India Projects
Animal Volunteering India
Are you passionate about taking care of animals who need love, protection, and compassion? Would you like to volunteer and care for animals in the exciting and vibrant country of India? If yes, this is exactly what you are looking for!
India is a land of incredible diversity, from its sacred cows roaming temple streets to lush jungles teeming with wildlife. With its colorful culture, rich traditions, and spiritual energy, India offers an unforgettable experience for animal lovers and adventurers alike.
Unfortunately, despite India's cultural reverence for animals, many suffer from neglect, abuse, and lack of medical care. Stray animals—especially dogs and cattle—are left to fend for themselves on busy streets, often injured in accidents, starving, or suffering from preventable diseases. Without help, these voiceless creatures endure immense suffering every day.
Come volunteer with animals in India and be the difference in an animal’s life! By rescuing, rehabilitating, and protecting these animals, you will help create a kinder world. You’ll also support awareness campaigns, help with sterilization and vaccination programs, and even assist in emergency rescues. Your love and time can help these innocent lives recover and thrive.
Do you want to bring hope, healing, and happiness to animals in need? Then join us in India and start making a real impact today!
Take a minute to complete the form and we will be in touch.
Volunteers’ Responsibilities & Impact
As a volunteer in the Animal Care Project in India, your daily efforts will bring comfort, healing, and hope to animals who are often forgotten. Your role is essential in helping our team respond swiftly to emergencies, deliver care to injured animals, and educate the community on animal welfare.
You may assist with:
- Feeding, bathing, and grooming rescued animals.
- Cleaning enclosures and maintaining a hygienic, safe environment at the shelter.
- Supporting the Animal Ambulance Service by helping staff rescue injured or abandoned animals from streets, homes, or accident sites. You may accompany the team on emergency calls, help transport animals, and assist in providing basic first aid at the shelter or on-site.
- Participating in sterilization and vaccination drives, which help control the stray population and prevent the spread of diseases. India animal volunteers also help in catching stray dogs, monitoring recovery after surgery, and ensuring they are returned safely to their original location.
- Engaging in public awareness campaigns to educate communities, especially youth, on animal rights, compassion, and responsible pet care.
- Helping with data entry, fundraising, or social media efforts to support the project’s mission and reach.
Every task you take on contributes directly to saving lives and preventing suffering. Whether you’re comforting a frightened dog, helping during a rescue mission, or advocating for animal rights in a classroom, your presence will create a meaningful and lasting impact for animals in need.
Skills and Qualifications:
You don’t need to be a veterinarian or have prior experience to volunteer—just a big heart and a deep love for animals!
This animal volunteer India program is open to anyone who is compassionate, patient, and willing to get involved in hands-on work, sometimes in challenging conditions. A positive attitude, flexibility, and a strong sense of responsibility are key. If you’re comfortable around animals and aren’t afraid to get a little dirty while making a huge difference, you’ll fit right in!
While not required, experience in animal care, veterinary work, or shelter volunteering is always a plus and can help you take on more specialized roles during your time with us.
Most importantly, volunteers should be respectful of Indian culture, open to learning, and ready to work as part of a dedicated team united by a shared mission: protecting and caring for animals in need.
Why Volunteer with Animals in India with IFRE?
Trusted Since 2006 - Join a respected organization with a strong track record of safe, impactful animal and wildlife programs worldwide.
Affordable Program - Volunteer starting at just $250 per week—an accessible way to make a big difference on a small budget.
Safe and Supported Experience - Benefit from 24/7 local support, airport pickup, and secure accommodation close to your project site.
Make a Real Difference in Animal Lives - Rescue, care for, and protect injured and neglected animals while promoting their welfare and dignity.
Promote Compassion and Ethical Living - Support efforts that encourage vegetarianism and spread awareness about humane, sustainable choices.
Stand Against Animal Exploitation - Help campaign to stop the use of animals in circuses, films, and other entertainment industries.
Every day you spend volunteering with animals in India will be deeply meaningful and unforgettable. You’ll be greeted with wagging tails, grateful eyes, and the heartwarming knowledge that your compassion is making a real difference.
