I gained improved interpersonal skills. For someone who is hesitant about joining the program I would say just go for it. Make the first move and sign up.
Animal Care Volunteer Project in Guatemala - Antigua
Purpose
Care for & rehome abandoned animals
Start dates
Programs start every Monday
Duration
Choose from 1-24 weeks
Volunteer hours
Up to 5 hours a day
Age
Volunteers aged 16+ and families
Accommodation
Homestay or volunteer house
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 love animals and want to help them in their time of need. A veterinary background would be an advantage but is not required as you’ll be working closely with qualified local staff.
Project details
Eager to help look after abandoned pets and exotic creatures as an Animal Care volunteer in Guatemala? International Volunteer HQ’s Animal Care project empowers volunteers to gain experience caring for animals in Antigua. Placements include a cat and dog shelter, a veterinary clinic, and an exotic animal rehabilitation center which caters to crocodiles, snakes, lizards, and turtles. The animals have often been neglected and abandoned or suffered injury or illness. Volunteers will assist with a range of tasks that will help the animals to recover and regain their health, as well as teaching the domestic animals to socialize with humans through obedience training and companionship.
What to expect and how you'll make an impact
In Latin America, animals are often not held in the same high regard or considered part of the family as they tend to be in western societies. This leads to animals being neglected or abandoned, and greatly increases their chances of becoming injured or ill. By volunteering with animals in Antigua, you can contribute to the high demand for support to aid in their recovery and development.
As an Animal Care volunteer you will assist at a dog and cat shelter, a veterinary clinic, or at an exotic animal rehabilitation center. Specific placements depend on where your help is most needed, but you are welcome to indicate a preference.
Animal care volunteer work varies but is likely to involve:
- Cleaning cages
- Bathing and grooming animals
- Helping with obedience training
- Assisting with veterinary care
- Walking and playing with the animals to help socialize them
- Small construction projects
- Educational workshops
- Marketing and fundraising initiatives
Why do Animal Care volunteering in Antigua with IVHQ?
When you volunteer with animals in Guatemala you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:
- Improving the health and wellbeing of animals
- Practicing your Spanish
- Developing your communication skills
- Gaining animal care experience
- Acquiring a cross-cultural understanding of animal care
- Immersing yourself in Guatemalan culture
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 18+ are required to provide a criminal background check to IVHQ prior to departure. Those aged 16 and 17 will need to provide 2 character reference letters to participate.
- 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.
Guatemala photo gallery
IVHQ Holiday Experience project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Teen Summer Camp project
IVHQ Eco-Agriculture project
IVHQ Medical and Healthcare project
IVHQ Dentistry project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Holiday Experience project
IVHQ Teen Summer Camp project
IVHQ Construction and Renovation project
IVHQ Holiday Experience project
IVHQ Medical and Healthcare project
IVHQ Teen Summer Camp project
IVHQ Holiday Experience project
IVHQ Eco-Agriculture project
IVHQ Medical and Healthcare project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Holiday Experience project
IVHQ Teen Summer Camp project
IVHQ Dentistry project
IVHQ Medical and Healthcare project
IVHQ Holiday Experience project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Teen Summer Camp project
IVHQ Eco-Agriculture project
IVHQ Holiday Experience project
IVHQ Medical and Healthcare project
IVHQ Holiday Experience project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Teen Summer Camp project
IVHQ Medical and Healthcare project
IVHQ Dentistry project
IVHQ Holiday Experience project
IVHQ Medical and Healthcare project
IVHQ Teen Summer Camp project
IVHQ Holiday Experience project
IVHQ Teen Summer Camp project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Holiday Experience project
IVHQ volunteer orientation
IVHQ volunteer Spanish class
IVHQ volunteer Salsa classes
IVHQ volunteer Salsa classes
Exploring Guatemala during an IVHQ weekend
Coffee tour during an IVHQ weekend
Guacamole party during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Antigua during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring by horseback during an IVHQ weekend
Volunteers Zip Lining during the weekend
Volunteers Zip Lining during the weekend
Exploring Antigua during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Antigua during an IVHQ weekend
What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience
JM
Jacob Mackin
19 Aug 2024
...
