Work abroad with animals, for free (is it even possible?)

Adam!038

Hey, So i love animals
and would love to have the experience of helping out and volunteering abroad with them
BUT it seems every time i find one it costs 2-5 grand
And i get that it goes towards them training you, to the tools ect...
but i just dont have the money
and was wondering is there any volunteer programs that are free?
(or only have a small registration fee?)

blobcat

Have you thought about WWOOFing? (WWOOF = World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms)

From what I have read on the website, you choose the country you want to visit, pay a small fee for a one year subscription (I think the fee varies depending on the country, but it shouldn't be more than 50 euro). Then you select from a list of host farms that you want to visit. In return for working on the farm, you get free accommodation and meals.

I don't know what type of animals you're looking to work with, but I'm sure that a lot of WWOOF hosts have dairy farms, chickens, stuff like that. There also seem to be a lot of places that have horses. I would check out Australia and Africa for places that have more exotic animals.

These link might be of help to you:
https://www.reddit.com/r/WWOOF
http://www.staringatmaps.com/wwoofing-101-the-complete-guide/

I've thought about WWOOFing myself, I think it would be a really great opportunity for anyone. Especially if you want to learn/improve a language. There is no training involved, and no costs beyond registration and travel, as far as I can see. You could probably even volunteer somewhere in Ireland if you wanted to.

thegreatgonzo

I volunteered in a Panda reserve in China for a couple of weeks, I organised it myself so it was cheap that way. It was in Bifengxia. I think it cost about 20USD per day and accomodation was about 12USD. This was a couple of years ago so I'm not entirely sure.

Shaymoboy

If you're an independently minded traveller and looking for a low cost volunteering opportunity abroad, have a look at HelpStay

Here's an Animal Rescue Volunteering opportunity in India

Free bed and board is included on most, there's a small yearly membership fee to join.