested in animal welfare and want to work outdoors.
Project details
Love pooches and hounds of all shapes and sizes and want to look after them as an Animal Care volunteer in Romania? International Volunteer HQ’s Animal Care project is a great opportunity for volunteers to assist at local shelters for mistreated or abandoned dogs. Volunteers gain experience caring for animals while providing important support at the shelter which can house hundreds of dogs in need of loving care, attention and positive social experiences so they have the best chance of finding their forever homes.
What to expect and how you'll make an impact
Local dog shelters in Romania play a crucial role in rescuing stray dogs who have often been mistreated or abandoned, offering them essential care, and helping them find loving homes. Volunteers are vital in supporting the dedicated staff, ensuring that every dog receives the attention and care they deserve. Your involvement can make a real difference in the lives of these deserving animals, giving them a chance at a better future.
As an Animal Care volunteer, you’ll be an essential part of ensuring the well-being of the animals, offering them companionship, basic medical attention, and plenty of playtime. Your responsibilities will include:
- Grooming and brushing the dogs
- Conducting basic obedience training
- Cleaning and maintaining the cleanliness of cages
- Assisting with feeding routines and engaging the dogs in playtime
- Ensuring the upkeep of shelter grounds
- Occasionally taking dogs for walks
- Creating positive social experiences for the dogs to enhance their adoptability.
Depending on the duration of your program, you may also have the opportunity to contribute to small construction projects at the shelter, engage in photography, assist with administrative tasks, and participate in community vaccination campaigns.
All dogs are fully vaccinated, ensuring a safe environment for both volunteers and animals. However, it is important to keep in mind that while the shelter in Miercurea Ciuc is in relatively better condition compared to some other shelters in Romania, it differs from Western European standards, so it’s important to be aware of this beforehand.
Please note: With hundreds of dogs residing there, the shelter often becomes muddy, so it’s advisable to dress appropriately for these conditions. Volunteers participating from October until February also need to be prepared for very cold conditions, as most project work is based outdoors. You can expect a lot of snow and for the terrain to be muddy.
Why do Animal Care volunteering in Miercurea Ciuc with IVHQ?
When you volunteer with animals in Romania you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:
- Supporting local initiatives to care for neglected animals
- Giving abandoned and stray dogs a chance to get rehomed
- Developing your communication skills
- Gaining animal care experience
- Immersing yourself in Romanian culture
- Exploring Romania’s historic cities
Volunteer requirements
- Volunteers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to participate in this program
- Volunteers aged 16 or 17 on their program start date are required to provide IVHQ with parental consent in order to participate on the program, and may be asked to provide additional document to the local team.
- All volunteers aged 13+ are required to provide a criminal background check to IVHQ prior to departure. Those aged 13-17, if unable to obtain a criminal background check, can provide two character reference letters instead
- All volunteers are required to have adequate volunteer travel insurance
- All volunteers must speak fluent English.
Are you eligible to volunteer?
Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.
Not sure which program to join?
Get personalized recommendations >
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
Romania photo gallery
IVHQ Teaching project
IVHQ Teaching project
IVHQ Teaching project
IVHQ After School Support project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ NGO Support project
IVHQ Teaching project
IVHQ Special Needs project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Special Needs project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ After School Support project
IVHQ Teaching project
IVHQ volunteer orientation
IVHQ volunteer orientation
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience
HG
Haley George
30 Oct 2024
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JP
Jill Papke
18 Sep 2024
The local team did everything to make us feel comfortable and they did a wonderful job at providing the food we requested. The team was very approachable and provided answers to all questions.
It was wonderful working with the other volunteers. I highly recommend someone to experience this IVHQ program. The staff makes you feel comfortable even before you leave home. I enjoyed interacting with people from other countries.
...
MK
Maisie Kimber
18 Sep 2024
I have definitely gained more confidence and independence. Also, I had no idea how close I would become to the people I met during my time volunteering. My advice to others would be to dive in and make the most of the time you have!
...
AD
Alexis Devereux
22 Mar 2024
As someone who has had a lifelong struggle with anxiety and a lack of confidence, I felt the time had come (late in life at age 61) to challenge myself to get truly out of my comfort zone. It was so heartwarming to have the opportunity to make a positive contribution to the work of the local team, learn about a different culture and the different challenges facing the local community, as well as push myself to achieve things I didn’t realise I was capable of. Even though I only worked with the project for two weeks, I have come away with some amazing friendships, a clearer sense of what really matters in life, greater confidence and a real sense of pride in all that we achieved together. My heart is happy!
...
RB
Rimma Brafman
25 Oct 2022
Don’t let the opportunity to experience a life changing adventure slip by. You are about to make unforgettable memories.
...
To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.
Academic course credit
Academic course credit
Gain course credit from your college or university and meet your academic requirements when completing a volunteer abroad program with International Volunteer HQ!
Learn about course creditLocation
Location
IVHQ’s Romanian projects are based in and around Miercurea Ciuc - a town in the Harghita county of Romania. It lies in the Székely Land, an Hungarian-speaking region in eastern Transylvania. It has an interesting history, pretty European architecture spanning centuries, an annual music festival, a Catholic pilgrimage, and winter temperatures that reach -30°C or −22 °F, which makes it the perfect place for cold season sports like ice hockey and speed skating.