RC
Rachel Cholodenko
24 Jul 2024
I gained a better understanding of my culture and I was able to fully be immersed in it. I would definitely recommend this program to another person my age. It was an amazing experience.
...
KG
Kelsie Gagner
06 Mar 2024
I would say just go for it, and embrace the unknown. There are so many things I've done at each of my placements that I never would've done had I never taken the opportunity to travel with IVHQ. I've loved every volunteer trip I've done and I'm so happy that I've done them! I always learn about a new culture, a new part of the world, and I learn just how much is out there to be seen and learned.
...
MF
Michelle Fox
18 Jan 2024
It was wonderful in many ways - the work I did was impactful, the people I worked with were friendly and welcoming. They became my good friends. Antigua was beautiful and safe. The local team provided many opportunities beyond volunteering - Spanish classes, excursions, and local activities like dance and cooking classes. I will give a huge thumbs up for IVHQ and the local team.
...
RT
Ronnie Townsend
27 Dec 2023
Volunteering in Guatemala really and truly changed my life for the better! I met amazing people, was forced out of my comfort zone which enabled me to grow and become a better person! My Spanish skills have improved majorly, and I feel challenged in a positive way.
One of the big impacts that I generated from volunteering was cross-cultural collaboration and understanding. I was able to learn and pick up new things about the Guatemalan culture, and I was able to share elements of my culture as well. This helped me to grow and work together with the team at my volunteer site. I implemented new ways for cleanliness for the animals, and also emphasizing the importance of both speaking and communicating with the animals.
Volunteering with animals and being aware of limitations present when attempting to provide them with the best care possible made my work all the more meaningful. Volunteering is a very special thing to do. Giving back to the world in ways that cannot be put into words! Getting out of your comfort zone is 100% worth it!
...
MG
Michaela Giddy
03 Nov 2023
Volunteering with IVHQ was perfect for wanting to do solo travel while also making a difference. It was easy to make friends with a broad range of people and everyone was really like-minded. I was pushed out of my comfort zone, gained confidence and grew as a person, made a difference by changing the lives of struggling animals, and was able to visit a new part of the world, learn a new language and be immersed in a new and wonderful culture. I would recommend any one who is thinking about joining to go ahead and do it, there are no down sides!
...
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
When you walk the cobblestone streets of Antigua it is easy to see why it has been made a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Baroque architecture, Spanish colonial churches and brightly painted buildings can be admired on nearly every corner. The urban environment speaks to the rich history of the city which dates back to the 1500s and includes a number of destructive earthquakes which have seen it repaired and rebuilt over a long period of time.
IVHQ’s Guatemala program is based in Antigua with placements in the city and surrounding areas. At these placements you’re likely to see the struggle faced by many Guatemalans living with limited resources. Despite the beauty of the place and its busy tourism industry, Guatemala is one of the poorest countries in Latin America. Its citizens can benefit greatly from the support volunteers can give local initiatives which strive to improve their lives.
Antigua is located approximately 30 minutes from Guatemala City.
Arrival and orientation
The program orientation begins every Monday and volunteers need to arrive in Guatemala City on the day before orientation.
After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at the La Aurora International Airport (GUA) in Guatemala City. Your airport pick-up is included in your Program Fee. 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 in Antigua. Your accommodation is covered by your Program Fee and includes the night before your program orientation.
If you are traveling in Guatemala prior to your volunteer program, we can arrange for you to be picked up in Antigua on the day before your program orientation.
Orientation is hosted by our local team at their office in Antigua. Orientation begins on Monday morning and covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in Guatemala – an introduction to Guatemala, Guatemalan customs, language training details, rules and expectations, safety, travel opportunities in Guatemala, and an introduction to your project and placement. The orientation will also give you a chance to meet other volunteers and swap contact details for weekend travel and socializing.
Volunteer schedule example
First Day
On your first day of volunteering, you will be escorted to your placement by a local coordinator and introduced to the placement staff you will be working with.
