Where to Volunteer with Dogs

If you’re a dog lover, love traveling, and want to protect abandoned animals, then you will love volunteering with dogs abroad. There is a pool of great places where you can volunteer and help the lives of our canine friends. Whether you end up working with big-eared corgis or majestic Great Danes, you’ll find great places to volunteer with dogs.

When researching places abroad to help animals, wildlife conservation opportunities make the top of the list. But, did you know that there are many amazing places to volunteer with dogs? Read on to find out how to help domesticated animals like dogs find sanctuary.

6 best places to volunteer with dogs

Sit, stay, and learn about all the ways you can help dogs while seeing the world.

Many animal lovers interested in volunteering wonder where you can volunteer with dogs. Though this list is not extensive, it will help you find a few of the top places with opportunities to help dogs abroad. Whether you’re interested in volunteering at dog sanctuaries or looking for pre-vet clinical experiences, you have a variety of options to choose from:

1. Greece

We’ve all seen the breathtaking landscape of Greece, the whitewashed walls with sea blue roofs sitting along the Mediterranean Sea. Imagine waking up to a beautiful sunrise along the Greek coastline and eating your fill of gyros covered in tzatziki.

Our picture of Greece, however, often fails to capture the struggles of abandoned animals. With the strain to make ends meet, some owners can no longer take care of their pets. Many pets are left on the streets, abandoned and homeless. So if you’re looking for both a once-in-a-lifetime bucket list destination and an opportunity to make a meaningful impact, consider volunteering with dogs in Greece.

• Recommended program: Veterinary Internship in Greece

2. Spain

Immerse yourself in Spain’s gorgeous landscapes while making a difference for dogs in the country.

The land of paella and flamenco, Spain boasts sunny skies and friendly neighbors. Depending on which region you visit, you could travel to the top of lush green mountains, dusty horse country, or the coastline of the Mediterranean.

When it comes to animal rescue, Spain is an ideal destination to volunteer. Instead of simply enjoying another castillo, give back in a meaningful way while you explore one of Europe’s most exciting countries. Provide a safe haven for dogs when you volunteer in Spain.

• Recommended program: Animal Welfare Volunteering in Tenerife, Spain

3. Croatia

With a semi-finalist World Cup team in 2018, Croatia is an underrated European country. Croatia’s coastline rivals the Italian coastline with its breathtaking clear blue water and seaside villas. The best part is that you won’t break the bank exploring it.

When it comes to animal rescue, Croatia is the ideal place to make a large impact. The country is in need of volunteers who can give their time and talents to helping abandoned dogs. You’ll be involved in routine daily care like brushing and bathing while also having the opportunity to meet fellow animal welfare activists from around the globe.

• Recommended program: Animal Care in Split

4. Tanzania

Tanzania may be known for its wildlife, but it’s also one of the best places to volunteer with dogs!

An African country known for Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania boasts an exotic and unique landscape. Animal and nature lovers will not have a dull moment exploring the many wildlife refuges and national parks.

Tanzania is no newbie to animal rescue. However, many are not aware that volunteer efforts in Tanzania do not stop at wildlife conservation but include helping domestic animals as well. Whether you’re interested in saving cats or providing shelter to street dogs, Tanzania has opportunities for you.

• Recommended program: Affordable Volunteering in Tanzania

5. Italy

Land of la dolce vita, the sweet life, Italy is romanticized as the country of romance, pizza, and Renaissance art. Whether you are an art lover or enjoy a delicious plate of pasta, Italy will not disappoint. The rolling hills in the countryside and the breathtaking architecture will leave you wanting more.

Italy, however, also offers great opportunities for volunteering with dogs, especially if you are looking for pre-veterinary experience. Explore programs designed to enhance your hands-on expertise when you volunteer in Italy’s top animal rescues. On top of that, you’ll be immersed in Italy’s rich culture while working toward your career goals.

• Recommended program: Experience Veterinary Medicine in Italy’s Top Rescues

6. Peru

You’ll find opportunities to volunteer with dogs in Peru.

Home of the famous Machu Picchu, Peru attracts tourists and travelers from every corner of the globe. Explore the Andes Mountains and visit alpaca farms while immersed in Peru’s local culture. The country’s locals will win you over with their friendly smiles and hospitality.

Plenty of volunteer opportunities are available in Peru, whether that be working in an orphanage or protecting wildlife. Naturally, there is plenty of work to be done in the animal rescue field. If you’re looking for where to volunteer with dogs in a place that needs it, know that you’ll make a meaningful impact in Peru.

• Recommended program: Volunteer Opportunities in Peru- Teaching, Dog Care, Medical

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4 ways to volunteer with dogs

Ready to volunteer with dogs? Here’s how—and where—to do it.

Now that we’ve listed the best places to volunteer with dogs abroad, here are a few recommended programs to check out. Whether you are looking for pre-veterinary programs or more general volunteering experiences, there are options for you:

1. Sri Lanka - Dog Care and Veterinary Assistance

• Why? Imagine spending your time petting puppies all day! That’s what you get if you volunteer in this dog rescue program. Live and work in a beautiful and artsy seaside city. There’s no better place to get a beach vacation with cultural immersion and volunteer with dogs. If you decide to join the pre-veterinary program, you’ll have the chance to assist in the on-site clinic. It’s the perfect hands-on experience for your future career.
• Where? Sri Lanka
• Read GoEco reviews

2. Dog Shelter - Volunteer in Peru and Learn Spanish!

• Why? Are you interested in learning Spanish while volunteering with dogs? Then this dog shelter in Peru is the place for you! Hit two birds with one stone as you learn a new language and rescue abandoned dogs. The population of street dogs is growing larger than ever, becoming not just an annoyance but also a threat to the local community. By volunteering in a dog shelter in Peru, you’ll help fight the street dog crisis by providing proper hygiene and teaching about animal rights.
• Where? Peru
• Read Peru Volunteer reviews

3. Animal Shelter and Dog Day Care Internships

• Why? Add veterinary experience to your resume with a dog shelter internship with the Institute for Global Studies. Whether you go to Hawaii, Boston, Auckland, Sydney, or other places around the world, you can volunteer to help abandoned and neglected dogs. Not only does the program provide dogs with needed TLC, but it helps get them the proper immunizations to integrate them into society.
• Where? Multiple countries
• Read Institute for Global Studies reviews

4. Animal Shelter in Ireland - Work with Horses, Donkeys & Dogs

• Why? Despite Ireland being a pet-loving nation, there is a rising street dog crisis wreaking havoc. As a dog rescue volunteer, you’ll be grooming and feeding dogs, providing medical attention, and helping place pets in new homes. Imagine exploring the lively streets of Dublin while doing your part in healing these forgotten and abandoned animals. When you volunteer at a dog sanctuary in Ireland, you will help relieve the street dog issue and give abandoned dogs the attention and love they deserve.
• Where? Ireland
• Read World Unite! Reviews

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Follow your passion for rescuing and helping dogs!

If you’re a dog lover and can’t wait to hop on the next flight, volunteering for dog rescues may be for you. Clean their wounds, nurse them back to health, and most importantly, give love when you volunteer with dogs abroad. It will be an experience you will never forget. Becoming a dog sanctuary volunteer will transform your life! What are you waiting for?

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