Victoria’s 2020 Guatemala Animal Rights/Care Volunteering Trip

On the 27th January 2020, I plan to travel to Guatemala to volunteer with IVHQ as part of the Animal Care/Animal Rights programme for 12 weeks. Animals in Guatemala are typically not well treated, they are viewed as something that serves a purpose, rather than sentient beings. The majority of animals in Guatemala are used for food, a source of work, including them being forced to carry heavy amounts of weight, or used to guard houses. This often leads to animals being neglected or abandoned in the streets or rural areas, where their chances of becoming injured or ill are very high.

The aim of this project is to meet the high demand for volunteer assistance in a range of animal-focused placements, including a dog and cat shelter, a veterinary clinic and an exotic animal refuge, populated by crocodiles, snakes, lizards and turtles.

When volunteering on this project I will be helping with cleaning cages, bathing or brushing the animals, helping with obedience training and veterinary care, walking and playing with the animals, or constructing small, functional structures at the animal care facilities.
I believe that hands-on volunteering work is the most beneficial for all involved, the money raised will cover the cost of the volunteering programme and registration fee (flights and any other additional fees will be paid for by myself).

The support for this project would mean an unexplainable amount, as caring for animals is an important part of my day-to-day life. I believe the education of animal care should be a universal understanding, and being able to share this would be a once in a lifetime opportunity, that can not be measured by cost! Any donation is extremely appreciated and puts me a step closer to helping animals in need.

Thank you in advance for any support and help given!

Victoria Attridge-Smith