Hedgehog Conservation Volunteer Program in Portugal

Overview

If you are keen to volunteer for animal welfare and help in the conservation work for wildlife and endangered animals, then volunteer in the Hedgehogs Conservation Project in Porto, Portugal.

Volunteering abroad is a great opportunity to acquire new skills, meet new people from different cultures, and grow as an individual. Volunteering Solutions aims to provide you with a wide variety of volunteer programs that focus on immersing into the culture of another country and helping the local projects directly.

Being a volunteer for the Hedgehogs Conservation Project would be a perfect choice for animal lovers and those who want to do something for animal welfare and care.

Hedgehogs are one of the most primitive mammals on the planet. They have kept themselves virtually unchanged for the past 15 million years! This is long before we walked the Earth but that does not mean that these amazing animals have adapted to the chaotic world created by humans. In addition to natural causes such as predators, disease, etc, they are subject to human beings’ excessive activity: loss of habitat, mechanised agriculture, pesticides, being run over, gardening tool accidents, climate changes, human cruelty, etc.

As a consequence of all of the above, European Hedgehogs (native species) are in decline. Throughout Europe, several institutions are making tremendous efforts to counteract this population decline and increase their numbers again.

Hedgehogs, like butterflies, are seen as species which are “indicative” of the ecosystem’s health. They act as ecological pest controllers and their disappearance, in addition to being the result of habitat degradation, would cause an imbalance in the ecosystem.

In this program, you will become part of a non-profit rescue centre dedicated to caring for injured and ill hedgehogs, with the ultimate aim of releasing them back into the wild whenever possible. This rehabilitation centre operates entirely through volunteers and is the only one in the country focused solely on the rescue and conservation of hedgehogs.

Volunteer Work Schedule

After the orientation day, volunteers will be assigned a morning, afternoon or evening shift at the project placement and will work for approximately 4hours per day depending on the schedule of the project.

Typical schedule of volunteers in Porto is as outlined below

Volunteer Roles & Responsibilities

Volunteers in this program, volunteer for a non-profit organisation that focuses on treating injured and sick hedgehogs, with the goal of releasing them back into nature whenever it’s possible. This rehabilitation centre is run fully with the support of volunteers.

Typical tasks in the program include -

Clean and maintain the hedgehogs' cages and enclosures
Feed and care for the hedgehogs
Assist in raising awareness through various initiatives
Participate in the release events when hedgehogs are returned to the wild
Support clinical procedures, including wound care, administering medications, and conducting coprology tests, among others

Project Requirement

Volunteers must be 18 years or older at the time of joining the project. You need to have an open mind and a flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment. The volunteer should bring energy and enthusiasm to make a difference. Participants must be fit and healthy at the time of joining the program and should be prepared to work outdoors and get their hands dirty. Participants in the program should have a keen interest and love for animal conservation work. Participants should have no criminal convictions and should provide a clean criminal background check report.

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Hedgehog conservation Program in Portugal - Portugal

Living

Airport Transfer

You will be picked up on arrival at Porto airport and transferred to the volunteer accommodation. For those participants who will already in Porto beforehand just let us know and we will arrange your pick up from any location in Porto.

Orientation

On the first day of the program, all participants are given an introductory presentation with the group giving further details of the program along with a walking tour of Porto city center for approximately two hours.

Accommodation

Volunteers in Porto are accommodated at a hostel in front of the river located in a very central area. The hostel has gender-separated dormitories with 8 to 10 beds and a very nice atmosphere and staff. Breakfast is served in a buffet every day and Wi-Fi is available and free.It is committed to sustainability with its environmental goals published and core to its concept.

Meals

Portuguese food is delicious and during your time in Portugal, you will be sure to receive some incredible treats.The meals will be served in a local restaurant next to the accommodation. Volunteers can taste the best of Portuguese gastronomy prepared with local fresh ingredients.

