Thank you to our partners whose support makes our work possible
The Shelter – Your new home away from home
Our shelter has two main areas: the Cattery and the Kennels. Each is managed by a dedicated team of local and international volunteers, all working together to care for our cats and dogs. Plus, our amazing foster carers help with animals when space is tight.
Shifts
Morning: 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM
Afternoon: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
These hours may vary depending on the number of animals.
Language
English is the main language here, and you’ll need to understand and communicate in it well.
Location
We’re on the South East coast of Spain, about 100 km north of AlmerÃa and 200 km south of Alicante. The shelter is quiet and a bit remote, so keep that in mind!
Own transport
If you are coming with your own transport, you can park your vehicle at the shelter.
Getting here
You have several airport options:
- Murcia Airport: Take a bus to Cartagena and transfer to Vera (4.5 hours, ~10€). We’ll pick you up from Vera.
- Alicante Airport: Bus to Murcia, then to Vera (~15€). We can pick you up from Vera.
- AlmerÃa Airport: Closer to the shelter! We can pick you up for 25€ or you can take a private shuttle (~18€).
The weather
The weather, while usually mild in winters, can be unpredictable with cold nights and heavy rain. Summers months are hot. For more information and annual temperatures and precipitation, have a look at the Meteoblue website.
Physical address
PAWS PATAS
Partido del Marguizo s/n Rambla de los Hornicos A-370,
04280 Los Gallardos,
AlmerÃa,
Spain
Postal address
PAWS PATAS
< < your name >>
Apartado 627,
04638 Mojácar Playa,
AlmerÃa,
Spain
Where You’ll Stay
You’ll share cosy mobile homes or small apartments with other volunteers. Each place has a kitchen and a refrigerator.
- Casa Azul & Casa Verde – Mobile homes with shared bathrooms.
- Casa Ariana – A caravan with its own kitchen.
- Casita Jungle – A small studio with a separate bathroom.
- Casa Pablo – A bigger studio for long-term full-time volunteers.
- Casa Naranja – ?????????????????????????????.
- Casa Amarillo – ??????????????.
Bedding & towels are provided, so no need to bring them!
Arrival
We recommend arriving between 8:30 AM – 7:00 PM so a manager can welcome you!
If that is not possible, please contact us well in advance using the form below. If we are picking you up from the airport or bus station, we will make sure that you can do some grocery shopping either on the way to the shelter or after you have arrived. Lots of fun with other international interns and volunteers!
Cost
- Volunteers: 20€ per week
- Interns: 30€ per week (with an internship agreement)
- Cleaning fee: 50€
- You cover your own flights & groceries.
All fees must be paid in advance through the payment portal in the Donate section of the menu above. No refunds if you leave early.
Advice
We recommend that you get a tetanus shot prior to your arrival
The shelter is not connected to drinkable tap water. Drinking water is delivered to us periodically. Although we make every effort, we do sometimes run out of water for a while. You can buy cheap bottled water at the supermarket. It’s a good idea to have a few extra bottles just in case.
We train everyone who comes to work with us. During your first shifts in a new section, you will always be working alongside an experienced volunteer. This allows you to really get to know the shelter, all of the departments as well as our dogs. There is definitely room for your personal input, but we do expect you to follow our protocol, working hours and schedules.
We work a morning shift (9 a.m.-1:30 p.m.) and an afternoon shift (3 p.m.-6 p.m.). These times may change depending on the number of dogs staying at the shelter.
What you’ll do
Your days will be filled with meaningful hands-on work with our rescue animals! Tasks include:
- Cleaning kennels and play areas
- Feeding and giving fresh water
- Administering medicine
- Walking, training & socializing dogs
- Helping with shelter maintenance
If you love cats, you might get the chance to do shifts in the Cattery too!
What to bring
- Comfy clothes (you will get dirty)
- Sturdy, waterproof shoes or crocs in summer (flip-flops are a no-go)
- Earplugs (dogs can be noisy at night)
- International health insurance
- High SPF sunscreen (the sun is strong here)
- Rain gear (if visiting between October–May)
Time off
You’ll get four half-day shifts off per week, sometimes as full days. While the shelter is remote, there are plenty of fun things to do!
- Bike to nearby villages
- Relax at the beach (taxi ~16€)
- Visit markets and explore local culture
If our local volunteers have time, they may take you on trips – just ask in advance!
If you have any further question, please
