The Animal Care Program
This inspiring Animal Care programme in Italy supports an animal shelter located in the beautiful city of Rome. The shelter provides refuge to more than 200 domestic animals each year that have been abandoned or born homeless. With far too many animals neglected and too few shelters available to meet their needs, volunteers are urgently needed to help care for and support these animals.
During the pandemic and lockdown periods, many people adopted pets to cope with feelings of isolation. However, once restrictions were lifted and daily routines resumed, many families found themselves unable to continue caring for their pets and ultimately made the difficult decision to abandon them.
The objective of this programme is to provide a safe haven where animals receive care, attention, and rehabilitation, with a strong focus on rehoming as many animals as possible. Volunteers play a vital role by interacting with the animals, helping them regain trust, and preparing them to become loving pets ready for their forever homes.
Goals of this Project:
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Provide a safe and supportive environment for abandoned and homeless domestic animals.
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Support local shelter staff with daily care and operational tasks.
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Care for, socialise, and play with the animals to support their wellbeing.
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Educate the public on responsible pet ownership and help prevent future animal abandonment.
How You Can Help
This project provides essential support to a large number of animals in need of care, attention, and new homes. Keeping the shelter operational day after day, throughout the year, is a significant undertaking, and the assistance provided by volunteers is critical to fulfilling the shelter’s mission. Without volunteer support, the centre would not be able to care for as many animals or provide them with the stimulation, socialisation, and exposure they need to be successfully rehomed into loving families. Volunteers therefore play a vital role not only in the daily care of the animals but also in ensuring the long-term sustainability of the shelter and its work.
Volunteers assist with tasks such as cleaning and maintaining animal housing areas, feeding the animals, and spending time playing and interacting with them to help rebuild their trust in people. This programme offers a meaningful and rewarding experience for international volunteers who love cats and are looking for a unique European volunteering opportunity.
Volunteers on this project can expect to participate in a range of activities, including:
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Assisting with daily feeding duties
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Cleaning and maintaining animal shelters and surrounding grounds
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Improving the lives of abandoned animals and supporting their adoption
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Helping with communication campaigns and raising public awareness
Requirements
Love Volunteers welcomes all those 18 years and over who wish to help domestic animals in Rome. This 'hands-on' project is best suited to those who are either pursuing a career in animal conservation/veterinary studies, or who simply wish to explore an interest in this field. However, the project is open to all and does not require participants to have specific education, qualifications or experience, as you will be shown everything you need to know by one of local project leaders.
All applicants must of course display a genuine willingness to help, be fit and active, show drive and initiative, and bring a positive 'can-do' attitude. If this sounds like you, we want you on the team!
A basic knowledge of the local language is recommended but not essential.
Additionally, volunteers applying to join this program will be required to supply to following documentation:
- Emergency contact
Project Location
Rome is one of those places that somehow lives up to all the hype—and then surprises you anyway. Loud, beautiful, chaotic, and deeply moving, the city offers visitors the experience of walking through layers of history. Ancient Rome is everywhere: the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Pantheon are casually woven into daily life, where a 2,000-year-old ruin might sit beside a busy coffee bar.
At the same time, Rome, the capital of Italy, faces a range of social, economic, and environmental challenges. From a social perspective, the city struggles to support a growing number of migrants and refugees who require access to language education, job training, and social integration services. Recent economic downturns have also had a significant impact, increasing food insecurity among vulnerable populations.
Rome is ideal for those who love history, art, food, and places with real personality. It may not be polished, but it is unforgettable.
Start Dates & Duration
This project is available year-round with arrivals on SUNDAY. Volunteers can choose to participate for periods ranging from 2 weeks to 6 weeks. Longer stays can be arranged directly with the local team but will be subject to availability and individual visa conditions.
For current available start dates please check the calendar on the right.
Arrival & Orientation
Volunteers are met on arrival into Rome and taken to the accommodation to settle in. An orientation session is held on arrival to introduce volunteers to the culture and customs, language basics, safety guidelines and practical information as well as an overview of the programs and volunteer experience. A guided city tour is also included - perfect for getting to know Rome and meeting local staff.
- Arrival Day: SUNDAY
- Departure Day: SATURDAY
- Arrival Airport: Leonardo Davinci International Airport (code FCO) or Ciampino Airport (CIA), Rome
The airport pick-ups are available on Sundays between 7am and 10pm. Pick-ups can be arranged outside this time for an extra fee.
Accommodation & Meals
Enjoy a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a day of volunteering.
Located in the heart of Rome, the hostel is within walking distance of many of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Termini Station, the city’s main transport hub, is just a 10-minute walk away, making it easy to explore Rome and beyond.
Volunteers stay in female or mixed dormitories.
Bed linen and towels are provided.
Shared use of common spaces, rooftop, fully equipped kitchen and free WIFI.
Breakfast is served at Bar Maggiore, right below the hostel between 7.30 and 10am.
Lunch and dinner is provided at a restaurant, just a 10-minute walk from the hostel.
Fees
That’s just USD 145 per day* for:
*In addition to the program fees listed above a Registration Fee is payable to secure your place. The registration fee is USD 299 for those volunteering with Love Volunteers for the first time or USD 149 for any subsequent volunteer placements. The registration fee includes: lifetime LV Alumni Membership, fundraising support & advice, dedicated pre-departure support, certificate of completion (on request), and exclusive access to the LV Trip Planner.
Some things are not included in the program fees listed above, such as flights, visas, vaccinations, travel insurance, additional foods and snacks, spending money, local transport, in-country trips and excursions, return airport transfer (unless mentioned above).
Please note that prices are subject to change without notice. Please ensure you have read the Love Volunteers Terms and Conditions & Refund Policy.