VOLUNTEER WITH US
Ways to Volunteer at the Shelter
Our shelter relies heavily on volunteers to help with the daily care and wellbeing of the dogs. Volunteers play a vital role in improving their quality of life, providing enrichment, exercise, and human contact in an otherwise stressful environment.
Below are some of the main ways you can volunteer with us.
Dog Walking
Many of the dogs at the shelter live in small cages, and sadly some of them may not get out for walks for weeks at a time. Dog walkers are always urgently needed, especially during weekdays.
Dog walking times:
Regular months:
- Weekdays: 9:30–13:00 (last walk starts at 13:00), 16:00–17:15 (last walk starts at 17:15)
- Weekends: 9:30–13:00 (last walk starts at 13:00)
Hot summer months:
- Weekdays: 9:30–12:00 (last walk starts at 12:00), 16:00–17:15 (last walk starts at 17:15)
- Weekends: 9:30–12:00 (last walk starts at 12:00)
These times ensure that all dogs and volunteers are back before the shelter closes.
Please note: children are very welcome to join an adult, but they are not allowed to hold the lead or walk dogs themselves.
Maintenance and Handyman Tasks
Our shelter is an older facility, and we always need volunteers who can help with small maintenance jobs and repairs, as well as assembling equipment such as dog kennels when we receive donations. This could include fixing cages, repairing doors, or other minor tasks that keep the dogs safe and comfortable.
Picking Up Donations
We are often grateful for volunteers who can help collect larger donations from stores or supporters, such as dog food or bigger items like a washing machine. This task requires a larger vehicle and helps ensure that important donations reach the shelter safely.
General Transport or Helping with Vet Visits
Some dogs need to be taken to external veterinary clinics for appointments. We are always grateful for volunteers who can help with transport.
If you have a car and are available on weekday mornings, and would like to help occasionally by taking a dog to the vet, this would be a huge help to the team and the dogs.
Information Stalls
From time to time, we run information stalls — for example at pet shops in Palmones — to raise awareness about the shelter and our dogs.
We need volunteers to help staff these stalls, talk to people, and share information about adoption and volunteering.
Organising Fundraising Events
Fundraising is essential for the running of the shelter, and we warmly welcome volunteers who would like to help organise fundraising events or activities.
This could include anything from small local events to larger initiatives — every effort makes a difference and helps support the dogs in our care.
Helping at Our Charity Shop
We also run a charity shop, located in El Puerto de La Duquesa, where volunteer help is always appreciated.
Volunteers assist with tasks such as sorting donations, organising the shop, and helping customers. This is another great way to support the shelter, even if you’re not able to work directly with the dogs.
Helping With Administration
We also need volunteers to help with administration tasks, which can be done from home. This could include things like updating databases, responding to emails, or assisting with paperwork.
This role is ideal for someone reliable and committed, who can be counted on to complete tasks regularly. While it doesn’t need to be done every day, consistency is important so that the shelter runs smoothly.
Even if you can only offer a few hours a week, your help makes a big difference to the dogs and the team!
How to Get in Touch
If you’d like to volunteer, please use the contact button below and let us know how you can help. We’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
Volunteer Q&A
Do I need experience to volunteer?
No previous experience is required. However, confidence around dogs is important, as many of our dogs have had little training and may pull on the lead.
How often do I need to volunteer? Is there a specific schedule?
We strongly prefer dog walkers who can volunteer on a regular basis. This allows volunteers to get to know the dogs and makes walks safer and more enjoyable for everyone. There is no fixed schedule, but consistency is very important.
Can children volunteer?
Children are welcome to accompany an adult, but they are not allowed to walk dogs or hold the lead. They may walk alongside an adult who is handling the dog.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes — if it is your first time volunteering, please contact us using the form below before coming to the shelter. This allows us to know when to expect you, what kind of help you would like to offer, and to send you any important information before your visit. Returning volunteers do not usually need to book in advance.
Can I walk any dog I choose?
No. Dogs are assigned by our team based on their size, strength, and individual needs, to ensure everyone’s safety.
Can I bring my own dog with me?
No, unfortunately personal dogs are not allowed to come along on dog walks.
How quickly will you reply to my message?
We will get back to you as soon as possible. Please remember that we are all volunteers, so responses may take a little time.
Can I help organise a fundraising event even if I can’t come to the shelter?
Yes! Fundraising can be done from home or in the local community. We welcome volunteers who want to help with ideas, promotion, or event organisation.
What kind of tasks can I do at the charity shop?
Volunteers can help sort donations, organize stock, assist customers, and maintain the shop. No prior experience is needed — just enthusiasm and a willingness to help.
I’ve volunteered before — do I need to do an induction again?
If you’ve been volunteering recently, you usually don’t need a full induction. However, if it’s been a while or your role has changed, we may provide a brief update so you know our current procedures.
Can I volunteer for more than one activity?
Absolutely! Many volunteers help in multiple areas, such as dog walking, fundraising, the shop, maintenance, admin work, or picking up donations. We’ll work with you to schedule times that suit you.
Are there any age restrictions?
Children and teenagers are welcome with an adult, but only adults can walk dogs or handle more physically demanding tasks. Most other roles, such as fundraising, shop volunteering, admin, or donation collection, are open to all ages with supervision if needed.
What does admin volunteering involve?
Admin tasks can include updating databases, responding to emails, assisting with paperwork, or other organisational support. This work can be done from home and is essential to keeping the shelter running smoothly.
Do I need to be committed for admin work?
Yes. This role is ideal for volunteers who are reliable and consistent. While it doesn’t need to be done every day, completing tasks regularly is important so that the team and dogs can benefit fully.
WHY YOUR SUPPORT MATTERS
-
We are finding homes for more than 700 dogs each year
-
94% successfully adopted in the first year
-
Thousands of dog lives transformed through your generosity
