Simabo

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rating

4.9

Outstanding


45

Reviews


16

Years in business

SIMABO protects, rescues, assists, and spays/neuters dogs and cats in Sao Vicente, Cape Verde

SI MA BO in Creole means “like you”. 

We are an association for the protection of animals and the environment based in Sao Vicente, Cape Verde, West Africa. Cape Verde has been a Portuguese colony until 1975 and has still a very "European vibe". No vaccinations are required or recommended.The ...

Review Description


SI MA BO in Creole means “like you”. 

We are an association for the protection of animals and the environment based in Sao Vicente, Cape Verde, West Africa. Cape Verde has been a Portuguese colony until 1975 and has still a very "European vibe". No vaccinations are required or recommended.The local population is peaceful and more interested in parties and music than in politics or world finance. Mindelo is famous for its music and dancing nights and for being the birth place of Cesaria Evora, the most famous Capeverdean singer. 

SIMABO is a registered charity both in Cape Verde and in Italy. Article 3 of our Bylaws states out mission as following: "The purpose of the Association is to improve the living conditions of the population of the islands of Cape Verde.  In particular, by reducing the risk of transmission of parasitic diseases by cutting down the number of stray animals through spaying/neutering campaigns, also by involving the population in  activities of prophylactic antiparasitic care and by treating animals carrying diseases. The Association also aims at raising funds to be used for carrying out its activities in the Cape Verde islands."

Our work with animals - including running a shelter with 110 dogs, a cattery with 18 cats, a 7/12 clinic, and ambulant castration campaigns - is partially financed by the Simabo's Backpackers' Hostel, a hostel for responsible tourists, which in the meantime has become the most famous tourist facility on the island. 
We have treated and microchipped more than 12,000 animals so far and we are planning to expand the spaying/neutering campaigns to neighboring islands as well. 

SIMABO Cape Verde is managed by a board of 11 directors (1 Italian, 1 Brazilian, 1 Russian and 8 Cape-Verdeans) and employs 12 local workers: 1 veterinarian, 1 nurse, 1 receptionist, 1 driver, 4 dog carers, 3 cleaning staff, 1 night watch + 1 administrator from abroad (Portugal), and relies on the help of 2 full-time volunteers + an average of part-time 10 volunteers on the field and abroad.

The help we need varies depending on your skills. We expect someone who is a self-starter and can work independently with a very high degree of motivation. The focus must be to help the project, with the necessary amount of rest and freetime, to recover from the hard work and to visit the island of Sao Vicente and the neighboring island of Santo Antao, which can be done easily in the free time provided but the working schedule.

Volunteering with SIMABO offers the opportunity to make a great experience abroad in a protected environment, where volunteers can meet other volunteers or hostel guests from all over the world. The relationship with the animals can be extremely rewarding form the emotional point of view, being Capeverdean dogs very tame and social. Volunteers are completely immersed in the local environment, working with local staff and being required to shop and cook their own food. For volunteers that don't want to cook by themselves a wide choice of different options is available to eat at local restaurants and bars for a little price.  

Confirmed volunteers will receive a link to our portal with all the information required for their travel, their stay and the work with us in the different areas: Dog shelter, Cat shelter, Clinic, Hostel, Communication and Fundraising, Education, Maintenance. Feel free to choose the area the best suites you to make the difference for the animals on this beautiful island! 


Contact Person

Silvia Punzo

Spoken languages: German, English, Italian, Portuguese
  Very high response rate

Simabo reviews

Christine Salomon ép. Gavet rating5.0

2024 at Veterinary Doctor

i always wanted to do veterinary volunteering and I was finally able to carry out this project ay Simabo where I spent 5 weeks. I felt really useful by sterilizing and caring for street animals or those belonging to people in need. the local staff are committed and helpful, the volunteers come ...
Andréa Rodrigues rating5.0

2024 at Videomaker/Photographer/Graphic designer/

To start with, it's been a really incredible experience, everyone is super nice and welcoming, you never feel alone. To talk more specifically about the communication work, it's really important. Simabo really needs visibility because their work is really important and you'll see that they really ...
Julia Ottiger rating5.0

2024 at Animal Supporter

I had a really good time at Simabo. I went to the shelter almost every day and walked the dogs. The dogs are super friendly and are really happy when they see you and know that it's time for a walk, cuddle or play. The cats at the hostel are also lovely and love it when you play with them or give ...
R Long rating5.0

2023 at Veterinary Doctor

Wonderful, challenging and rewarding work as a veterinary surgeon. Plenty of opportunity provided to explore the area around Sao Vincent Island and neighboring Sant Antao ...
Elena Berbece rating5.0

2023 at Veterinary Doctor

If you are a vet at the beggining of your career, it's the right place to learn. If you're a vet with years of experience it's the best place to feel useful and to feed your soul. There is no bad time to volunteer at Simabo. Still... it s not for anyone. If you cant leave the comfort zone, maybe ...
Annapaola Vecchiato rating5.0

2023 at Veterinary nurse

I spent two amazing weeks in Mindelo, volunteering at Si Ma Bo clinic. My too-short adventure was so rewarding from many points of view! Helping animals in need made me feel as I was making something really useful and good in this world, while spending time with the people from the island let me ...

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UN Sustainable Development Goals

  • Good Health And Well-Being
  • Decent Work And Economic Growth
  • Life On Land