In the streets of Nepal, countless dogs find themselves without homes, facing harsh realities like neglect, hunger, injuries, and sickness. These challenges not only impact the well-being of these dogs but also present health risks to local communities; every year, around 200 Nepali people die of rabies, and 16,000 are treated for dog bites. In attempts to manage the street and community dog population, some city governments resort to poisoning, a method that is as inhumane as ineffective. Such actions fail to provide a long-term solution, as dog populations tend to rebound, driven by the constant cycle of reproduction among the survivors.
AEI has partnered with two amazing organizations in the Kathmandu Valley area that are addressing these issues head on. One is a rescue centre in Kathmandu that offers a compassionate alternative to the government’s approach, focusing not only on the welfare of the dogs but also addressing the community’s concerns. Through the support of volunteers like yourself, they rescue dogs in need, providing medical treatment, vaccinations, and sterilization. Volunteers help care for and socialize these dogs while at the centre.
The second program is a professional, non-governmental organization dedicated to animals’ welfare, well-being, safety, and protection. It was founded by a collective of professional veterinarians and fervent animal enthusiasts and operates from a veterinary hospital in Bhaktapur. This experience is ideal for students and professionals in the veterinary field.
Both organizations devote efforts to educating the community on maintaining the health of community dogs and raising awareness about rabies prevention. Your involvement could significantly impact these animals’ lives and our community’s well-being.
Our programs thrive on the invaluable contributions of our volunteers, who play a role in nearly every aspect of our operations. Regardless of your background, interests, or level of academic and clinical training, we find a way for you to contribute meaningfully. Volunteers with training in the veterinary field will be placed in our program in Bhaktapur.
Volunteers at the Kathmandu centre help with feeding, cleaning, grooming, bathing, exercising, and walking the dogs, as well as assisting the team in other activities.
Volunteers at the Bhaktapur pet hospital can dive deeper into clinical work.This can range from assisting in case management and diagnostics to supporting surgeries, depending on what’s most appropriate for your level of experience. A portion of your work will be community outreach, working with community dogs that need medical help.
Work Hours:
Volunteers have one day off per week. You can choose your day off between Sunday to Friday. Everyone works on Saturday, one of the busiest days. Shifts are from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with a 2-hour break for lunch.
As a volunteer with us, you can immerse yourself fully in the local culture and community through our accommodation choices. Depending on which centre you are volunteering, you will have a choice to stay in a lodge (small hotel) or opt for a homestay experience. Both options are designed to enhance your time with us in Nepal.
Lodge Accommodation: The lodge in Bhatapur is conveniently situated in the vibrant heart of the city, directly in a main square that buzzes with local life and activity. In Kathmandu the lodge is located outside the bustle of the city, offering beautiful views of the surrounding valley. As a volunteer, you’ll have your own room in either lodge. While the rooms are modest, they’re clean, tastefully furnished, and comfortable. Many rooms have balconies, offering a private space to relax and enjoy the atmosphere.
Homestay Experience: Living with a local family in a homestay could be the perfect choice for those wishing to dive deeper into Nepali culture and daily life. Each homestay family has a close relationship with the rescue center and plays a vital role in our community. Homestays provide a safe place to rest and a unique opportunity to form lasting connections with local people, gaining insights into their traditions, values, and way of life.
The lodge and homestay options are conveniently located within walking distance of the rescue center and various local tourist attractions, ensuring you’re always close to where the action is.
Meals: We understand the importance of nourishment and comfort during your volunteer experience. That’s why all meals are provided, prepared with care, to offer you a taste of local cuisine and hospitality.
Choosing where to stay while volunteering is more than just about finding a place to sleep; it’s about choosing the experience you want. Whether in the lodge or a homestay, you’ll find a welcoming, supportive environment that enhances your journey with us.
Do you have questions about safety? We have answers right here!
We’ve got you covered every step of the way! Your volunteering journey includes:
Airport pick-up and drop-off at Kathmandu Airport
Comfortable accommodation
All meals
Excursions in the community available
Comprehensive pre-departure & on-site training
A donation to our Placement Partner
AEI Travel Manual brimming with key travel insights including packing list, currency information and in-depth placement description
Premium Individual Travel Insurance (up to USD 500,000 in emergency medical coverage)
24/7 emergency support throughout your placement
One tree planted for every volunteer to help offset carbon emissions and create more livable ecosystems for wildlife
Enrolment with the Global Travel Academy to earn a certificate in International Volunteering
The program does not include flights, entry visa costs, international and domestic airport taxes, immunizations and medications. The rabies vaccine is required for this experience. Please note that the average cost of pre-exposure rabies vaccination is $600 to $1000 in North America.
This is an ongoing program with operations every day of the year. There are no specific start or end dates. We work with you and your schedule so you can serve this community and help animals when you are available.
Are you thinking of fundraising for some or all of your fees? Many of our clients have been very successful with their fundraising efforts. Please visit our fundraising page to learn more about their successful fundraising projects and how you can fundraise for your experience!
Our Nepal dog rescue programs offer medical care to animals in the community, provided by local veterinarians with the support of volunteers. They strive to treat as many sick and injured street dogs as possible, many of whom battle malnutrition, mange, ticks, and other diseases due to adverse living conditions.
In the past, injured dogs were often overlooked and left to suffer, but today, these rescue centres ensure they receive critical emergency treatment and care. All dogs brought to these centres are neutered/spayed, vaccinated, and tagged for easy identification upon release.
By promoting adoption and running community education programs, they are transforming the public perception of street dogs and improving their lives significantly. Our goal is to make the Kathmandu Valley a cruelty-free region for street dogs with your invaluable support.
Your journey to Nepal is set to be unforgettable. Nestled amidst stunning landscapes and sacred sites,this country will captivate your spirit. Palaces and temples are adorned with intricate carvings, shimmering golden roofs, and traditional open courtyards. Markets and busy streets will fill your senses and offer countless moments to be amazed by the virbrant culture.
You’ll have ample opportunity to explore and immerse yourself in the local rhythm of life, whether from the comfort of your lodge or the warmth of a homestay.
At the centre, alongside our dog rescue team and fellow international volunteers, you’ll find camaraderie in a shared commitment to improve the lives of community and owned dogs. There’s no greater joy than caring for needy animals and making a meaningful impact. Embark on this life-changing adventure with us!
B Corps are certified by the non-profit B Lab to meet rigorous social and environmental performance standards, accountability, and transparency. We have been a B Corp since 2013, and since then, we have always been in the top 10% of quantifiable benefits to the environment and the communities in which we operate.
We acknowledge the traditional and contemporary custodians of the land on which Animal Experience International’s Barrie office is located. These people are the Ho-de-no-sau-nee-ga (Haudenosaunee), Anishinabewaki ᐊᓂᔑᓈᐯᐗᑭ, Mississauga, and Wendake-Nionwentsïo People and we recognize their continuing connection to the land, waters, and culture. We pay our respect to their Elders, past, present, and emerging.
TICO REGISTERED: ONTARIO REGISTRATION # 50022902
© Copyright 2024, All rights reserved
