6h
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We require volunteers to contribute a OT application fee of 50 Euros (includes Tshirt and airport transfers in/out) + 10 Euros per day to cover their accommodation and daily transport to the shelter. They can cook their own meals in the communal kitchen, so food can be as cheap as 3-5 euros/day. Also small local restaurants offer good meals, mainly only at lunch, for 2/3 euros, and takeaway is always possible, just take always a box with you!
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Germany
Thank you to Silvia and the whole team at Simabô! I absolutely loved volunteering here. One thing I'd mention is that it's ideal for people who are comfortable around dogs and understand basic canine behavior. The shelter can be lively, and the dogs often feed off your energy, so remaining calm and confident really helps them feel secure. It's an incredibly rewarding experience, but going in with realistic expectations will help you and the dogs have the best experience. Mindelo is also a fun place to be in, with beautiful beaches (one not far from the hostel) and lovely people!
4 months ago
Thank you Sandra for your diplomatic and calibrated review! It means you must be ready to do hard work, in the African heat, with very excited dogs that can leave you exhausted!:-))) But it is true: it is very important to keep calm and focussed to avoid stress, and I must say Sandra was perfect with this, with her sweetness and low, soothing tone and gentle gestures... a melody for our animals, cats included! Hope to host you again! It will be a pleasure
Germany
Overall a great and fulfilling experience. Exhausting work with the dogs but very rewarding. They are really lovely and extremely happy to be taken on dogs. Facilities were also great.
3 months ago
Belgium
The expérience at the organization was very enriching. Be prepared for a tough reality which is : poverty But be also prepared to live an amazing experience. If you work at the shelter, bring working clothes such as old shoes and clothes + cap and sunscreen as it get warm (but bearable with the wind) I would suggest to go with another person as it makes the experience nicer and you won't be on your own if you walk the dogs. All dogs are amazing, nice and friendly but I wouldn't have done if I wasn't comfortable and used to walking energetic dogs. Do it, once in a life time experience, Helo 🤠
3 months ago
France
The dogs are adorable I'm happy I did it and I recommend it. But there are a few things that you need to know; bring old shoes because it's dusty by the shelter, you're gonna walk a lot in the burning sun (around 25000 steps a day!), there is no water or toilet near the shelter, transport is guaranteed only ONCE a day so you have to go back on your own (walking takes 1,5 hour, hitchhike, or take a taxi). I really recommend coming with someone, I had a lot of days alone and sometimes that's really difficult. There's no hot water and very low water pressure at the hostel but it's always clean.
5 months ago
Hi J.! Thanks for your feedback! Yes! It is hard! The dogs to be walked are many. But I must say there is almost always more than 1 volunteer! And also many hostel guests that want to go and help a lot. Of course there is a toilet at the shelter! After kennel 15, the last door is the toilet! I will check and if there is no sign on it I will put one! Important recommendation for all prospects who read these reviews: please please speak up when you have any need or doubt or question! Love! Silvia
Italy
I stayed at the organization without other volunteers, which made the experience harder as I often felt alone and left to manage everything by myself. The island is beautiful and the dogs are adorable, so I still recommend it. However, be prepared: bring comfortable shoes, as you will walk a lot (around 30,000 steps a day) on sand and rocks. It gets very hot and there is little shade. The hostel has low water pressure and no hot water. The shelter is far away, in the middle of nowhere, transport is guaranteed once per day, so you always need to hitchhike. Staff are not always gentle with the dogs.
6 months ago
Thank you Delia for your precious help during this difficult time. Yes, it is really a big problem here to find people that want to work with the animals. And those who do its because of a salary, not because they love them. The shelter is 4 km from town. Hitchhiking is indeed the fastest way to reach it (or to come home when you are finished), but you can also use one of our bikes, or take a collective bus for 50 cents, or a taxi for 3 euros. Hope it was useful!
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