Volunteers typically work 5–6 hours per day, Monday through Friday. While tasks may vary depending on the needs of the shelter and ongoing rescue operations, here’s a sample schedule to give you a glimpse into a typical day:
7:00 AM – Start your morning with a delicious Indian breakfast and a hot cup of tea to energize your day.
8:00 AM – Travel to your project placement at the animal shelter or join the ambulance team for morning rounds.
9:00 AM – 2:00 PM – Get involved in hands-on animal care! Help with feeding, grooming, cleaning enclosures, assisting with rescues, or supporting sterilization and vaccination drives.
3:00 PM onwards – Enjoy your free time. You can explore the local markets, visit temples, meet locals, or simply relax with fellow volunteers.
7:00 PM – End the day with a hearty dinner and share stories about your experiences with other volunteers.
Weekends are typically free for cultural activities, sightseeing, or short trips to explore nearby areas like Delhi, Agra, or Jaipur!
Volunteering in Faridabad is not just about helping animals—it's also an opportunity to immerse yourself in India’s vibrant culture while creating lifelong memories and friendships.
Animal Volunteer India: Program Date
Our Fees
IFRE is the most trusted and respected volunteer abroad organization in the world, and also the most affordable. We’re dedicated to providing the highest quality volunteer programs at the lowest fees, which make it possible for everyone, especially students, to travel internationally and make a positive impact in the lives of others.
We believe in 100% transparency. Rest assured; we never use middlemen. Your one-time registration fee of $299 covers our administrative costs. The low weekly program fee goes directlyto your host family, and includes housing, food, project donation and minor expenses. IFRE is a non-profit organization, so your program fees are tax deductible.
Program Dates
IFRE’s programs begin every Monday year-round. If you have travel constraints, you can still start your chosen program on any day of the year.
Volunteer Program Fees (US$)
| Duration | Animal Rescue Projects |
|---|---|
| 1 Week | $250 |
| 2 Weeks | $380 |
| 3 Weeks | $510 |
| 4 Weeks | $640 |
| 5 Weeks | $770 |
| 6 Weeks | $900 |
| 7 Weeks | $1030 |
| 8 Weeks | $1,160 |
| 9 Weeks | $1,290 |
| 10 Weeks | $1,420 |
| 11 Weeks | $1,550 |
| 12 Weeks | $1,680 |
Comprehensive Travel Insurance $4.49/day »
Language and Culture Program fee $250
Airport Pick up & Transfer (Jaipur) - $50
Program Fees Cover:
- Accommodation (host family)
- Food (only breakfast and dinnery)
- Program Orientation
- In-country support
- Personalized project
- Pre-departure information
- Certificate of completion
- Fundraising ideas and letters
- Discount for returning volunteers
Program Fees Exclude:
- Visas
- Airfare
- Personal expenses on soft drinks and foods
- Daily transportation
- Airport return transfer
Take a minute to complete the form and we will be in touch.
Accommodation and Meal
During your animal volunteer work in India, IFRE ensures a safe, comfortable, and culturally rich experience by placing you with one of our trusted local host families in Delhi or Jaipur. These families are carefully selected for their hospitality, experience with international volunteers, and dedication to cultural exchange. You’ll either have a private or shared room (same gender), with basic amenities including clean bedding, electricity, a shared bathroom with a western toilet, and a secure living environment. Living with a host family offers a unique opportunity to truly immerse yourself in Indian daily life, learn the local language, and experience the warmth of Indian hospitality.
Volunteers are provided with three delicious home-cooked Indian meals each day, including popular dishes like dal, rice, chapati, curries, and chutneys. If you're away during lunchtime, you can request a packed meal, and there are also plenty of nearby restaurants offering both Indian and Western cuisine. This arrangement ensures you’re well-nourished and cared for, so you can focus on your volunteer work and enjoy every moment of your cultural journey in India.
Free Time and Weekends Exploration
This India animal volunteer opportunity is located in Faridabad, just outside the bustling capital city of New Delhi. As a volunteer, you will work with rescued animals in shelters and rehabilitation centers, helping with feeding, cleaning, and daily care. This hands-on experience allows you to support the well-being of street animals while contributing to meaningful animal welfare efforts in the community.
