Volunteering

At Animal Aware, volunteers are at the heart of everything we do. Over 300 dogs and 30 cats live at our shelter in Sumpango, and caring for them is only possible thanks to the time and energy of animal lovers from around the world. To make volunteering more accessible and structured, we now offer a homestay volunteer program with clear orientation, accommodation, and support included. This program ensures that international volunteers can contribute meaningfully to the daily care of the animals while enjoying a safe and immersive stay in Guatemala.

Homestay Volunteer Program

Through this program, volunteers are welcomed into local host families in Sumpango, just a short walk from the shelter. You’ll be introduced to the daily routine by our team, receive guidance on your first day, and then quickly become part of the work that keeps the shelter running. Whether you join us for a couple of weeks or several months, the program is designed to provide structure, safety, and cultural immersion – all while making a direct difference in the lives of rescued animals. Volunteers can join for 1 to 12 weeks. Arrivals are possible Monday to Friday, so that our team can welcome you and provide orientation

Orientation & Tasks

On your first day, you’ll be welcomed by our local coordinator and introduced to your host family in Sumpango, where you’ll be staying during your program. After settling in, you’ll visit the shelter, get a guided tour of the facilities, meet the staff, and learn about the daily routines.

Volunteer tasks may include:

• Walking and socializing dogs to improve their confidence and adoption chances.
• Feeding and caring for cats, providing enrichment and play.
• Bathing, grooming, and basic obedience training for dogs.
• Supporting adoption efforts with photos, videos, or social media content.
• Helping with daily cleaning, feeding, and maintenance routines.
• Joining educational activities
• Assisting in spay/neuter or vaccination campaigns (when scheduled)

No previous experience is required – just motivation and a love for animals.

Volunteer Experience & Accommodation

Volunteers stay with host families in Sumpango, only a short walk from the shelter. Families provide simple but comfortable rooms and meals (breakfast and dinner included). This setup allows you to immerse yourself in local culture and practice Spanish in an authentic environment.

Daily Schedule

Volunteering runs Monday to Friday, 8:30 am – 12:30 pm (about 4 hours/day). Afternoons are free for exploring, relaxing, or taking Spanish lessons in Antigua (45 minutes away).

A typical day might look like this:

• 7:30 am – Breakfast with your host family.
• 8:30 am – Feeding and cleaning at the shelter.
• 9:30 am – Walking dogs or socializing cats.
• 11:00 am – Grooming, photography, or small maintenance tasks.
• 12:30 pm – Return to host family for lunch and free afternoon.

Weekends are free for trips to Antigua, Lake Atitlán, volcano hikes or other natural highlights.

Program Costs

Your program fees cover accommodation, two meals per day, airport pickup, accommodation and local support, while also helping ensure that more than 300 dogs and 30 cats at the shelter receive food, veterinary care, and a safe place to live

12 weeks (max stay): USD 3,220

1 week: USD 570

2 weeks: USD 811

4 weeks: USD 1,293

8 weeks: USD 2,256

Informal Volunteering (Short Visits)

We also welcome travelers who would like to support the shelter for a short time – for example, a day or two. This informal option is free of charge and perfect for visitors who want to spend some hours walking dogs, playing with puppies, or helping with light cleaning.

Since this option is self-organized, volunteers arrange their own accommodation and transport. It’s a wonderful way to contribute during a short visit to Guatemala.

For anyone wishing to stay longer or take on more responsibility (for example, supporting veterinary care, education, or adoption campaigns), we recommend our structured Volunteer Homestay Program, which provides accommodation, meals, and a deeper experience of daily life at the shelter.