Volunteering to help animals in Spain

If you have some time on your hands, even just a little, we look at some ways in which you can provide very-much needed assistance. From dog-walking to cat-feeding – you can bring some relief to an animal somewhere.

If you have some time to spare, then volunteering to help abandoned or mistreated animals is a good option. Many animal lovers in Spain recognise the need for people to help out at those places where these animals are cared for. Here we talk about what these centres do and how you might be able to help.

Albergue Municipal de Animales

Every town and city will have its own animal shelter or ‘albergue’. This is the official site where animals that have been abandoned and mistreated are taken in the hope they will later find someone to adopt them. Unfortunately, the number of animals that need to be temporarily homed in these shelters means that often only rudimentary care can be offered. Volunteers who can help walk the dogs or assist with routine tasks such as cleaning and feeding are very much appreciated.

To find out how you can help, local town albergues may have a Facebook page where you can see the work they are doing and access further information including news about lost and abandoned animals. You can also find out more about how to contact the Albergue through the town hall website. You may see the location of the Albergue yourself from signposts. Be aware that most have specific opening times when they welcome the public and you should check these first.

Of course, it is also very much appreciated if you can home one of the animals yourself!  However, do make sure first that you are really in a position to take on an animal long term.

Rescue centres

Alongside the official ‘albergue’ you will also find ‘rescue centres’ in various locations in Spain. These are run by people of many different nationalities and can be on large estates or providing a much smaller ‘sanctuary’. They usually specialise in one or two particular animals and locally a horse rescue centre has offered many animals a chance of escape from a cruel life.

Some of these animals arrive at these centres, as a result of their owners no longer being able to take care of them. This might be because they are returning to their home countries and don’t have facilities there to accommodate them or their owners have died. Some, sadly, have been picked up from the streets or have been victims of abuse or neglect. Whatever the reason, the centres generally aim to take care of the animal for just a short space of time and then move them on for adoption.

Rescue centres require financial support and often money for them is collected locally or through an outlet, such as a charity shop. They may organise events themselves such as barbecues, fun runs or musical evenings. All of these options require the help of volunteers if as much money as possible can be collected to support the animals who need it.

Volunteers are also needed to help look after the animals. This might include walking dogs, mucking out and grooming horses or providing more practical assistance through building or mending runs and other resources needed for animal care. Volunteering does not have to be physically demanding. Dogs who have been abandoned or maltreated may just need attention, someone to sit with them to reassure them and help recover their spirit. The centre may also need a driver who can help take animals to the local vets, collect and deliver supplies etc.

For one example of a rescue centre and how you can help them, visit the website of Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre:

SAT animal rescue also have charity shops in the Alicante region and a kennels where they place rescued dogs until they are found a home:

Cat colonies

The issue of stray cats is a difficult one and Spain’s 2023 animal welfare law introduced a requirement that town halls are responsible for their medical care and for controlling the population.

In an effort to curb the growth of colonies, towns such as Torrevieja, have adopted a management approach which involves sterilizing the cats and managing their feeding. Volunteers often assist in this programme and, if this is something that interests you, you can approach animal-welfare organisations, such as SAT, for information about how you might help to take part in the programme. Voluntarily taking it upon yourself to provide food is not encouraged. 

Ask around

Whatever your language and nationality there is no doubt that there will be an organisation near you who desperately needs volunteers to help manage those animals who find themselves unloved and without a home. We’ve included some leads in this article but word-of-mouth can provide you with plenty of suggestions for places who will be more than happy to receive your help.