During your free time, Faridabad offers a quieter contrast to the pace of Delhi, with local parks, markets, and temples to explore. You can spend your mornings or evenings relaxing, interacting with locals, or enjoying traditional Indian food. With its close proximity to Delhi, it’s also easy to take short trips to explore famous cultural and historical sites.
On weekends, you can travel to New Delhi to visit iconic landmarks like the Red Fort, India Gate, or Humayun’s Tomb. You might also choose to explore the Taj Mahal in Agra or take a short trip to the pink city of Jaipur. With so many heritage sites and cultural experiences nearby, weekends are the perfect time to discover more of northern India’s history, beauty, and diversity.
Safety and In Country Support
Your safety is our top priority, and we are committed to ensuring that you feel secure and supported throughout your animal volunteering in India. From the moment you sign up, we provide comprehensive pre-departure guidance to prepare you for your journey, including advice on vaccinations, travel tips, and cultural insights. Once you arrive in India, our dedicated in-country team of experienced professionals will be there for you, offering 24/7 support to address any questions or concerns.
Whether you need assistance with transportation, medical care, or simply settling in, our local team is always ready to help. We carefully vet every aspect of your trip, from your accommodation to your project placement, ensuring that every detail is aligned with your safety and comfort. Rest assured, you’ll have the support you need to focus on making a positive impact while staying safe and confident during your volunteer experience.
Animal Volunteer India: FAQs
Animal Volunteering India: Arrival and Orientation
You will need to arrive at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi one day before your animal volunteer program in India begins. A friendly IFRE representative will be waiting for you outside the airport terminal with a sign bearing your name. If your flight is delayed or rescheduled for any reason, please contact us immediately so we can adjust your pick-up accordingly and ensure a smooth arrival.
Once you’ve met our team member, you’ll be transferred to your accommodation located near your project site. You’ll have time to settle in, rest after your journey, and get comfortable in your new environment.
Later that day, you’ll attend a detailed orientation conducted by our local coordinator. During this session, you’ll be introduced to your animal volunteering role, including the kinds of care and support you’ll provide to rescued animals at the shelter. The coordinator will also guide you through important topics such as Indian customs, local culture, safety advice, and how to get around during your stay.
After orientation, you can spend the evening relaxing and preparing for your first day at the animal care center. The following morning, your rewarding volunteer experience will officially begin as you step into your role, helping animals in need and becoming part of a compassionate local team.
Cultural Immersion Opportunities
Volunteering with animals in India through IFRE offers a powerful blend of service and cultural exchange. Whether you're caring for street dogs, working at an animal shelter, or supporting a rescue center, you’ll help improve the lives of neglected and injured animals. Volunteers assist with feeding, cleaning, basic medical care, and spreading awareness about animal welfare within the local community.
This meaningful work is paired with a deep dive into Indian culture. Staying with a host family or in local accommodations allows you to experience daily life firsthand—enjoying home-cooked Indian meals, learning simple Hindi phrases, and participating in festivals and traditions. From exploring colorful markets and temples to joining community events, animal volunteering in India gives you the chance to make a difference while forming lasting connections and discovering the beauty and complexity of Indian life.
If you are interested in animal volunteer programs in other countries, you can join our Wildlife Volunteer Program in South Africa, where you’ll work in game reserves helping protect and monitor wildlife through conservation tasks like tracking, habitat maintenance, and data collection.
You can also be part of our Wildlife Volunteer Program in Botswana, which offers a unique opportunity to support wildlife conservation by assisting with research, anti-poaching efforts, and wildlife monitoring in remote areas.
Our Animal Volunteer Program in Peru lets you care for rescued animals in the Amazon. Volunteers help rehabilitate monkeys, birds, and other species while supporting their return to the wild.
For an unforgettable experience, consider our Elephant Volunteer Program in Sri Lanka, where you’ll assist in the daily care of rescued elephants and contribute to important conservation and education efforts.
Take a minute to complete the form and we will be in touch.