Animal Care Trust Volunteer and Foster Care Programme
by Animal Care Trust (ACT), Mangalore
Hands-on animal care skills
Animal Care Trust Volunteer and Foster Care Programme is a program by Animal Care Trust (ACT), Mangalore for children aged 13 to 17, open to students across India. Enrollment stays open through the year, so your child can join anytime.
Mode
In-Person
Fee
₹100
Duration
Runs through the year, with a minimum commitment of six months
Format
Individual
Time needed
At least two volunteering sessions a month sustained over six months, with shifts scheduled by the shelter according to animal care needs
Key dates
- Enrollment
- Open all year
Vatsalya , Mangalore, Karnataka
About this opportunity
Animal Care Trust runs a year round volunteer programme at its Vatsalya shelter in Mangalore, open to young people from the age of 13. Volunteers help care for rescued street animals and birds alongside shelter staff and veterinarians.
Published age rules place volunteers aged 13 to 15 with a parent, while those aged 16 and 17 may volunteer independently with parental permission. Every volunteer must be vaccinated against rabies and must use the safe animal handling techniques taught at the shelter. The trust asks for a minimum commitment of volunteering at least twice a month for six months, and schedules shifts according to animal care needs.
Volunteer roles include kennel assistance and laundry, dog walking, bathing puppies, assisting treatment, supporting adoption camps and events, and helping with education programmes and social media. Foster care is one of these roles: volunteers who want to foster puppies or kittens at home register as volunteers first and then complete foster care training, for which the trust provides the materials, instructions and support.
Eligibility
- Age range
- 13 to 17 years
- Location
- Nationwide
Prerequisites
- Rabies vaccination before starting
- Parent accompaniment for ages 13 to 15
- Parental permission for ages 16 and 17
Open to volunteers from the age of 13. Volunteers aged 13 to 15 must volunteer with a parent, and those aged 16 to 17 may volunteer independently with parental permission. Every volunteer must be vaccinated against rabies before starting.
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Benefits
- Hands-on care of rescued animals alongside shelter staff
- Training in safe animal handling techniques
- Foster care training for volunteers who continue
- A direct role in rescues, adoptions and shelter events
Academic details
Difficulty: Beginner
What's covered
Shelter based practical learning covering safe handling of rescued animals, daily kennel and feeding routines, adoption support, and optional foster care training for puppies and kittens.
Skills your child builds
What your child will do
- Kennel assistance and laundry
- Dog walking
- Bathing puppies
- Foster care for puppies and kittens
- Adoption camp and event support
Mentors & faculty
A Volunteer Coordinator manages intake and shifts, with two full time veterinarians and eleven staff supporting volunteers at the shelter
How to apply
- 1Download the Animal Care Trust membership and volunteer application form
- 2Submit the completed form with ID proof and a passport size photograph at the Vatsalya shelter
- 3Wait for a call or email from the Volunteer Coordinator within a week
- 4Attend the shelter tour to learn the programme and the roles available
Fees & financial support
Fee details
The volunteer sign up route is the trust's membership application form, which carries an annual membership fee. The form lists ₹50 for Child Annual and ₹100 for Student membership, against ₹250 for a regular Annual membership. Payment is made by cheque, pay order, demand draft or cash along with the form at the shelter. The published pages do not state whether this fee is waived for volunteers, so families should confirm at the shelter.
Frequently asked questions
Can my child join Animal Care Trust Volunteer and Foster Care Programme anytime?
Yes. Enrollment stays open through the year. Your child can join at any time.
Is Animal Care Trust Volunteer and Foster Care Programme free?
No. The registration fee is ₹100.
Who can participate in Animal Care Trust Volunteer and Foster Care Programme?
Children aged 13 to 17.
What will my child gain from Animal Care Trust Volunteer and Foster Care Programme?
Hands-on care of rescued animals alongside shelter staff. Training in safe animal handling techniques. Foster care training for volunteers who continue. A direct role in rescues, adoptions and shelter events.
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