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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.
6 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!
Germany
Volunteering with the organization was an unforgettable experience. We made wonderful friendships with the amazing dogs and the friendly people around us. The working hours are well-balanced, giving you a lot of time to explore the beautiful island. The dogs are full of energy, love and personality and every moment spent with them was a joy. We're truly grateful for the time we spent there and would highly recommend it to anyone who loves working with animals
about 1 year ago
United States
The dogs and cats at the organization is taken care of and love attention. I worked at the shelter 6 days a week, walking the dogs. Be aware that some of them do not get along with the other dogs, so make sure to ask the staff and more experienced volunteers, which ones those are to avoid any conflicts. None of them are aggressive with humans. Sometimes volunteers are split between the hostel and green house. I stayed at both and both are suitable. I met other volunteers and hostel guests and made some great friends from this experience! I enjoyed my time in Mindelo and would come back :)
over 1 year ago
Netherlands
Very nice experience!
over 1 year ago
Netherlands
I really enjoyed my time in Mindelo and I wish I could extend, but unfortunately I have to get back🥹 The work with the animals is amazing and the work that you do is so important! The hostel is very busy and there is always work to do! The host is an amazing hardworking and passionate woman who I only can respect so so much. Her dedication to the work gave me motivation like I hadn't experienced before. Next to this she's an amazing sweet person and a host that I would absolutely recommend! If you want to make a difference in a beautiful country with lovely people; come join the organization!!❤️
over 1 year ago
Switzerland
Volunteering at the dog shelter was a beautiful and rewarding experience. Spending time with the dogs was really special. Communication with Silvia was sometimes a bit challenging. At the volunteering house there was only one bathroom, which was shared by up to around 8 people at times. It's also good to know that one way of transportation (depending on the shift) needs to be organized by yourself, as the shelter is about 5 km away. Overall, a lovely experience for anyone who loves dogs.
10 months ago
