In Nepal, the word for “safety” is borrowed from the Sanskrit, (surakṣā) /su.ɾɐk.ʂɑː/—salvage, security. This resonates with us, as most of the voluntary work done in our experiences is linked to helping, rescuing, and offering animals the security they had been denied before.
We empower you to travel the world and engage in life-changing experiences to help animals in countless ways. We want you to make new friends and immerse yourself in new communities and cultures in an ethical way. Always know that we have done everything to ensure that the best safety practices are backing you up.
Our AEI experiences are only made official after a rigorous vetting process. We personally visit each Placement Partner location to inspect everything—from transportation and activities to the standard of animal and volunteer care. We don’t stop here; we ensure the communities and partners adhere to our safety, ethics, and responsibility standards. Plus, we have signed agreements with our partners to assist should emergencies arise, including facilitating access to medical care when necessary.
Maintaining weekly—and sometimes daily—communication with our Placement Partners benefits all! It ensures quick action in emergencies, and helps us stay abreast of any changes to provide valuable volunteer feedback. Each of our Placement Partners has established international volunteer programs with excellent safety records. To uphold their standards, volunteers are meticulously screened and briefed on rules and procedures, emphasizing respect toward all living beings.
From the moment you land to your departure, you’re part of the team, and we ensure your safety and care. During your stay, you will live either on-site or in the community in a pre-approved and thoroughly reviewed hostel or homestay. We also equip you with comprehensive travel health insurance up to $500,000 and a 24/7 emergency support line (through the International Volunteer Card) to handle unforeseen situations.
We believe the more prepared you are, the safer and more enjoyable your experience will be. So we also provide you with our detailed travel manuals and safety procedure guides, specifically designed to prepare you for everything, from travel visas, staying safe, and health concerns to what to pack, how to deal with culture shock, emergency medical situations, and hospital and facilities payments.
We go beyond traditional support mechanisms. Our Volunteer Coordinator has penned Traveling without Baggage, a guide to physical and mental well-being while travelling. Purchase it as an e-book.
As you can see, your safety is a top priority for us. While we ensure all safeguards are in place for a secure experience, the essence of safety ultimately lies within personal responsibility. We encourage you as a volunteer to use common sense, avoid unnecessary risks, and listen to your intuition—your gut always knows! Of course, there are no guarantees that nothing bad will happen, but we try our very best to ensure you will have a safe trip and a positive, life-changing experience.
We’re committed to providing clarity and support at every turn. If you have any inquiries or require further details, our team is always available to help!
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
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