• Life On Land

Tracking & Rescue Dog Trainer

location
2 - 24 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
rating  Excellent 4.8  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Very high response rate
Volunteer project with the highest quality. This project sets unprecedented standards in quality - an unparalleled level of excellence.

Highlights

  • Learning the theory of tracking and canine behaviour and psychology.
  • Learning canine first aid to care for injured or distressed dogs during rescue missions.
  • Preparing dogs for search and rescue operations, including locating missing persons.
  • Running scent detection training in different environments with various materials.
  • Conducting tracking and snare sweeps in various terrains.

Especially good for

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
50+

About the program

Help dogs from overcrowded shelters find a new purpose by providing basic training and care.

Training dogs for conservation
On this rescue dogs for wildlife conservation program, you’ll be active and on your feet most days working with rescue dogs of all kinds. This is a physically demanding and highly rewarding program – what animal lover doesn’t want to be surrounded by furry friends ...

About the program

Training dogs for conservation
On this rescue dogs for wildlife conservation program, you’ll be active and on your feet most days working with rescue dogs of all kinds. This is a physically demanding and highly rewarding program – what animal lover doesn’t want to be surrounded by furry friends every day while contributing to real, meaningful conservation work! 

Program activities include caring for rescue dogs and assisting handlers with their training protocol. Anti-poaching, tracking and detection work require highly technical training skills, and your role will be to assist the experts with their training. Taking care of the dogs is equally important and requires your special contribution.

Why rescue dogs?
Conservation canines (such as scent-detection dogs, anti-poaching dogs and tracking dogs) are integral to wildlife conservation for their exceptional detection abilities, including their keen sense of smell and hearing. Within wildlife reserves, they are used to track and locate wildlife, follow the trails of poachers, and detect illegal wildlife products like ivory or pangolin scales. Their presence also helps reduce human-wildlife conflicts and promotes peaceful coexistence. 

By employing dogs in conservation efforts, organizations enhance efficiency in wildlife monitoring, law enforcement against poaching, and community engagement in conservation initiatives. 

Highly trained detection dogs are often expensive, which can be challenging for many protected areas. By selecting dogs from Zimbabwe’s rescue shelters based on specific criteria, we provide them with important roles in wildlife conservation. This approach helps manage shelter overpopulation while giving these dogs new and rewarding opportunities.

Typical day

  • 6:00AM: Wake up and make breakfast as a team.
  • 6:30 AM Project work: Conduct search & rescue, scent or medical training sessions with the dogs or complete tracking and snare sweeps.
  • 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM: Break for lunch and escape the midday heat.
  • 3:00- 4:30 PM: Complete admin and theory sessions.
  • 4:30 PM ...

Typical day

  • 6:00AM: Wake up and make breakfast as a team.
  • 6:30 AM Project work: Conduct search & rescue, scent or medical training sessions with the dogs or complete tracking and snare sweeps.
  • 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM: Break for lunch and escape the midday heat.
  • 3:00- 4:30 PM: Complete admin and theory sessions.
  • 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM: Project work: Continue with training or tracking and snare sweeps if it's not too hot. You'll also assist with cleaning the facilities, washing the dogs and feeding them.
  • 6:30 PM Freshen up and start preparing dinner as a team.
  • 7:00 PM: Dinner is typically served, leaving the rest of the evening free for you to relax or enjoy social activities.

Free-time activities

The accommodation is located 15 minutes from Victoria Falls town. There are many activities to do at the falls, including national park game drives, sunset river cruises and game cruises, Devils Pool, bungee jumping, gorge swings, and many restaurants offering a variety of dining options from fine ...

Free-time activities

The accommodation is located 15 minutes from Victoria Falls town. There are many activities to do at the falls, including national park game drives, sunset river cruises and game cruises, Devils Pool, bungee jumping, gorge swings, and many restaurants offering a variety of dining options from fine dining to local cuisine. Whether you are interested in wildlife, adrenaline activities, or a quiet weekend at the spa or pool, there is something for everyone. The local team can provide recommendations of reputable activity and transfer providers and can assist with making arrangements. If you plan to stay out later over weekends, you will need to book accommodation in town for the night.

Requirements

Requirements

Minimum Age: 18 years

In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

Language Skills

You need to speak English (basic level)

Education Requirements

at High School level

Criminal Background Check

required

Nationality Restrictions

No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

Time Commitment

Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 06:00 - 19:00

What's Included

What's Included

Services by GVI

Project Work: Canine care, tracking and training with our rescue dogs to contribute to wildlife conservation.
Accommodation: Shared accommodation in tents with bunk beds sleeping four people each in the village homestead.
Meals: Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Airport Transfer: You'll get collected from Victoria Falls International Airport (VFA).
Comprehensive pre-departure support: Includes a dedicated support coordinator to answer your questions, an Essential Info Pack, and a webinar to learn more about your program.
Comprehensive in-country support: Includes a welcome orientation, including safety, culture and environmental info. A Program Manager is there to support you.
Mental health support: Receive support services provided by licensed professionals.
Local Transport: Transport to and from project work.

Airport Pickup at Victoria Falls Airport

You'll get collected from Victoria Falls International Airport (VFA).