During your Free Time

The weekends are free for you to get to know Portugal in a better way. We can help you to book the trips that you want to go to any point in the country. Besides that, we have one or two day programs, where you will have unique experiences on your own or in a group.

Some of the tours and experiences that you can enjoy during the freetime include :-

Douro, Port and Moscatel Tour – You will visit these wines Estates, taste them and have a typical lunch with amazing views.

Minho and Vinho Verde Alvarinho Tour – You will visit the beautiful Viana do Castelo, Melgaço, and Monção, taste the Vinho Verde and some of the best Portuguese cuisine

Aveiro and Bairrada Sparkling Wine Tour – Visit the beautiful city of Aveiro and get to know its wonders and traditions. The Lunch is going to be Roasted Suckling Pig accompanied by wine from the region of Mealhada.

Dão and Coimbra Tour - Visit Coimbra, a magic place with the most ancient University of Portugal and full of history. Taste the Dão region wines and the typical food and bakery.

Dates

November

December

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

Available

Filling Fast

Booked Out

Costs

Duration	Program Fee	Choose your currency
1 Week	$952
2 Weeks	$1389
3 Weeks	$1826
4 Weeks	$2262
5 Weeks	$2699
6 Weeks	$3135
7 Weeks	$3572
8 Weeks	$4008
Extra Week	$500

Please Note: An application fee of is charged over and above the program fee as an application payment.

WHAT ARE YOU PAYING FOR?

Airport Pickup and Transfer to accommodation
Introduction session and Placement Orientation
Guided Porto City Center Walking Tour
Accommodation at a dormitory at a centrally located hostel in Porto
Three meals a day
Shared use of common spaces and free wifi
Volunteer placement coordination
Suggestion of weekly activities with the other volunteers
In-country staff support 24/7 (and the best local tips to discover the city)
Pre Departure Info Booklet
Travel & Medical Insurance (Available at an extra cost)

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED?

Round-Trip Flights to Portugal
Return Airport Drop
Visa Fees
Vaccinations
Any personal expenses

FAQ's

Application and Program Details

Are there any necessary requirements to participate in the programs?: Volunteers must be 18 years or older at the beginning of the program. The minimum age requirement for Food Waste Management program is 17 years. Participants under 18 need to provide signed parental consent prior to joining the program.Volunteers need to have an open mind and flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment.The volunteer should bring energy and enthusiasm to make a difference. The participant must be in good health.
How do I get to the program location?: Your program coordinator or a member of the local coordinating team will take you to your placement and introduce you to everyone after giving you a basic orientation about the program, its surroundings and other facilities around the location.
What are the program locations in Portugal?: The volunteering programs in Portugal are primarily located in and around Porto, the second largest city in Portugal. You can choose to be a part of the Food Waste Management Program in Porto, Youth Support Program in Porto, Hedgehog Conservation Program or Horse Patrolling and Environment Protection Project in Porto.
Can I volunteer as part of a group?: Yes, you are welcome to take part in the Programs in Portugal as part of a group. We welcome families, friends, high school students, college/university and corporate groups to volunteer together.
I haven’t traveled or volunteered abroad before. Can I still be a part of VolSol?: Yes, most definitely you can as we believe every participant brings something new to the project. If you do not have previous experience, we offer you the opportunity to have a great start with us. We make international volunteering easy – not only are our Volunteer Abroad opportunities rooted in offering you extensive support, but they are also very affordable.
What is the best time to apply for the volunteering project in Portugal?: As we have limited spots available in our programs and we serve on first come first basis, it is strongly recommended to apply for the program and reserve your spot in the program well in advance. You can book your spot in the program by filling an online form and pay the application fee.