Arrival and orientation
The program orientation begins on the first and third Monday of each month, and volunteers need to arrive in Miercurea Ciuc the day before orientation. After you have registered for the program, please book your flight to arrive at Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP).
Your airport pick-up is included in your Program Fee, however, if you arrive outside of Sunday between 9:00AM - 10:00PM, your pick-up will incur an extra cost of US$150.
We recommend that volunteers under the age of 18 travel internationally with a notarized letter from their parents to support their documentation.
When you arrive, you will be greeted at the airport by a member of the local team and transported to the volunteer accommodation. Your accommodation is covered by your Program Fee and includes the night prior to your start date. If you are travelling in Romania prior to your volunteer program, we can arrange for you to be picked up from a pre-arranged location in Miercurea Ciuc the day before your program orientation. There are two options for orientation in Romania, a One-Day Orientation and an Orientation Week.
One-Day Orientation: This is a standard full-day induction on your selected start date that covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in Romania. You’ll be provided with an introduction to Romania, meet the program staff and get an overview of procedures. You’ll learn about the history of Romania and Hungary, religion, festivals, customs and traditions, dress/clothing, safety issues, food, transportation and travel opportunities and go through details about your volunteer project and accommodation. The afternoon includes an introduction to the Hungarian language and a city tour of Miercurea Ciuc which is provided by local volunteers. The orientation will also give you a chance to meet other volunteers and swap contact details for weekend travel and socialising.
Introduction Week: This takes place during the first week of your program. This introduction week has an extra cost of US$542 (approximately AU$877) and is very popular among IVHQ volunteers. It includes everything on the One-Day Orientation as well as Hungarian lessons, trips to a castle, a Franciscan monastery, local villages, salt mines, a giant statue of Jesus Christ, museums, mountains and mineral springs. You’ll have the weekend free to do as you please before your specific placement orientation the following Monday. We recommend all volunteers take advantage of this week as it’s a great way to help settle the culture shock you can face when arriving in Romania.
The Introduction Week begins on your selected start date and your volunteer work will start the following week. If you wish to participate in the One-week Introduction, you’ll need to tell your IVHQ Program Manager in advance. You need to book a place and pay for this week before your volunteer program starts.
Please keep in mind that this is only available in June, July and August.
Volunteer schedule example
Weekdays
Start times and daily workload depends on the project that you are volunteering on, with some beginning in the morning and some in the afternoon. A typical schedule is as follows:
| 8:00 AM | Volunteers prepare their own breakfast at the accommodation. |
| 9:00 AM | Travel to placement to join local placement staff and begin work on your project. |
| 1:00 - 2:00 PM | Lunch. Volunteers either eat lunch at a local restaurant or, in some cases, at their placement. |
| 3:00 - 5:00 PM | Afternoon placements usually end. Volunteers are free to return to the volunteer accommodation, plan for the following day’s activities or use their free time as they wish. |
| 7:00 PM | Volunteers prepare their dinner at the volunteer accommodation and have the remainder of the evening free. |
Weekends
Volunteers have the weekends free and there is no shortage of things to do in Harghita or further afield in Romania. Volunteers can fill their free time with local markets, adventure activities or simply exploring parts of Harghita. Romania is a popular tourist destination, offering beautiful nature and scenery, with great trekking, climbing, biking, rafting and kayaking opportunities. Volunteers who wish to take a long weekend to travel can enjoy beautiful limestone mountains and explore Old World Europe.
Volunteers staying for longer durations, or who wish to travel before or after their program, can visit areas further afield in Romania and neighboring countries such as Hungary and Bulgaria. Volunteers can make travel arrangements once in Miercurea Ciuc, with the advice and guidance of our local staff.
Accommodation and WiFi
Volunteers are housed primarily in one of two adjacent volunteer apartments or in a cozy volunteer house, adding a sense of camaraderie and community to your stay. The smaller apartment comfortably hosts up to 8 volunteers of the same gender in one room, while the larger apartment, boasting three bedrooms, can accommodate up to 19 volunteers.
During the vibrant summer months, anticipate sharing your living space with 7 to 17 fellow volunteers in the female apartment and 4 to 8 in the male apartment. Throughout the rest of the year, the numbers usually range from 3-6 occupants per apartment.
The volunteer house is made up of four rooms, with each individual sharing a room with a same-gender roommate.
Conveniently situated within a 10 to 15-minute stroll from the local team’s office, your accommodation is set in a lively neighborhood filled with charming cafes and delicious restaurants. This prime location allows you to fully immerse yourself in the local culture and enjoy all the community has to offer. Bedding is thoughtfully provided, and towels are readily available upon request. For your convenience, a washing machine is at your disposal to keep your clothing and bedding fresh throughout your stay.
Stay connected with WiFi access available at both the volunteer apartments and house, as well as at numerous cafes and restaurants nearby. For seamless connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card with data for your unlocked mobile phone. Should you have any specific accommodation preferences, feel free to communicate them to your IVHQ Program Manager, and our dedicated local team will strive to accommodate your needs.