Weekdays
Volunteers will have a morning or afternoon shift, which will last around 3 to 5 hours. Work and hours are dependent on the project and location. If a volunteer is taking Spanish language lessons, they will usually volunteer for half the day and spend the other half in lessons. A typical schedule is as follows:
| 7:30 - 8:00 AM | Breakfast with your host family. |
| 8:30 AM | Volunteer leaves home and travels to the project. The volunteer meets with the local staff. You will be given a duty roster and a plan for your work. |
| 12:00 PM | Lunch at a local restaurant. |
| 1:00 - 5:00 PM | Work at the placement usually ends. Volunteers are free to travel back to the accommodation, go sightseeing or do some shopping. |
| 7:00 PM | Dinner with your host family. |
Weekends
During the weekends, volunteers have spare time and usually just relax or take the opportunity to explore Antigua and other parts of Guatemala. Hop on a chicken bus and discover the beautiful architecture and sights of the charming city of Antigua, or jump on an ATV and go exploring at a coffee plantation, on a volcano or through small countryside villages. You’ll also find a great selection of markets selling everything from fruit and vegetables to locally-made handcrafts and cooking classes that can teach you how to make Guatemala’s tasty national stew - Pepian.
Long weekends can be taken to travel further afield to destinations, such as Tikal, Belize, Mexico, El Salvador and Honduras.
Sunday is a religious day of rest and many shops and restaurants are closed. Most Guatemalans devote the day to spending time with their family. If you wish, you can accompany your host family to their local church, as a Latin American church service is a unique and special experience for many volunteers.
Accommodation and WiFi
Volunteers who are under the age of 27 are accommodated alongside other volunteers in a large, dormitory style volunteer house, and those over the age of 27 are accommodated in smaller local homestays. If you are traveling as a family, the local team will place you in a home-stay.
Living is comfortable with electricity, running water and western bathrooms. Low pressure showers should be expected and the water is not always heated. You will need to bring your own towel and toiletries, but bed linen is provided.
Bedrooms have single beds and bunk beds with bedding provided. You can expect to share a room with 2 - 6 other volunteers of the same gender. Single occupancy private rooms are available upon request for an additional cost, offering you the ultimate comfort and privacy during your stay.
WiFi is available at the volunteer houses and homestays. However, the connection may not be as reliable as what you are used to at home. You will also have access to computers and WiFi at the local team’s office in Antigua.
Please note, volunteers under the age of 18 who are traveling solo will be accommodated separately from those over the age of 18, in a homestay. If there are other volunteers under the age of 18 participating at the same time, the local team will do their best to ensure they are accommodated together.
Meals
Volunteers are provided breakfast and dinner at their accommodation. Breakfast will be bread or tortillas, spreads, fruit and eggs with tea or coffee. Dinner commonly consists of meat, beans, starches and vegetables.
Lunches are not provided to Antigua-based volunteers as they are usually away from their accommodation around midday. We recommend budgeting between CA$4 and CA$7 per day to buy lunch at local restaurants recommended by staff.
Filtered water will be available at the accommodation, and bottled water is also easy to purchase and inexpensive throughout Guatemala.
When you apply for the program, please be sure to notify us of any special dietary requirements so we can make arrangements for you.
Volunteer accommodation
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer bathroom
Volunteer accommodation kitchen
Typical volunteer breakfast
Typical volunteer breakfast
Typical volunteer breakfast
Typical volunteer dinner
Typical volunteer dinner
Typical volunteer dinner
Pricing
Secure your place for just US$299 (approximately CA$452), pay your Program Fee later.
Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$299 (approximately CA$452) 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 | $453 Equivalent to $65/day |
| 2 weeks | $715 Equivalent to $51/day |
| 3 weeks | $925 Equivalent to $44/day |
| 4 weeks | $1,150 Equivalent to $41/day |
| 5 weeks | $1,335 Equivalent to $38/day |
| 6 weeks | $1,520 Equivalent to $36/day |
| 8 weeks | $1,890 Equivalent to $34/day |
| 10 weeks | $2,260 Equivalent to $32/day |
| 12 weeks | $2,630 Equivalent to $31/day |
| 16 weeks | $3,370 Equivalent to $30/day |
| 20 weeks | $4,110 Equivalent to $29/day |
| 24 weeks | $4,850 Equivalent to $29/day |
- All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$299 (approximately CA$452) 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 Guatemala generally find US$80 - US$100 per week to be sufficient for expenses. Please note this budget is for general expenses and does not include money you will need for any weekend activities you plan to do.