Accommodation

Participants will stay in a solar-powered camp that reflects Zimbabwean cultural traditions, including communal spaces and shared responsibilities among participants. Accommodation is in tents, typically split by gender, with each tent housing up to four participants in bunk beds. Shared facilities include two toilets and two showers, while an adjacent outdoor kitchen and dining area under a gazebo provides a communal space for cooking and meals. 

The area is landscaped with trees for shade and an open space where dogs roam freely. An above-ground pool offers a welcome retreat in the hotter months. Wi-Fi is available at the accommodation, and purchasing a local SIM card is recommended for phone calls and internet access with top-up credit. Hand washing soap and buckets are provided, with an option for laundry services at an additional charge.

For those seeking more privacy, an upgrade to a private room at a nearby lodge, just a 5–10 minute walk away, is available for an additional cost.

Food & Beverages

Meals Include;
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Dietary Requirements can be accommodated

Internet Access

Limited access at the project site

What's NOT included?

What's NOT included?

Flight Tickets

The nearest airport is Victoria Falls Airport (VFA) in Victoria Falls. We assist you to find cheap flights to Zimbabwe. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

Travel Insurance

Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Zimbabwe provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

Vaccines

If you are intending to volunteer in Zimbabwe you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Zimbabwe. VACCINE CHECKER

Details on arrival

2025 dates:

  • 06 Jan 2025
  • 20 Jan 2025
  • 03 Feb 2025
  • 17 Feb 2025
  • 03 Mar 2025
  • 17 Mar 2025
  • 31 Mar 2025
  • 14 Apr 2025
  • 28 Apr 2025
  • 12 May 2025
  • 26 May 2025
  • 09 Jun 2025
  • 23 Jun 2025
  • 07 Jul 2025
  • 21 Jul 2025
  • 04 Aug 2025
  • 18 Aug 2025
  • 01 Sep 2025
  • 15 Sep 2025
  • 29 Sep 2025
  • 13 Oct 2025
  • 27 Oct 2025
  • 10 Nov 2025
  • 24 Nov 2025
  • 08 Dec 2025
  • 22 Dec 2025

Availability
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Program fees

2 weeks (min. stay) 1,975€
4 weeks 2,795€
6 weeks 3,745€
8 weeks 4,595€
10 weeks 5,745€
12 weeks 6,895€
14 weeks 8,045€
16 weeks 9,195€
18 weeks 10,345€
20 weeks 11,445€
22 weeks 12,645€
24 weeks (max. stay) 13,795€
Average fees 781€/week

Program fees

781€ per week 2 - 24 weeks Age 18 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES

Duration

2 - 24 weeks

Deposit

The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.

Final Payment

Your final payment will be agreed with GVI during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.

Meet your organization

GVI

Excellent 4.8 rating (221 reviews)

Agency - founded in 1998

Verified by Volunteer World

  Very high response rate

Coordinated by

Bianca

Spoken languages: English

About the project

GVI tackles critical local and global issues by operating award-winning education and training programs on sustainable development projects around the world.

Meet your organization

Founded in 1998, GVI runs programs in 21 locations, in 13 countries around the world, each manned by our own staff and aligned to the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals or UN SDGs as well as the objectives of local partners. We welcome participants from all around the world and help facilitate their development into global citizens. This is how we achieve our mission of building a global network of people united by their passion to make a difference.


We are truly a global family brought together by our dedication to long-term positive impact. At the root of our success is our commitment to investing in authentic, meaningful connections with one another, which is why mutual respect and trust are central to our operations. Although we respond with empathy to difficult situations, we believe that most circumstances can benefit from taking a light-hearted approach. By sharing stories of local achievement with our teams worldwide we build the momentum to catapult us toward our vision for the future.

221 reviews · rating4.8

I had the opportunity to do the virtual marine conservation internship with GVI, it was super good for my work experience and academic training as I learned a lot from the courses and I was able to explore my skills in data analysis which I had not explored so far, I highly recommend this internship ...
Pam Parkes rating5

2024 at Women's Empowerment Internship

I really enjoyed my recent trip to Siem Reap. The accommodation was very good, I upgraded to a single room with aircon and en-suite and had a fabulous room overlooking the pool. Food was excellent with plenty of choice, both in the guest house and local restaurants where we ate in the evenings ...
Olivia Babbage rating5

2024 at Teach English to locals

3 month English Teaching internship in Madagascar The most incredible time of my life. I feel so lucky to have experienced all that is Nosy Be, Madagascar. I chose GVI because they are so impact driven, and during my time in Madagascar that was the evident. Being able to immerse myself into such ...
Mary Christensen rating5

2024 at Community Development Internship

GVI is a passionate organization that works diligently to promote life long learners and explorers. As an intern with GVI, I was able to explore the culture of my country of choice, serve a purpose greater than myself, and meet friends all around the world. I highly recommend this program to anyone ...
GVI was one of the best experiences of my life, i was a participant on the U18 costa rica trip! This program allowed me to interact with new people and make lifelong friendships, but also i was able to experience a new culture and be up close to a wide range of wildlife. If you are reading this and ...
Tashanna Reid rating5

2024 at Marine Ecosystem Internship

I did the U18s Tenerife volunteering which was such a great experience and I will definitely do it again! It was lovely meeting new people and making friends and the staff are very welcoming and fun. It had the perfect mix of relaxing and having fun while also doing the work required and exploring ...

Location

Africa > Eastern Africa > Zimbabwe > Victoria Falls

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Contact Bianca
  Very high response rate
English

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