Kenya may be renowned for its wildlife, but many local domestic and farm animals need care too. The sad truth is many of these animals are mistreated and neglected, left to fend for themselves on bustling and perilous streets, or used in dangerous activities like dog fights or political protests. There is more and more evidence that shows a healthy and humanely controlled dog and cat population equals a safer and growing wildlife population.
At our partner shelter in Nairobi, we provide these animals with the care and love they need. Every animal brought to us gets a chance at a better life with the potential to be adopted into local families. The dedicated staff and volunteers work hard on rehabilitation efforts to ensure all animals feel safe again. We teach all dogs social interactions and basic commands while our cats thrive in their secure surroundings in enclosed catteries, safeguarding them and the local bird population.The farm animals, donkeys, pigs, goats, horses, and sheep, enjoy the freedom of roaming in paddocks, grazing as they please.
This center facilitates over 300 animal adoptions annually and educates numerous school groups on responsible and compassionate animal care. We help them fiercely advocate to improve the often cruel treatment of donkeys, providing owners with humane harnesses and guidance on positive training methods.
Located outside the bustling city center, our open-air sanctuary offers a haven for lovers of animals. Volunteers are welcomed into the homes of local supporters of the centre, and the host family or center personnel arrange transportation to and from the centre.
This placement is an adventure waiting to be embarked upon, where you can enjoy the unique blend of domestic animals and wildlife. Expect the occasional longer commute if baboons decide to cross the roads! Visit a nearby ethical giraffe conservation center!
We welcome volunteers keen to assist in diverse areas, from fundraising and event planning to animal socialization and veterinary services. Turn your compassion into action, and lend a hand to our amazing endeavours.
Volunteers here are vital, caring for up to 200 animals daily. Tasks range from cleaning habitats like dog runs, paddocks, and enclosures to kitchen chores, preparing and distributing meals, and aiding in the regular training and socialization necessary for animals awaiting adoption. Interested volunteers can engage in rescue operations, support events, conduct educational talks, and offer tours. Veterinary professionals can contribute their skills toward animal healthcare, including diagnosis, vaccinations, and surgeries.
Shifts are 8 hours in length each day, with a break for lunch. Volunteers have one day off per week.
Your stay will be in the welcoming home of a family dedicated to supporting the animal rescue centre. This intimate setting offers a deep dive into Kenyan culture, integrating you into the community. We have personally vetted all homestays for your safety and comfort. Located in a secure and picturesque area of Nairobi, you're conveniently close to the centre. Transportation to and from your placement is covered, with your host family assisting with daily commutes. Plus, all meals are taken care of for you.
Do you have questions about safety? We have answers right here! Or read our guide to Safety in Guatemala.
We’ve got you covered every step of the way! Your volunteering journey includes:
Airport pick-up and drop-off at Nairobi Airport
Comfortable accommodation with a local family
All meals
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
This does not cover flights, entry visa fees, airport taxes (both international and domestic), or the cost of immunizations and medications. A rabies vaccine is mandatory for this experience, with the average cost for pre-exposure rabies vaccination ranging from $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 a portion of or all of your fees? Many of our clients have been very successful with their fundraising efforts. To learn more about their successful fundraising projects and see how you can fundraise for your experience, please visit our fundraising page!
Our partner organization is unique in Kenya as the country’s only charitable entity predominantly aiding domestic animals. This bustling center continues to make huge strides for animal welfare, thanks to the generous assistance from volunteers like you. Involved in investigations of cruelty, animal rescues, and adoptions every week, this shelter serves as a sanctuary for animals in need.
They deliver medical treatments and vaccinations for shelter animals and take it upon themselves to educate the community about appropriate animal care and treatment. Firm believers in controlling cat and dog overpopulation through sterilization rather than euthanasia, they run spay/neuter campaigns in low-income areas as funds allow, and sterilize shelter animals.
For those pursuing veterinary careers, this placement offers opportunities to assist with medical procedures and gain insights into Kenya's veterinary medicine practice. This hands-on placement involves all aspects of animal care, allowing you to become comfortable working with these shelter animals and providing a solid stepping stone for future endeavours with domestic species.
Travelling to Africa can profoundly impact your life. This experience offers a unique blend of the excitement of exploring Kenya's beauty and culture while helping with a friendly organization that is doing important work. The area where you will be staying boasts a sizable international community welcoming Kenya's new arrivals. Enjoy the comforts you're accustomed to alongside authentic Kenyan experiences like witnessing the Masai move through the streets in vibrant traditional attire. Situated in Nairobi's safest community, the shelter allows for meaningful community engagement. With the support of your homestay and fellow volunteers, you'll settle in comfortably.
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.
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