- Breakfast and dinner
- Airport pick-up
- Accommodation
- 24/7 in-country support
- In-country program orientation
- Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
- Personalized preparation tools, guides and check lists
- Access to IVHQ’s preferred insurance and flights partners
- Discounts on language lessons
- Discounts on travel and tour add-ons
- Certificate of International Volunteer Service
Learn more about what's included in your IVHQ Registration Fee and Program Fee.
- Lunch
- 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 Antigua
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 Antigua program.
Coffee Farm Tour (Half Day)
Step into the world of coffee excellence in the lush highlands of Guatemala
CA$122
Mini Adventure (6 days, 7 nights)
See all of Guatemala’s major hot spots on this 1-week Mini Adventure tour.
CA$1682
Online Spanish Lessons
Enhance your volunteer experience by mastering the language with our flexible, daily online Spanish Lessons.
From CA$113
Affordable Spanish language lessons
No need to be fluent in Spanish to join the IVHQ Guatemala program—but imagine how much more you can get out of your experience by learning some basic Spanish! Our tailored language lessons are designed to meet you at your current level and help you feel more confident in everyday conversations. Classes run Monday to Friday, and the best part? They’re super affordable and available exclusively for IVHQ volunteers. Dive deeper into the culture and make your experience truly unforgettable!
Online lessons:
- 1-hour Private Classes: from CA$113 per week
In country lessons:
- 2-hour Small Group Classes: from CA$101 per week
- 1-hour Private Classes: from CA$124 per week
- 2-hour Private Classes: from CA$229 per week
How to book IVHQ’s language lessons: When you apply for your IVHQ volunteer program, make a note in your application of the language classes you’re interested in.
Once you’ve paid your registration fee, your IVHQ Program Manager will be able to book your place on your chosen language classes.
Check what's required to visit Guatemala
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 | Guatemala City |
| Population | 15.08 million |
| Languages | Spanish |
| Currency | Guatemalan Quetzal (GTQ) |
| Time zone | UTC−06:00 |
Weather and climate: Guatemala has a range of micro climates and the high altitude of Guatemala City results in a subtropical highland climate in this region. There aren’t distinct seasons in Guatemala and the temperature is typically mild year round. Temperatures range from 22°C to 28°C (72°F to 82°F) during the day, and 12°C to 17°C (54°F to 63°F) at night. The country attracts winds and rain during the months of May to October with the hottest month being April.
Apply to check if you're eligible!
Latest blog posts
Other projects you may be interested in
Sea Turtle Conservation in Nusa Penida, Bali
Turtle Conservation in San Jose, Costa Rica
Wildlife Conservation in South Africa
Wildlife Conservation in Namibia
Animal Care in Lisbon, Portugal
Animal Care in San Jose, Costa Rica
Giant Tortoise Conservation in Galapagos Islands
Turtle Conservation in Lombok
Animal Care in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
Wildlife Conservation in Victoria Falls
Animal Care in Cusco, Peru
Sea Turtle Nest Monitoring in Galapagos Islands
Elephant Conservation in Nepal
Horse Caretakers in Lisbon, Portugal
Animal Care in Rome, Italy
Elephant Welfare in Sri Lanka
Biological Park Conservation in Miranda do Corvo, Portugal
Animal Care in Athens, Greece
Animal Welfare in Arusha, Tanzania
Animal Care in Cape Town, South Africa
Animal Care in Cordoba, Argentina
Wildlife Conservation in Botswana
Animal Care in Lima, Peru
Animal Care in Chiang Rai, Thailand
Animal Care in Split, Croatia
Animal Care in Barcelona, Spain
Animal Care & Rescue in South Korea
Bear Conservation in Kuterevo, Croatia
Hedgehog Conservation in Porto, Portugal
Animal Care in Crown Point, Trinidad and Tobago
Veterinary Care in St Mary, Jamaica
Animal Care in Miercurea Ciuc, Romania
Wolf Conservation in Mafra, Portugal
Therapeutic Horse Care in Porto, Portugal
Animal Care in Merida, Mexico
Animal Care in St Mary, Jamaica
Animal Care in Cambodia