Join us in Romania and create unforgettable memories in a welcoming and supportive volunteer community!
Meals
As a volunteer, you’ll enjoy one delicious cooked meal each day, provided either at a local restaurant or at your placement. For breakfast, dinner, and weekend meals, you’ll have the fun and flexibility of preparing your own food using the supplies in the volunteer accommodation. Our accommodation manager regularly stocks up on fresh groceries, and you can even place specific food requests to suit your tastes.
When dining out, you can look forward to a hearty lunch, typically featuring two courses. Start with a traditional soup, followed by a second course that might include potato or rice dishes, chicken, pork, goulash, stews, or pasta. Freshly baked bread, often made with potatoes, accompanies all meals.
Vegetarians will find delicious options like cheese or mushroom dishes readily available at local restaurants
Volunteer accommodation
Typical volunteer meal selection
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer bathroom
Typical volunteer kitchen
Typical volunteer kitchen
Typical volunteer kitchen
Accommodation entrance
Accommodation entrance
IVHQ Romania common area
IVHQ Romania dining area
IVHQ Romania dining drea
Garden at volunteer house
Typical volunteer arrival
Volunteer arrival airport
Typical volunteer transport
Pricing
Secure your place for just US$299 (approximately AU$484), pay your Program Fee later.
Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$299 (approximately AU$484) you secure your spot and unlock all our preparation and training tools.
You don't need to worry about paying your Program Fee until you get closer to your start date.
Duration |
Program FeeDue 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you.
|
|---|---|
| 1 week | $514 Equivalent to $73/day |
| 2 weeks | $877 Equivalent to $63/day |
| 3 weeks | $1,144 Equivalent to $54/day |
| 4 weeks | $1,411 Equivalent to $50/day |
| 5 weeks | $1,674 Equivalent to $48/day |
| 6 weeks | $1,937 Equivalent to $46/day |
| 8 weeks | $2,463 Equivalent to $44/day |
| 10 weeks | $2,989 Equivalent to $43/day |
| 12 weeks | $3,501 Equivalent to $42/day |
| 16 weeks | $4,525 Equivalent to $40/day |
| 20 weeks | $5,531 Equivalent to $40/day |
| 24 weeks | $6,531 Equivalent to $39/day |
- All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$299 (approximately AU$484) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services.
- A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
- Recommended spending money: Volunteers in Romania generally find US$70 to be sufficient for weekly expenses including, transportation, water and miscellaneous spending.
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Airport pick-up
- Accommodation
- 24/7 in-country support
- In-country program orientation
- Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
- Personalised preparation tools, guides and check lists
- Access to IVHQ’s preferred insurance and flights partners
- Discounts on language lessons
- Certificate of International Volunteer Service
Learn more about what's included in your IVHQ Registration Fee and Program Fee.
- Transport to and from your placement each day
- Return to the airport when your program finishes
- Flights
- Visa (if required), travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check.
- Personal spending money for snacks, laundry, public transportation, drinks and leisure activities during your free time.
Popular add-ons & experiences in Miercurea Ciuc
Take your volunteer experience to the next level with these popular add-ons and experiences. Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ Miercurea Ciuc program.
Airport Pick-up
Arriving outside the airport pick-up times? Book this add on now!
AU$246
Extra Night of Accommodation
Arriving early or departing a few days after your program finished? Book your extra nights of accommodation.
From AU$35
Hungarian and Romanian Language Lessons (One Hour Class)
Eager to enhance your Hungarian or Romanian language skills while volunteering in Romania? Now is the perfect, cost-effective opportunity to boost your proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing these languages with confidence!
From AU$27
Hungarian and Romanian language lessons
We recommend that volunteers take advantage of the very affordable Hungarian and Romanian lessons offered exclusively to IVHQ volunteers by local language teachers. These language courses are organised during your program orientation and are tailored to each volunteer’s current level of Hungarian or Romanian. We believe that taking these lessons can help you immensely with your day to day volunteer work and communicating with local people.
- Three hour intensive private class = US$30 (recommended for short term volunteers)
- One hour private class = US$15
These language lessons can be booked directly through IVHQ once you have registered for the Romania program.
Check what's required to visit Romania
Safety and support
Safety and support
IVHQ follows best practice and industry-leading health and safety procedures, which are regularly reviewed and optimized as part of the B Corporation recertification.
- All volunteers encouraged to complete our interactive pre-departure training.
- All local teams trained on best practice volunteer management & First Aid.
- All IVHQ programs are required to adhere to IVHQ's Risk Management Policy.
- All volunteers have access to 24/7 in-country support from our local team.
Essential country information
Essential country information
| Capital | Bucharest |
| Population | 20 Million |
| Languages | Romanian |
| Currency | Romanian Leu (RON) |
| Time zone | UTC+02:00 |
Weather and climate
Romania has a temperate-continental climate with distinct seasons, cold winters and hot summers. Daytime temperatures in winter range from 0°C to 5°C and in the summers months 25°C to 30°C. The IVHQ Romania program is based in Transylvania where the average temperatures are a little more extreme than the average.
Apply to check if you're eligible!
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