Associazione Ciccio Garibaldi

Our fight to save strays around the town of Calatafimi Segesta in Sicily started 18 years ago with just a single dog but as the years went by, the number of dogs in need of help increased significantly. In 2015, we officially started the only dog refuge in Calatafimi, and since then saved more than 1000 homeless, abandoned, and abused dogs. Most of them have been happily adopted since and are living in their forever homes. We are still in touch with all of them.

But sadly after every dog who gets adopted comes many more due to the lack of sensibility and sterilization. We are struggling to keep up and give them all the care they deserve, to feed and pamper them.

Our mission is to provide medical services and safe shelter for our abandoned friends. Our group of international and Italian volunteers have strong adoption programs to ensure that we find loving and secure homes for as many of them as we can, but this can take a long time and we don't have the capacity to do it on our own. This is why we are asking for your help!

We are Nelly and Franco, the founders of the shelter. We started welcoming volunteers in our home in 2019 and since then had the pleasure of working with hundreds of amazing people from all over the world. We love sharing our culture, experience and passion for animal welfare with volunteers. We speak Italian and only a very basic English but are used to communicating without a common language so don't worry if you don't speak any Italian, it has never been a problem. Helping us coordinating with you here is Dalma, you will be talking to her about organizing your trip and all details before arriving to the shelter. Accommodation is coed, in a simple and very rustic little cottage that the volunteers (usually around 6 amazing people at any one time!) have for themselves. It has a small loft-bit and séparés around the beds, so privacy is limited to say the least. It's right below the main house and in the middle of the shelter (the enclosures of the dogs are close by), in the middle of nature. Please be sure to check the photos before applying to know what to expect. We are in the middle of the countryside which is perfect for switching off and recharging. You will be surrounded by nature, amazing dogs, and a group of likeminded people, but if you are looking for a buzzing nightlife or lots of non dog-related activities every day, this is not it. Without a car, it is difficult to be completely independent, but we are happy to give you a lift to the nearest bus- or train station on your days off. From there, it's only up to you what you choose to discover! Sicily has a rich culture and history, not to mention all the breathtaking nature to explore and amazing foods to try. Our shelter is located outside the town of Calatafimi Segesta in the province of Trapani in western Sicily, with good access to the area (- when you have enough time to get around, so on your days off). Spots of interest include Palermo, Trapani, Castellamare del Golfo, San Vito Lo Capo, Marsala, Erice, or the Aegadian Islands, among others. As for buying groceries, we go to the supermarket a few times a week by car so everyone can get their shopping done. After that it's up to you guys if you'd like to cook and eat together or everyone on their own. On Sundays we all have lunch or dinner together at the main house.