Once you complete your application, your individual 'My Account' will be active in which you will receive your placement confirmation after which you can pay the program fees. You can pay the program fees later as well in installments, but 45 days before the program starts.
Does VolSol provide with a reference or a certificate after program completion?: Yes, we will provide you with the Certificate after successful completion of your program. The certificate is provided on request.
How long will it take to process my application? Will my application be accepted ?: After you complete your application, your personalized ‘My Account’ will be active. You will need to upload your CV/Resume along with your photo in the same. Our backend team and the placement site takes around 10-12 days to review your application. After we review your CV and documents, your booking is confirmed and booking confirmation is updated in your ‘My Account’. Some projects need a mandatory criminal background check and the same is mentioned in the project info of your program. Approval of your application depends on your qualification and eligibility criteria for each project.

Flights and Visa

Can I know more about flight details, visa and arrival information?: Lufthansa, Tap Portugal, Emirates, British Airways and Iberia are the top airlines flying to Portugal. You would need a Schengen Visa to travel to Portugal, which should be applied at the respective embassy. No visa is necessary if you are a US Citizen and will be traveling to Portugal for up to 90 days. However, you will need a valid u.s. Passport for at least 3 months from the date of planned return or other travel document recognized by member states of the Schengen agreement. For more details regarding the Visa requirements, it'll be good if you can get in touch with our Program Advisor while applying.

Once you arrive at the airport, our in-country coordinator will be there to be in touch with you. You'll be taken to your accommodation where you can rest before kickstarting your amazing journey.

Health and Safety

What immunizations/vaccinations will I need?: All participants are recommended to consult their physician or travel doctor before traveling to Portugal.To view the general list of vaccinations recommended for your travel to Portugal, https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/portugal"; target="_blank">click here.
Do I need to buy health insurance?: Yes, for all participants, it is mandatory to have a valid travel medical insurance for their trip. Volunteers have the option to purchase Travel and Medical Insurance at a nominal extra cost from Volunteering Solutions. To provide the best option to our participants, we offer comprehensive insurance coverage in collaboration with a leading insurance provider.

If you already have a valid Travel and Medical insurance, you can email us a copy of the same. It is also advised to bring along the Insurance documents during your trip.
How safe is Portugal?: According to a study made by the Institute for Economics and Peace, The Global Peace Index 2018 says that Portugal is the 4th safest country in the world. That, we believe, solves all your doubts. For more information about safety, do take a look at the Pre-departure Guidebook.

Accommodation and Living

Can I know more about accommodation and food arrangements?: Accommodation in Porto:

Volunteers in Porto are accommodated at a centrally located hostel.Located right at the city center, the hostel, provides a wide range of rooms, from dormitories to private rooms, a spacious and friendly lounge area where you can hang out, chill, listen to music, enjoy the atmosphere, play some games, and get to know other fellow travellers while enjoying a nice cold beer, a tasty cocktail or a glass of the famous Porto wine! The welcoming staff will always be there to make the guests experience to the fullest! All the guests can count on the best tips about the city, an endless energy and a welcoming smile!!

Portuguese food is delicious and during your time in Portugal, you will be sure to receive some incredible treats.The meals are prepared daily by a local non profit that promotes social integration of vulnerable people by assisting them with professional training. Volunteers are provided with three meals per day (breakfast, lunch and dinner).

Breakfast is self-serve at the accommodation and generally includes tea, coffee, bread, cheese, ham, spreads, cereal, yogurt and fruit.The non-profit will prepare lunch and dinner for you ! It is a 4 min walk from the hostel, where you can heat it, store it or eat it straight away. Besides, the hostel has a shared kitchen where you can store your food, cook or prepare your meals anytime you need.

Connect with Past Volunteers

How can I connect with past Volunteering Solutions alumni as well as other former and current volunteers?: We encourage volunteers to get in touch with former Volunteering Solutions program participants and also other program participants joining our projects. You are recommended to join the https://www.facebook.com/VolunteeringSolutions/"; target="_blank">Volunteering Solutions Facebook Page or https://www.facebook.com/groups/VolunteeringSolutions/"; target="_blank">Facebook Group to communicate with other participants.

To read alumni interviews from past participants, https://www.volunteeringsolutions.com/meet-a-volunteer"; target="_blank">visit the Meet a Volunteer page on our website.