Project Raja Volunteer Scheme
The Project Raja Volunteer Scheme offers you the experience of a lifetime. Come and join us at the Tree of Life for Animals’ Hospital and Shelter in Rajasthan, India.
Indian Visa
Please Note: There have been changes to the Visa Application process recently so it is important to check before applying for a visa and make sure you have plenty of time to get it arranged before your trip. For more information please visit the High Commission of India website
As of 29th May 2008
- Visa Application Forms should be completed online as hand-written forms will not be accepted.
- Select an Entry Visa.
- Once completed arrange an appointment to collect your Visa.
- Current processing time is minimum 2-3 working days from the date of submission at your chosen application centre (London, Birmingham or Edinburgh)
How to apply for your Indian Visa from home (UK)
Who We Are
We are an animal shelter working to improve the lives of animals (and humans) in the local area. Our aims are to create a Rabies free environment through sterilization and vaccination of the enormous stray dog population as well as providing rescue, medical and surgical care for any animal that comes our way. On a daily basis we treat cows, goats, dogs, cats, camels, donkeys, monkeys either at our hospital or on the streets. Our rescue vehicle also allows us to do call outs to emergencies as well as transporting animals back to the hospital and releasing them once they have fully recovered.
A common Rajasthani scene
Where We Are
INDIA
The Tree Of Life For Animals is based in the state of Rajasthan, famous for its palaces, forts and temples. The shelter is set in peaceful countryside surrounded by mountains and in between the towns of Ajmer and Pushkar.
India is a country of extremes. The colours, the sounds, the vibrancy, the exuberance and family-orientated society in stark contrast to the pollution, poverty and suffering make it a mind blowing experience and like nowhere else on this earth.
Ajmer A bustling city crammed with busy bazaars, traffic, pilgrims and animals. Thousands of pilgrims visit Ajmer every year, especially during the annual ‘Urs’ festival.
Pushkar Pushkar is in complete contrast to Ajmer. It is a calm and sleepy (and vegetarian) town which has over 500 temples. Pushkar is transformed during the full moon in October/November when thousands of people flock here for the annual Camel Fair.
Pushkar - one of India’s most spiritual places
Our Address in India
Our Address in India: Tree of Life for Animals Kharekhari Village Nr Foy Sagar Ajmer Rajasthan India Tel: 0091 9829 786362
Registered Charitable Trust No: 3397 23.10.06 (Ajmer)
Who Can Volunteer
We are always on the look-out for volunteers to help us at our busy shelter. Ideally we are in need of qualified Vets and Vet Nurses but we are also happy for veterinary students and volunteers who have experience working with animals too, as well as people with a bit of time, compassion and any other skills to contribute.
Volunteer Contribution
We are a charitable organisation, depending on donations to fund the running of the hospital. We ask our volunteers to raise a minimum amount of money prior to coming to our shelter. This money will cover your accommodation and lunch and all profits will go straight back to the hospital and will help cover our running costs such as medicines, the running of our rescue vehicle, staff wages and fresh food for the animals.
We do not expect anyone to pay this out of their own pocket so if you wish we can provide you with lots of suggestions on how to go about fundraising. We require a one-off £100 as a non-refundable deposit to confirm your booking, this will be deducted from the minimum amount required.
Your final payment is due 4 weeks before your start date at the hospital. A reminder will be emailed to you.
Minimum Donations
Off Peak Season: £300 per month (minus £100 one-off deposit)
Peak Season: £500 per month (minus £100 one-off deposit)
Peak season dates include: July - September, Easter (dates will vary each year between March/April - please email for more details.), Pushkar Camel Fair (dates will vary each year between Oct/Nov - please email for more details.).
Off-peak season dates include: January, February, May, June, December. Parts of March, April, October and November may be off-peak - please email for more details.
(NB: these price changes are not applicable for anyone in contact with us before 20th January 2008)
Check out our A to Z of Fundraising Ideas page for lots of tips on how to raise your contribution.
