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Sri Lanka - Dog Care and Veterinary Assistance

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Sri Lanka - Dog Care and Veterinary Assistance

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Join GoEco on the tropical coast of southern Sri Lanka to provide care for abandoned and stray puppies and dogs at a shelter!

Program Highlights

Spend your days surrounded by adorable puppies and dogs at a renowned, professional and ethical shelter
Enjoy helping these dogs get both the emotional and medical care that they need
Live in close proximity to world-class beaches
Explore Sri Lanka with fellow volunteers on weekends to make memories that will last
Enjoy weekly rooftop yoga sessions, night fishing trips, weekly movie nights, monthly bike tours and monthly barbecues

Your schedule at a glance (Minimum three-week duration):

Arrival Day, Saturday: Arrive into Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB). A team member will be waiting to pick you up for transfer to the volunteer villa. Meet and greet with fellow volunteers if time allows.

Day 1, Sunday: A welcome orientation and project training will be given by the project manager if not done on Sunday. Enjoy the rest of the day by exploring local beaches with fellow volunteers or joining an adventure! ( See “Travel Highlights” below for recommendations!)

Days 2-6, Monday-Friday: Rewarding volunteer work at the dog shelter from around 8:00 AM -12:00 PM.

Days 7-8, Saturday and Sunday: Enjoy a free weekend.

Days 9-13, Monday-Friday: Rewarding volunteer work at the dog shelter.

Days 14-15, Saturday and Sunday: Free weekend.

Days 16-20, Monday - Friday: Rewarding volunteer work at the dog shelter.

Day 21, Saturday: Departure day for volunteers staying just three weeks. Free time for volunteers who are extending.

Location of the Project: Thalpe, Sri Lanka

Project length: Min 3 weeks - Max 16 weeks

Arrival Airport: Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)

Volunteer Work: Animal care, veterinary assistance

Age: Min. age 18

Number of Volunteers: Up to three international volunteers

Important Note: Both veterinary students and general dog lovers with no professional training can join this program.

What's Included

Accommodations: Shared rooms in a volunteer villa

Food: Three meals per day

Airport Transfers: Airport transfers are provided on both arrival and departure days

Orientation: Upon arrival, volunteers will receive a walking tour and welcome/ introductory training presentations.

Support: Comprehensive and professional pre-departure travel guidance, 24/7 GoEco emergency hotline, experienced local field team.

What's not Included

Flights, visas (if required), travel health insurance, personal expenses.

This program takes place in Thalpe, which is close to the volunteer villa in Galle. Galle is a beautiful area in southern Sri Lanka that is surrounded by lush greenery and is in close proximity to world-class beaches! Many of the nearby beaches are prime surfing spots, and others are more relaxing. There is even a turtle lagoon nearby. Galle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, complete with Dutch-colonial buildings, ancient religious buildings, museums and more. Galle is also quite trendy, and is home to cafes, boutiques and boutique hotels.

Volunteers will help provide care for stray puppies and dogs at this shelter. Many of the stray and abandoned dogs are sick and in need of medical care in addition to routine care. All volunteers will provide hands-on care, and those who are in veterinary school may be able to assist the veterinarians.

Some of your tasks may include:

Assisting with feedings
Playing with the dogs
Brushing the dogs and checking for ticks
Cleaning
Assisting with medicine distribution

Those who are qualified may be able to assist with neutering and suturing when necessary.

Schedule: Volunteers will generally work from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM, Monday-Friday.

Internet: Each volunteer may use up to 2GB of WiFi in the volunteer house during their stay

Laundry: Laundry services are available for an additional fee.

Accommodations: Volunteers will be in shared rooms with bunk beds in a volunteer villa with 3-5 other volunteers.There may be up to 40 volunteers in the house at one time. The villa includes a private garden, a rooftop terrace (with yoga sessions!), a lounge room with sofas, bean bag chairs, books, speakers and a projector. There are ceiling fans as well as floor/ tables fans in the rooms. Air conditioning is available for an additional fee. Rooms are cleaned twice per week, shared bathrooms are cleaned daily and sheets are changed once per week. Private rooms in a separate house are available for an extra fee. Sahara Beach is just a five-minute walk away! During busier seasons, volunteers may be in alternative, but similar accommodations.

Food: Three meals per day will be prepared by the main and assistant chef, using local, fresh ingredients. Tropical fruit is available during every meal and there is a salad bar set up during most lunches and dinners. Vegan, nut-free, gluten-free and lactose-free diets can be accommodated. The local team will do their best to accommodate special diets, but notice must be given in advance. Tea, coffee and filtered water are available 24/7.

Please take note of this program's minimum requirements:

Minimum age of 18
Basic level of English
Passion for caring for dogs

Volunteers can enjoy weekly evening yoga sessions on the rooftop, night fishing trips, weekly movie nights, monthly bike tours and monthly barbecues! Additional travel adventures are available for an additional fee, and a few recommendations are listed below:

Adventure Tour (Highly Recommended):
Extend your stay in Sri Lanka by participating in a seven-day Adventure Tour! This adventure tour includes a game drive, visits to waterfalls, a long train ride, an overnight stay at a riverside eco lodge, visit to temples, a village walk, visit to a spice grove, a visit to Lion Rock, time in the local market as well as a trip to Negombo Beach!

Additional Recommendations: