If you are hesitant then plan a short period your first time. Specific to South Africa, the people are very friendly and accommodating. The area is beautiful and has so many options for activities.
Animal Care Volunteer Project in South Africa - Cape Town
Purpose
Care for & rehome abandoned animals
Start dates
Programs start on the first and third Monday of each month
Duration
Choose from 1-24 weeks
Volunteer hours
Up to 5 hours a day
Age
Volunteers aged 18+ and families
Accommodation
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 enjoy working with cats and dogs and are passionate about animal welfare. You’ll be working closely with the local staff so no experience is necessary and you will need to have had an active tetanus vaccination to join this project.
Project details
Keen to make some four-legged friends as an Animal Care volunteer in South Africa? International Volunteer HQ’s Animal Care project enables volunteers to help at an animal shelter which caters to cats and dogs that have been neglected, abandoned or lost. Volunteers gain animal care experience while providing cats and dogs with care and companionship and helping give them the best chance of finding a new, loving home.
What to expect and how you'll make an impact
Many locals in the Cape Town area enjoy the companionship of dogs and cats. Sadly, many do not have the necessary knowledge to properly care for their pets, and often they cannot afford proper animal care.
As an Animal Care volunteer you will be working at the local animal shelter in the community of Grassy Park. This project is perfect for anyone who is passionate about animals and enjoys spending time around dogs and cats.
As a volunteer on this project, you’ll support the shelter to care for the large number of cats and dogs living there by providing companionship and improving the quality of life for them. Volunteers can help with:
- Caring for abandoned and lost animals
- Attending to the sick animals
- Assisting with general health care, injections and medication
- Cleaning, feeding and helping with the general running of the shelter
Why do Animal Care volunteering in Cape Town with IVHQ?
When you volunteer with animals in South Africa you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:
- Improving quality of life for cats and dogs in animal shelters
- Supporting local animal welfare efforts
- Developing your communication skills
- Gaining animal care experience
- Immersing yourself in South African culture
- Discovering South Africa’s diverse wildlife
Volunteer requirements
- Volunteers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to participate in this program, and may be asked to provide additional documentation 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
- All volunteers must have an active Tetanus Vaccination
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.
South Africa photo gallery
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Surf Outreach project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Sports Development project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Surf Outreach project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Teaching project
IVHQ Surf Outreach project
IVHQ Sports Development project
IVHQ Teaching project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Surf, Skate & Swim project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Teaching project
IVHQ Surf, Skate & Swim project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Surf Outreach project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Teaching project
IVHQ Sports Development project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Surf Outreach project
IVHQ Sports Development project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Teaching project
IVHQ Surf, Skate & Swim project
IVHQ Surf Outreach project
Group of IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Sports Development project
IVHQ Sports Development project
IVHQ Surf Outreach project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Sports Development project
IVHQ Holiday Club project
IVHQ Surf, Skate & Swim project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Sports Development project
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
The IVHQ South Africa volunteer program is based in Muizenberg, a beautiful, small coastal town with excellent surfing. It is about a 30 minute drive from the Cape Town City, and up to 15 minutes from volunteer placements located in the Philippi, Steenberg, Capricorn, and Grassy Park townships.
South Africa is known for its natural beauty, wildlife, sporting prowess, and diversity of culture and ethinic groups. It’s turbulent socio-political history is also well known, and is important to learn about in order to gain insight and understanding of the country’s people, culture and attitudes. There are many places where you can do this in Cape Town and the surrounding areas.
The IVHQ South Africa program is one of our longest running volunteer programs and has the aim of delivering positive outcomes in communities throughout the area by placing volunteers on a wide range of impactful projects. There is a focus on animal welfare as well as supporting children and young people who have had a challenging start to life because of exposure to drugs, alcohol or physical abuse.
Arrival and orientation
The program orientation begins on the first and third Monday of each month and volunteers need to arrive in Cape Town on the day before orientation. If your start date falls on a public holiday, your orientation will begin on the day following the public holiday.