Current availabilities for 2008
We still have placements left for 2008. Please email us to find out what dates are still available at volunteers@tolfa.org.uk.
What You Need To Know
Vaccinations
Before coming to India you will need to go through a course of vaccinations. Here is a list of vaccinations that may be needed but please consult you doctor 2-3 months before you plan to travel.
- Rabies - a course of 3 vaccinations given at least 1 month before travel. An absolute MUST for all people coming to the shelter, as we do see cases regularly.
- Malaria Prophylaxis - recommended by your doctor or Travel Clinic (Usually a combination of tablets, repellant and mosquito net)
- Hepatitis A - as recommended by your doctor or Travel Clinic
- Hepatitis B and Diptheria - recommended for long term visitors
- Typhoid - as recommended by your doctor or Travel Clinic
- Tetanus - Should be up to date
- Polio - as recommended by your doctor or Travel Clinic
- Meningitis - as recommended by your doctor or Travel Clinic
- Encephalitis - as recommended by your doctor or Travel Clinic
Visa
You will need to apply for a visa before flying to India. When you have sent your CV and references and confirmed your dates with us, we will send you a signed letter stating you will be participating in voluntary work with us. Take this with you to the consulate when you apply for your visa and tell them that you will be engaging in volunteer work during your stay and they will issue you with an appropriate visa, called an ‘X’ visa.
NB: please note these visas are only valid from 6 months of the date of issue so don’t apply for them too early - make sure they cover you for the dates you are due to be in India.
A Visa from the UK can be applied for at the Consulate General of India in London, Birmingham and Edinburgh. Or you can visit High Commision Of India for more information.
Please Note: As of Summer 2007, The High Commission of India in London stopped issuing postal visas so we advise that you check with them directly for the best way to get an Indian Visa, if you cannot visit personally. They do have a list of travel agents who can obtain a visa for you for a small charge.
If you are outside the UK, please contact the India Consulate of your country for up-to-date information on entry requirements and fees.
Travel Insurance
Please ensure you have adequate travel and medical insurance for your trip (one that covers voluntary work with animals).
Flights
There are so many flights to India, so check out all possibilities for the one that suits you best. The closest main airport in India is New Delhi (Ajmer is about 8 hours drive from New Delhi airport. There are numerous options to get to Ajmer, either public or private bus, train or private taxi). The nearest local airport is in Jaipur (which is about 3 hours drive from Ajmer).
What’s Included
During your stay we will provide accommodation and lunch.
Dress Code
India is a very religious country and women MUST cover their shoulders and legs when they are working at the shelter so please bring some sleeved t-shirts and trousers.
Living Expenses
Food, drink and transport in India is very cheap. A meal on average costs just over £1.00, a taxi ride from Delhi airport to Ajmer (an 8 hour, 400km trip) costs about £50.
What to expect
It won’t be anything like working in a clinic at home, that is for sure. We don’t have all the equipment and mod cons of a western style clinic and often we have to make do with what we can. This means using your ingenuity and intuition a lot of the time.
Patience is a must…things go a lot slower in India and what might take hours in the UK, may take days in India. The more you try to go against it, the more stressed you will become about it. Making things even more slow is the obvious cultural and language barrier.
You will see things that make you cringe and break your heart. Some animals you will wonder how they are still managing to walk, they are in such a terrible condition. You won’t be able to solve ALL the problems, faced by ALL components involved but you will make a difference and an infinite number of animals lives will have been made better because of your presence at our shelter. All we ask is that you come with an open mind.
In preparation for your trip it is always good to read a guidebook such as the Lonely Planet or Rough Guide to give you an invaluable insight into the area that you will be visiting as well as giving you an idea about local customs.
More Information
If you would like to volunteer with us or would like more details please email us at volunteers@tolfa.org.uk or write to us at our UK address: Project Raja Volunteer Scheme, Tree of Life for Animals, 59 City Road, Norfolk, NR1 3AS, UK.
Belle and Sitaram preparing for surgery
Becka feeding an orphan puppy
