There are more than 20,000 street dogs in Kathmandu, and over 35,000 in the Kathmandu Valley. In addition to problems associated with overpopulation, these dogs pose a real health threat to the residents of Nepal through rabies transmission and dog bites. In the past there was no alternative to the government`s policy of poisoning dogs and ignoring the critically sick and injured animals. Many people were very concerned about the dogs around their community but until recently, had no way of helping them. Now over 14,000 dogs have been treated in a successful spay, neuter and vaccination program that provides a very important, much needed service to the people and animals of Kathmandu. You too can be part of the solution, by volunteering in this busy shelter and animal hospital in Kathmandu.

Includes: Airport pick up and drop off (at closest airport), Homestay Accommodation, Meals (two daily with host family, one daily at the centre), On-site training, Emergency Support, Donation to Placement Partner, AEI Travel Manual, $10 Credit in our Zazzle store (towards the purchase of recycled water bottles, reusable bags, etc), Carbon credits to offset 3 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions, Premium Individual Travel Insurance (up to $500, 000 USD in emergency medical coverage), Travel discounts (through automatic membership to a volunteer only travel discount program), 24/7 Travel and emergency assistance.

Excludes: Flights, Entry visa costs, International and domestic airport taxes, Immunizations and medications.

 Accommodation: You will be placed in the home of a local family. AEI believes that home stays offer you the best experience during your time in Nepal by allowing you to save money, while providing you with an easy way to integrate into Nepali culture. The family lives about 30 minute bus ride from the centre, it costs about $3 a day for transportation (you will be responsible for this cost). All of our home stays have been selected by an approved AEI Destination Management Company.

Veterinary volunteers will need to apply for a certificate from the Nepal Veterinary Council in Kathmandu for permission to volunteer medically with animals. These certificates can only be applied for in person while volunteers are in Kathmandu, volunteers should set aside an extra $300 for this certificate. This does not apply to students as they will not be working with animals as lead veterinarians.

 Volunteer Activities: Medical volunteer activities include assessing, diagnosing and treating sick and injured dogs and cats, vaccinating, deworming, administering anesthesia and performing surgical procedures. Standard volunteer activities include helping to socialize the dogs and cats, washing and brushing the dogs at the shelter, cleaning enclosures, feeding the animals, helping with administrative tasks, distributing promotional materials, educating the public on stray dogs and promoting rabies awareness.

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.

Classification of Placement: Medical: Entry, Advanced and Specialized. Standard: Entry, Advanced and Specialized.

All classifications of volunteers are needed by this Placement partner and we encourage you to apply no matter your skill or experience level. However, if you are looking for a Placement to use your specific skills, the professionals who would be most beneficial to this placement would be volunteers with experience in: veterinary medicine, administration, photography, fundraising and design.