This article is part two of the series: Choosing a Volunteer Project. Find the previous articles here.
So now you’ve worked out what you’re looking for in an animal-based volunteer program (if not, check out the first part of this series).
The next step is to start researching specific programs so you can narrow down potential opportunities.
So how do I go about finding volunteer opportunities with ethical charities and shelters? Its not always easy to find the right opportunities, and each project must be evaluated individually to ensure that their ethical standards are a match for your own.
But here are the sites and resources I use to get started with my search:
Facebook Groups
I’m the first to admit that I’m not always the most productive person on facebook, but I do find that certain Facebook groups are fantastic places to find interesting and unique volunteering opportunities. Anyone can post in these groups, meaning that even smaller charities get the chance to advertise volunteering roles to a wide audience. And the comments section means that other volunteers can leave reviews and recommendations on the projects that they enjoyed.
The groups that I find most useful are:
- Veterinary Volunteering– sharing volunteering opportunities aimed at veterinary professionals and students. (And don’t miss reading my interview with the founder of this group, inspiration Scottish Vet Nurse Jo).
- Volunteer with Animals– sharing general animal-based volunteering opportunities.
- Veterinary Volunteer Missions Abroad– a group created by the charity ‘visiting veterinarians international’ to share veterinary volunteering opportunities.
- Volunteers in Africa Beware- a page reviewing the ethical standards of a number of volunteer opportunities in Africa
Once you join these groups, you’ll see regular opportunities posted as they arise. Alternatively, you can search for key terms, such as a destination or a species, in the search bar to narrow down your preferences.
Not-for-Profit Volunteer Organisations
There are a number of international charitable organisations who recruit volunteers for their partner shelters and projects.
These organisations do a fantastic job of advertising roles and supporting volunteers throughout their journey, and are a great place to start searching for your first volunteer trip. Their websites tend to be easy to navigate, and they do a great job of vetting their opportunities and volunteers to ensure that their work is ethical and sustainable.
The ethical not-for-profit organisations that I trust and have excellent reputations include:
Personal Recommendations
The simplest way to find ethical volunteer opportunities is always through personal recommendations!
Speaking to friends and colleagues who have had great experiences as volunteers not only helps you find worthwhile organisations. They can also help you know what to expect- whether its sharing which clothes to pack, what the living conditions are like, or how many hours of sleep you should expect to get each night!
If you’re a veterianry professional, asking around your practice is a great place to start!
Or failing that, check out my own personal recommendations for ethical charities and projects over on the Volunteering Page! These are all places that I (or occasionally, my pals) have visited ourselves and loved! I’ve written honest, no nonsense reviews so you know what to expect, and I’ve interviewed other volunteers so you can read about their experience in their own words. And if there’s any info you’re missing, reach out to me anytime, I’m more than happy to help!
World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF)
Are you looking to share in a new culture while gaining experience with production animals in a farm setting? WWOOFing might be a great fit for you!
World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms is a fantastic organisation that connects willing volunteers with organic farmers around the world. Volunteers get to live with locals, learn new languages and farming techniques, while the farmers benefit from the extra hands and new company.
WWOOFing is not a holiday, but its a great way to have an authentic international experience. No prior experience is required, and aside from a modest annual membership fee, its totally free.
The Jungle Doctor
Intersted in volunteering with organisations focused on conservation? Check out The Jungle Doctor’s new website!
As well as featuring interesting articles, Chloe also provides links to dozens of fantasitc conservation projects around the world who will take volunteers.
The Veterinary Map
Looking for an opportunity in a specific area of the world?
The Vet Map is worth checking out!
This website features an interactive map, listing jobs and volunteer opportunities in each region. These organisers pay a small amount to be featured on the website, so they have not been individually verified as being ethical- but its a good place to pick up ideas.
Once you’ve found an opportunity that appeals to you, you can contact the organizers via the website.
Google Searches
If you’re looking for something really specific, its always worth a google search to see if you can find a volunteer project that suits your needs.
But beware! While there are many genuine projects out there, its also easy to be fooled into finding projects that are a little less than ethical. Remember that large flashy websites that advertise lots of diverse opportunities are not always what they seem. Not all groups operate as not-for-profit models, and some do not have the welfare of the animals or the locals at heart. So, if you’re unfamiliar with a volunteering provider, make sure you ask lots of questions, and read reviews from other volunteers to make sure you’re looking at a legitimate charity. Unfortunately, if the opportunity looks too good to be true, it probably is.
If you need a little more help on deciding what sort of project would best suit your skills and interest, check out Part 1 of this series: The Key to Finding the Best Volunteer Program for You.
Further Information
Now you have an idea of where to start looking, its time to get out there and start your own volunteering journey. And please stay tuned over the coming months, as I delve into what makes an organisation truly ethical, and how you can tell which projects are doing the right thing.
Need a little more volunteering inspiration? Check out my interview with Jo, the founder of the veterinary volunteers facebook page, who shares her story of turning a passion for volunteering into a career.
If you’d like to read more about the volunteering projects and opportunities that I recommend, check out the Volunteers Page.
Sre you ready to start preparing for that upcoming volunteer trip? Make sure you grab a copy of the Ultimate Preparation Checklist for Veterinary Volunteers to ensure you get everything prepared in plenty of time!
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