Rusinga dog rescue animals shelter is a nonprofit, on-governmental organization started in 2020, designed to mitigate the animal cruelty and suffering within the community, also to promote animal welfare rights by educating the community on how to safely handle their animals. They also do rescue, rehabilitation and adoption of animals that are in need.

What they do :
Rusinga dog rescue animals shelter has active daily community field work activities within the community like community education forums,SOS response to animals in need, follow up for animals under care within the community, we also do medical camps for animals where we offer much needed veterinary services. Our rescue kennel currently hosts some rescued animals that are up to adoption and require constant care.

We also give back to the community by participating and partnering with environmental conservation groups within the community.

PROJECT ACTIVITIES AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES :

Daily activities include, cleaning the kennel, feeding the rescue animals, 3 weekly wash for the dogs, playtime and obedience training.

Field work activities include animal feeding and treatment of stray dogs and animals, weekly medical checkups and community education forums and update of the local organisation's online platform.

By providing all the above much needed services they aim at reducing animal suffering and encourage adoption. The local organisation runs 24 hours and is always available for quick emergency response.

• Animal Care :
- Feeding and Watering: Ensuring that dogs and other animals have access to clean water and nutritious meals ;
- Cleaning: Maintaining clean and safe kennels, play areas, and other spaces for the animals ;
- Grooming: Bathing, brushing, and helping with general grooming needs of the animals.

• Socialization and Training :
- Walking and Exercise: Taking the dogs out for walks to keep them active and engaged ;
- Behavioral Training: Assisting with basic obedience training to improve the animals' chances of being adopted ;
- Socializing: Spending quality time with the animals, helping them get used to human interaction and other pets.

• Adoption Events :
- Event Support: Helping organize and assist during adoption drives or outreach events to promote the animals available for adoption ;
- Public Engagement: Speaking with potential adopters and providing information about the dogs, their backgrounds, and their personalities.

• Fundraising and Donations :
- Assisting with Fundraisers: Volunteers may help organize and run fundraising events such as charity walks, auctions, or donation drives ;
- Promoting Donations: Encouraging the community to donate items such as pet food, toys, blankets, or financial contributions.

• Administrative Support :
- Data Entry: Updating records for each animal, including medical history and adoption status ;
- Social Media and Marketing: Helping manage social media accounts, writing posts to highlight adoptable animals, or creating promotional materials.

• Transport:
- Transporting Animals: Volunteering to drive animals to veterinary appointments, adoption events, or even transporting them to other shelters or rescue organizations.

Timetable :

10.00am kennel cleaning, followed by training and bonding with the animals

12.00pm preparation and serving animal food

2.00pm field work which involves wellness checkups and community education and interaction

5.00pm preparation of evening meal to be served at 10.00pm

Volunteer will be hosted in the home of the host family, electricity and tap water are available there.

During your stay on this project food will be provided by your host family, volunteer will be provided with three meals a day (break fast, lunch and dinner), food will be prepared by the host with the help of volunteers. Most foods are locally made and fresh produced.

Location: Homa Bay County,
Region: Nyanza region, Rusinga Island on Lake Victoria
Village: Kolunga beach, kamasengre

During their free time at the Rusinga Island Dog Rescue and Animal Shelter, the volunteers can engage in leisure activities that are both relaxing and enjoyable, while also supporting their well-being.

Here are some ideas:

Nature Walks: Explore the beautiful surroundings of Rusinga Island, taking time to unwind and enjoy the peaceful environment.

Photography: Capture moments of the animals or the scenic landscape to share on social media or use for promotional materials.

Reading and Learning: Volunteers can read up on animal care, behavior, or rescue stories to expand their knowledge.

Creative Writing: Write about the animals' stories, shelter updates, or personal experiences, which can be shared with the community or posted online.

Volunteer Group Discussions: Casual meet-ups to exchange ideas, share experiences, and bond with fellow volunteers.

These activities help refresh volunteers and keep them motivated in their roles, while maintaining a sense of connection to the shelter’s mission.

You'll need to meet certain requirements, including age, health, and attitude. You'll also need a passport and visa to enter the country.

1. Age: You must be at least 18 years old (if you are below 18 years you need written consent from a guardian), or the age required by your program ;

2. Language: You should be able to speak at least basic English, or the language required by your program ;

3. Passport: You'll need a valid passport to enter Kenya ;

4. Visa: You'll need a Single Entry Visa or tourist visa to volunteer in Kenya ;

5. Travel insurance: You'll need to have travel and health insurance ;

6. Background check: You may need to provide a criminal background check report ;

7. Vaccinations: You may need to get certain vaccinations before entering Kenya ;

8. Training: You may need to participate in training provided by your organization ;

9. You should also be open-minded, flexible, and patient, and willing to step outside your comfort zone ;

10. A positive attitude towards independent progress of others ;

11. A willingness to adapt to local conditions.

Additionnal requirements :

1. Some programs may have additional requirements, such as a registration fee or program fee ;
2. Medical volunteers may need to provide college enrollment documents ;
3. Volunteers working with children may need to provide a criminal background check report.

Duration of the project : 1-6 to 12  months. The program is running throughout the year.

Participation fee :

400 Euros per months 1-3-6 (12 months). The project fee or extra fee includes airport pick up, airport transfer, food, accommodation and host, transport from Nairobi to the project and back to Nairobi after the project, city Tour, 2 days host In Nairobi on your arrival and last day after project, 24 hours Agape Centre Of Hope Office Support and project monitoring.

This project runs all year round and is open to applications at all times.