Mayday Algarve

Our mission is to create a safe haven for dogs and cats whilst they wait for a new loving home.

We take in any kind of dog or cat when we have space for them and make sure that they get the medical treatments if they need and regular treatments such as deworming, flea and tick prevention and vaccinations.

We clean the pens daily and provide clean bedding in the dog houses. When necessary, we also bottle feed puppys and socalise them as they grow.

Since Mayday survives 100% from donations, we are very grateful to anyone who decides to help us. Without this help, our animals couldn’t have the life they have.

If you are interested in volunteering, you can help us with our daily tasks such as feeding the dogs, cleaning the pens and just spending time with our lovely dogs. You would be welcome to stay in one of our caravans or tent, subject to availability, or in your own van. Contact us for further details. An average day goes like this:- we start with feeding the dogs, cleaning their areas and making sure they all have enough clean water. Then we have a break of about 1 hour for breakfast. After this we do anything else that is necessary on the day or exercise some of the dogs. Then we break until about 16:00 in the winter and 17:00 in the summer, when we do the evening medications, feeding and checking on their water to make sure the dogs have enough for the night. More dogs can be walked then if there is time and if you want to. We need people who love dogs and want to take care of them, walk them, socialise with them and help them, you might walk up to 10 km with the dogs every day if you wish. We also have a few cats and they also need taking care of.

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All experiences

Help an Animal Rescue in the South-West Algarve, Portugal!

Cleaning Animal Care Gardening

Vila do Bispo, Portugal

Reviews

5.0
(35 reviews)35

Staff & Host

4.5

Hours & Tasks

4.5

Hostel

5.0

Learning & Fun

5.0

United States

5

I had a good time at Mayday! I stayed in a camper van with another volunteer, we had our own kitchen and bathroom which was very nice! The work was good, mostly feedings, walks, and cleaning. The animals were great, I definitely fell inlove with a few! Of course working with rescued animals can be stressful at times and the noise at night can definitely be a struggle to get used to. The other volunteers made me feel comfortable and always were there if I needed help! Overall my time was nice, I stayed for 3 weeks and I think that was the perfect amount of time for me.

10 days ago

Karen replied

Thank you so much for all of your help while you were here. I wish you a happy new year and safe travels.

United Kingdom

5

I had an amazing time! The dogs are very sweet and lovely to get to know. The other volunteers and people that come to help are a delight and make the stay great. I stayed in a caravan with another volunteer with a toilet and kitchen inside, it was basic but cozy. The stoves can be a bit tricky and the oven isnt very effective, but theres a shared kitchen thats outside. There's no public transport from Mayday, walk to town is fine and pretty or you can get uber. There are bikes, not in best condition. The communication with Karen can be straightforward and to the point. Thank you for having me

16 days ago

Karen replied

Oliwia was friendly and worked well within the team. She was flexible in the tasks she did and loved working with the animals. Thank you for all of your help while you were here Oliwia. Good luck in your future travels.

Czech Republic

5

i stayed at mayday only for 14 days, but it was an amazing experience. at first it was a bit overwhelming with all the new tasks and i was even thinking of leaving, but with the support from other volunteers i decided to stay and i’m so glad i did. the dogs are so sweet and they fill you with positive energy. tasks weren’t hard and schedule was always ready for the next week. accommodation is simple, but you have there everything you need. this definitely wasn’t my last stay at a dog shelter:)

18 days ago

Karen replied

Hi Tereza, I'm pleased you enjoyed yourself. I want to say that initially you did not mention anything about being overwhelmed and you seemed to be fine. Once you told me how you were feeling I immediately helped you & explained to the other volunteers that you needed help to overcome this. This happened straightaway. When I next spoke to you, you said everything was ok. I think in future, if you are feeling unhappy, say so quickly. If you don't talk to people then they don't know & can't help.

Germany

5

My experience at Mayday was really good.
The other volunteers really made the time special and the work really didn’t feel like work bc u are doing it for the dogs.
The dogs are really lovely and open hearted to all of us.
The working hours are respected but when u don’t have a car it can get a bit boring around.
So i recommend coming with a car.
The communication with Karen was sometimes a bit hard and she can seem harsh but that’s never personal towards you.
All in all was it an amazing time.

about 1 month ago

United Kingdom

5

One of the best experiences ever. It’s so hard to leave the dogs especially having such a strong connection with them. They are so loved and well looked after.
I will definitely be coming back. There’s lots of lovely things to do around and I’ve met people that I will be friends with forever. I highly recommend!

about 1 month ago

Karen replied

Thank you for all of your help while you were here Brooke. It was lovely to host you and you would be welcome back any time.:))

Perfect for you if you're looking for

Contact with nature

Rural

Contact with animals

Beach