Guatemala Quetzaltenango (Xela) Animal Rescue Program

Volunteers will work in an institution that receives around 500,000 visitors each year. This center boasts 200 animals that come from 41 different species. School children on field trips are common visitors since they want to learn about animals, but the center also has many other different types of visitors. The center is renovating its spaces to increase the areas for the animals and to improve facilities.

Potential Volunteer Duties:

- Assist veterinarians making daily rounds to provide medication and vitamins while ensuring a healthy environment for the animals
- Feed the animals and prepare the food
- Help with tours and conferences for groups of Spanish speaking visitors
- Help with tours and conferences for groups of English speaking visitors
- Assist in maintaining the park by building, repairing, painting and cleaning. For volunteers with a background in the health sector, they can learn how to apply injection and oral vaccinations to the animals
- We are looking for veterinarians, pre-veterinarians, and general volunteers

Volunteers must arrive in Guatemala in the morning since the last bus to Xela leaves at 3PM. We do not include an overnight stay in Guatemala City as a part of our program cost. You also must arrange your departure from Guatemala City for after 2PM.

Volunteer Application Process

Research your flights, the program location and determine your desired start dates. ABV program fees are based on 7 night increments (example 1 month is 28 nights = 4 weeks).

When you have your travels plans decided, click the APPLY ONLINE button on the ABV home page. Log In and create your own personal profile.

Fill out the application form in its entirety. This includes uploading your resume/CV and completing the online questionnaire. Incomplete (or inactive) applications will be deleted within 7 days of receipt. If you have any doubts, call or email the ABV office to verify your application was actually received by us.

Upon submission of your completed application, expect an email confirmation from ABV within 24/48 hours. Follow the instructions provided and Log In to your personal profile.

Read and Sign the online Volunteer Service Agreement, and the Participants Contract. Follow the payment instructions to pay your US$120 deposit.

After paying the US$120 deposit you will be emailed an Orientation Guide, the Pre-trip check list and your invoice. Log in to your profile for updates.

Bookmark the ABV Log In. This is your main source of information: flights, travel insurance, payment deadlines and project details. If you have any questions, ask us!

Work with animals
Assist veterinarians
Learn about animal care
Help create a more comfortable living space for animals

English, Spanish