Volunteer at an Animal Rescue Centre in Dharamsala

Volunteer at an Animal Rescue Centre in Dharamsala (India)

India

Robin and the team welcome volunteers to their animal rescue centre in Dharamsala, in the Himalayan foothills of northern India. The organisation is dedicated to rescuing stray animals, caring for those recovering from injuries and raising awareness of animal welfare. Its guiding principle is to alleviate suffering, particularly among animals that cannot help themselves.

Volunteer Now

The farm serves as a sanctuary for recovering animals and a home for people who share this purpose. It also has an organic garden and produces a range of goods that help fund the ongoing care of the animals. The centre follows the philosophy of karma yoga, or the yoga of work, encouraging people to find purpose through practical, compassionate action and mindful living.

Tasks & Roles

The centre is seeking veterinarians, para-veterinarians and people with previous experience caring for animals to support its stray animal rescue clinic. Volunteers help with the daily care of animals and contribute to the work of the rescue team. A minimum commitment of two weeks is required, with working hours from 9 am to 1 pm.

Following a successful initial two-week period, volunteers may have the opportunity to extend their stay for up to three months through a work-exchange arrangement. The team provides clear instructions and guidance, and welcomes people who are keen to learn, share knowledge and make a meaningful contribution.

Living & Getting There

The farm is located in Dhanotu, a small rural Indian village surrounded by fields and offering beautiful views of the Himalayan mountains. With just a handful of houses and a couple of small shops, the village offers a peaceful, simple way of life, while the towns of Dharamsala and McLeod Ganj are nearby.

The closest airport is Kangra Airport (DHM). Once a stay has been confirmed, the team can provide further information about the best way to reach the farm. Volunteers should plan to arrive between 9.15 am and 12.30 pm on their first day.

Accommodation is shared, so volunteers may have a roommate depending on other arrivals. During the initial two-week volunteering period, meals are available at a cost of INR 500 per person per day. For those who continue into the work-exchange programme, accommodation and meals are provided free of charge.

What else

The team is friendly and open-minded, and enjoys thoughtful discussions and learning from different perspectives. Volunteers are expected, however, to respect the centre’s purpose, the people working at the clinic, the animals and the rules that help keep everyone safe. This is a working home and rescue facility rather than a guesthouse, so access to facilities, continuous Wi-Fi and other amenities cannot be guaranteed.

As a karma yoga centre, the farm values a calm, purposeful atmosphere. Volunteers should be mindful of noise, particularly during mealtimes, and respect local customs by dressing modestly. The team has established rules to protect the animals and maintain the smooth running of the farm, and expects everyone to follow them.

In return, volunteers can expect to be treated with respect and open-mindedness, gain an opportunity to help animals in need, take part in meaningful conversations and receive guidance with their tasks. If the arrangement does not suit either the volunteer or the team, either party may decide to end the stay. The centre asks prospective volunteers to allow up to one week for a reply to their initial message.

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