Volunteering
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Where are we located
Colan is geographically situated on the North West desert coast of Peru, about a 2 hour drive from the Ecuador border. From Lima it is a 1 hour flight to our largest community Piura where there is an airport. From Piura it is a 1 hour drive to Colan. Colan itself is a small quiet fishing village during the winter months (April to December) and becomes a thriving holiday resort in the summer (January to April).
We are surrounded by poor villages full of animals all needing help.
Services we provide
Our focus is providing both veterinarian services to the animals and education to the people. Besides the one-on-one education we do with people who have animals, we also go into the schools and teach the teachers and students about animal care. Student Vets in Peru also use these opportunity to learn techniques and procedures from visiting Vets.
We have a rustic but functional clinic on site. A veterinarian comes two days a week to spay and neuter. Besides the clinic, we visit villages and provide some clinical services to small animals, donkeys and horses. After 10 years of doing this more and more people are bringing their animals for help.
Accommodations and food are provided on site for the following reasons:
- To make our charity "sustainable."
- To ensure volunteers have a clean, safe place to stay.
- To help support our local economy (this is also part of our mission).
- To assist in generating funds as we are almost fully dependent on financial and other donations from Foundations "overseas".
Volunteers are required to use the accommodations that are provided for them by the charity. The price is very reasonable and is part of keeping our Association and Community vibrant. The cost of accommodation is 60 soles/person/day (approximately $20 U.S.). This includes basic meals and laundry. Vegetarians are catered for within basic limits. All funds raised from this service go back into the Association and the community.
Role of the Volunteer
A central role of the volunteer is to pass on the knowledge and expertise you have to the people in Colan and surrounding villages you will be working with.
Your contribution will be based on your qualifications and the time you have available. You can assist in the clinic and with the educational work both on site and in the surrounding villages.
Last but not least our animals here in Northern Peru need a great deal of help. If you are looking for a fulfilling experience, wishing to give of yourselves and make a difference, interact and share hands-on experiences with our small group of dedicated people who are concerned about animals, this opportunity might be for you.
Please feel free to contact us with any further questions you may have.