About the Project

Ángeles de Cuatro Patas is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for children and youth with physical, intellectual, and emotional disabilities through specialized animal-assisted therapy. Utilizing hippotherapy and canine-assisted therapy, the center focuses on promoting physical development, motor skills, emotional regulation, social connection, and confidence building. Each week, from Monday to Saturday, 15 to 20 individuals receive personalized therapeutic sessions that include guided hippotherapy, horse care routines, interactive games to stimulate motor skills, support for emotional development, and equine riding classes. Participants also engage in light facility maintenance involving the center’s 16 horses, 2 donkeys, and 27 therapy dogs in calm and safe ways.

Location

The project is uniquely located within a green area inside the city of Quito, near Parque Metropolitano Guangüiltagua. While still in the city, it offers a quiet, nature-based environment.

Accommodation

The living and working space are within the same location, creating a deeply immersive experience with the animals and the therapeutic routines. Volunteers live in a shared apartment with shared kitchen, bathroom, and living room. There are two bedrooms, access to laundry facilities like washer and dryer, and meals that may be organized by the coordinator or jointly prepared. The place has safe access to nearby transportation (taxis, buses, or Uber for later hours) and a short distance from public transport.

Volunteer Tasks

The workday starts at 8:00 a.m. and ends around 5:00 p.m.  Volunteers are integrated gradually into the daily activities. A training process during the first week will introduce them to:

• Horse handling routines, including safety, grooming, and releasing to pastures.
• Supporting therapy sessions, helping the instructor in activities with the children and youth.
• Assisting in field activities and play-based learning during the therapy.
• Helping with light cleaning of stables and facilities.
• Participating in basic household routines, meals, and coordination with staff.
• Learning how to guide and support emotional and physical therapy through animals.

Volunteer Requirements

Volunteers should be 18 years or older, feel comfortable around animals, especially dogs and horses, and be open to work with people with disabilities and in outdoor settings. They  should show patience, emotional sensitivity, and flexibility around the activities that need to be done. It is preferable to have a basic Spanish level to communicate with the team and families.

Child Protection

Please note that you will be required to sign ICYE’s policy Care to Engage on Safeguarding Children.