Tree Of Life For Animals

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 23rd November 2010

• 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)

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

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.

We ask your final payment to be paid to the hospital manager in India on your arrival.

Minimum Donations
We require a minimum donation of £575 per month (minus your £100 one-off deposit)

Check out our A to Z of Fundraising Ideas page for lots of tips on how to raise your contribution.

Current availabilities for 2012

We still have available places for 2012. Please email your date preferences to volunteers@tolfa.org.uk to find out if we have any spaces.

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 the 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).

Taxi Prices

If you require a taxi pick up from Delhi to your accommodation, we can arrange this for you with or without air conditioning (AC). The approximate cost in £(GBP) is calculated at £1 being equivalent to 73INR.

• Delhi to Pushkar (non AC) - 4000 Indian Rupees (INR) (approx £55)
• Delhi to Pushkar (AC) - 4500 Rs (approx £63)
• Delhi to Pushkar 4+ people (non AC) - 7000 Rs (approx £97)
• Delhi to Pushkar 4+ people (AC) - 7500 Rs (approx £105)
• Jaipur to Pushkar (non AC) - 1500 Rs (approx £21)
• Jaipur to Pushkar (AC) 1700 Rs (approx £24)
• Ajmer to Pushkar 250 Rs (approx £3.50)

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 £55 (or £65 if your vehicle is air conditioned).

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.



Belle and Sitaram preparing for surgery



Becka feeding an orphan puppy