After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at the Cape Town International Airport (CPT). Your airport pick-up is included in your program fee.
When you arrive, you will be greeted at the airport by a member of the local team and transported to the volunteer accommodation in Muizenberg. Your accommodation is covered by your program fee and includes the night before your program orientation and checkout is on Saturday.
If you are traveling in South Africa prior to your volunteer program, we can arrange for you to be picked up within the Cape Town CBD area on the day before your program orientation.
Orientation is taken by our South Africa team in Muizenberg, Cape Town. Orientation begins on the morning of your chosen start date and covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in South Africa – an introduction to South Africa, South African customs, rules and expectations, safety, travel opportunities in South Africa, and an introduction to your project and placement. The orientation will also give you a chance to meet other volunteers and make plans for weekend travel and socializing. Once your orientation is complete you will take a trip into Cape Town before returning to your volunteer accommodation.
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
Work and hours are dependent on the project and placement that each volunteer is working at. A typical volunteer day would be as follows:
| 7:00 AM | Breakfast at the volunteer house. |
| 8:00 AM | Volunteers leave home and travel to their placements. |
| 1:00 PM | Work at the placement usually ends. Volunteers are free to travel back to the volunteer house for lunch, go sightseeing, or do some shopping. |
| 5:00 - 9:00 PM | Dinner is available at the volunteer house. |
Weekends
On the weekends, volunteers have spare time to relax or take the opportunity to explore Cape Town or other areas in South Africa. See unusual wildlife like antelope and penguins, visit the spot where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, paraglide off a rock high above the city, visit a local vineyard, or watch the sun sink into the Atlantic ocean with a glass of the region’s finest wine in your hand. Long weekends can be taken if volunteers wish to go on safari, bungy jump, or travel to places further afield, such as the Garden Route or Stellenbosch.
Looking for more ideas of things to do in South Africa? Check out our South Africa Travel & Tours page!
Accommodation and WiFi
All volunteers are accommodated in a large two-storey dormitory style volunteer house with capacity for approximately 45 volunteers, with rooms separated by gender. Rooms comfortably sleep 6 people. The rooms on the second floor lead out to a balcony that overlooks the village. Bedrooms have single beds and bunk beds with bedding provided.
The house has 6 bathrooms, a TV lounge, a dining area and a volunteer kitchen. The house is clean and well looked after, and living is comfortable.
The volunteer house has electricity and running water with Western toilets, but you’ll need to bring your own towel and toiletries. During the Winter (June through August) Cape Town can get quite cold and it’s recommended to bring an extra blanket.
The accommodation is safe and secure with the volunteer house located in Muizenberg, a safe suburb approximately 15 minutes from the communities where volunteers work. Muizenberg is a very historical part of Cape Town and the house you will be living in for the duration of your stay is about 150 years old.
The volunteer house has unlimited Wifi 5G with a very good connection. The beach, a supermarket, ATMs, a pharmacy, medical centre and restaurants etc. are all within walking distance from the house.
Meals
Volunteers in South Africa receive three meals a day, Monday through Friday. Breakfast will also be available on weekends. Meals served in the volunteer house are typically Western-style and can be high in carbohydrates.
Breakfast is basic and consists of self-serve tea, coffee, toast and cereal. Lunch and dinner consist of dishes containing meat, vegetables and a starch, such as potatoes, bread or pasta.
It is not possible to drink tap water in South Africa, however, bottled water is readily available in South Africa, and you should budget approximately $5 (approximately $5) per week for 2 liters a day.
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer living room
Typical volunteer kitchen
Typical volunteer dining area
Typical volunteer dining area
Typical volunteer dining area
Volunteer accomodation
Volunteer accomodation
Volunteer accomodation
Typical volunteer lunch
Typical volunteer dinner
Exploring Cape Town during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Cape Town during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Cape Town during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring South Africa during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Cape of Good Hope during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Muizenburg Beach during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Table Mountain during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring South Africa during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Table Mountain during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Muizenburg Beach during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Cape of Good Hope during an IVHQ weekend
Pricing
Secure your place for just US$299 (approximately $299), pay your Program Fee later.
Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$299 (approximately $299) 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 | $285 Equivalent to $41/day |
| 2 weeks | $455 Equivalent to $33/day |
| 3 weeks | $625 Equivalent to $30/day |
| 4 weeks | $795 Equivalent to $28/day |
| 5 weeks | $965 Equivalent to $28/day |
| 6 weeks | $1,135 Equivalent to $27/day |
| 8 weeks | $1,475 Equivalent to $26/day |
| 10 weeks | $1,815 Equivalent to $26/day |
| 12 weeks | $2,155 Equivalent to $26/day |
| 16 weeks | $2,835 Equivalent to $25/day |
| 20 weeks | $3,515 Equivalent to $25/day |
| 24 weeks | $4,195 Equivalent to $25/day |
- All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$299 (approximately $299) 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 South Africa generally find US$50-75 per week to be sufficient for expenses.
- Weekday meals and breakfast on weekends
- Airport pick-up
- Transport to and from your placement
- Accommodation
- 24/7 in-country emergency 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
- Comprehensive in-country day to day support and guidance
- Certificate of International Volunteer Service
Learn more about what's included in your IVHQ Registration Fee and Program Fee.
- Return to the airport when your program finishes
- Weekend lunches and dinners
- 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 Cape Town
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 Cape Town program.
Airport Drop-off
Enjoy a stress-free ride from your accommodation to the airport, organized by the local team.
$33
Check what's required to visit South Africa
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 | Pretoria (Executive), Bloemfontein (Judicial), Cape Town (Legislative) |
| Population | 58.6 million |
| Languages | Afrikaans, English, Zulu, Xhosa, Swati, Tswana |
| Currency | South African Rand (ZAR) |
| Time zone | UTC+02:00 |
Weather and climate
The subtropical location, moderated by the Atlantic and Indian Oceans on three sides of the country and the altitude of the central plateau, are responsible for the warm temperatures typical of South Africa. Across much of the country, summer (December to February) is characterized by hot, sunny weather with temperatures averaging around 25°C (77°F). Winter (May to September) is cooler and drier with evening temperatures averaging around 10 °C (50°F). In Cape Town, sporadic showers and chilly winds are common during the winter months, but with daytime temperatures can average around 15°C (59°F).
What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience
SW
Susan Ward
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SM
Sophie Mills
Everything. Being in my early thirties, I wasn't sure if I'd missed my opportunity to travel and volunteer, even for just a short time. I was wrong and, in fact, enjoyed my time so much more and felt so able to throw myself in due to my previous life and work experiences. Although it was only 2 weeks, they were the greatest 2 weeks I've ever experienced and I will be back for more and for longer. My heart is in Cape Town running around with dogs and amazing people.
My advice to others - throw yourself in, leave your anxieties behind, fall in love with a new culture (or try, at least), go to the museums, learn the history, talk to those around you (both volunteers and the local people!), try the food, explore (safely!), don't hold back. You have no idea how much this experience can change you - walk in open-minded and free of your previous assumptions. The world is right there and needs you as much as you need it.
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AL
Ashlea Lauren
I can't begin to explain how much this experience has impacted myself and my partner in only two weeks. We desperately want to come out for a few months next time. We fell in love with the people, the diverse culture, the beauty of the mountains and beach and history of the city. We felt that taking ourselves out of our comfort zone and doing something different has been hugely important to our life perspective and given us the shake up from the every day we needed. Seeing how other communities live and how important and impactful the work the volunteers do was wonderful and eye opening. I would tell anyone who's hesitant to just give it a go, even for a few weeks. The local team will take care of you. It's important to remember why you're there, and that the sun doesn't revolve only around you, there are people and animals who need support and you will gain so much from the experience if you go WANTING to love it and not to complain about minor inconveniences and to be grateful. 💓
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LW
Lauren Watson
I feel I have gained new friends, work experience and confidence. The advice I would give someone is just do it! It will probably be the best thing you will ever do.
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To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.
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