WHAT IT WILL COST YOU
Travel costs to and from Crete . Accommodation costs, usually about 12-15 euros per day, depending on the number of volunteers sharing the villa. If you are the only one there (possible in winter) the costs can be considerably higher. Winter accommodation costs include heating. Allow a bout 4-6 euros per day for food and general expenses. If you are staying longer than one month we will try to assist you with accommodation costs after a trial period. If there is room we will house you free of charge at the old clinic. Please settle your accommodation costs direct with the villa owners before you leave . Some volunteers have left without paying and it means that Noah's Ark has to pay the bill so therefore the animals have to go without something. Please consider this.
WORK
Normally a 7 day week with longish hours but you can have time off if you ask well in advance. (You are advised to press for time off as you will need it and those supervising around you usually have the animals rather than the workforce on their minds!) Duties include anything from nursing, feeding and cleaning to manual work around the grounds and waste food collection from hotels and tavernas. If you are trained in veterinary work we will try to utilize your skills. Be aware that conditions are very basic. It is hard work so don't come expecting to just pet and walk the animals. You need to be able to work alone and on your own initiative at times. Some past English speaking volunteers have said that they were lonely at times since the voluntary workers often speak German and the local workers speak only Greekn therefore you may wish to consider coming with a friend. During the summer months the temperature can be incredibly hot to work in, and the winter months can bring heavy rain and strong winds. You will be expected to work with a large number of animals, not just a few. Sometimes the work can be upsetting - remember most of the animals are at Noah's Ark because of very sad circumstances, also the conditions are a lot more basic than other Northern European shelters. Not all animal lovers will therefore be suitable. If you wish to contact an ex-volunteer for first hand experience just let us know.
REQUIREMENTS
You will need to speak either English, German or Greek. Bring your driving licence if you have one, it might be useful. We require animal lovers able to deal with distressing situations - this is not a job for the soft hearted. Experience in working with animals is useful but not necessary. No age restrictions but 18-50's are probably best able to cope with the work. Volunteers required all year around. Minimum stay of 1 month preferred, though lesser periods considered, otherwise we spend a lot of time training those staying short term. We hope to assist anyone staying for more than a month with accommodation costs, once a trial period has passed. No vaccinations necessary though you might feel happier knowing your tetanus jabs are up to date (in case of scratches) and some past volunteers have contracted ringworm (easily treated).
ACCOMMODATION
Rented holiday villas (Tersanas Village Appartments) within 10 minutes drive of Noah's Ark. Volunteers will share according to the number of beds in the villa and price varies according to the number sharing. Cooking facilities will be available, plus on-site taverna in summer months, and all bedding provided. Heating provided in winter. Swimming pool available in summer months. Long term volunteers will probably be put up in accommodation at the old veterinary clinic which is adjacent to the villa site. There are mini markets, tavernas, a petrol station and the beach all withing walking distance.
IMPORTANT: PLEASE NOTE
Bring old clothes as the work is messy. The work is tough, hot in summer, tiring and dirty, and unlike animal shelter work in Northern European countries. Do not under estimate the work that will be required of you. We do not need people to simply pet and walk the animals, we want people prepared to work very hard. Remember Noah's Ark is the ONLY sizeable animal welfare association in Crete and so these animals have no other chance. It may not be organized as we would like but with no official funding, just grants and donations, plus the constant threat of closure hanging over our heads, it's a case of doing what we can, how we can.
WE HOPE YOU DECIDE TO COME.
