Help at our dog shelter and experience life in rural Sicily!

Australia

5

I can't believe my time at the shelter has already come to an end. This was my second time volunteering and definitely wont be my last. I love working with the dogs and getting to know the other volunteers. The work is hard but it's worth it. Nellie and Franco are amazing hosts and even better cooks. I will forever treasure my experience here.

8 months ago

Serbia

5

I had such a nice time!!! I have met so many awesome people, Neli and Franco are great people. Franco is very friendly and helpful, and Neli is a loving person that you can learn a lot from just by observing her love for all the dogs in the shelter. Of course other volunteers are crucial for the best experience and i have met so many cool people with cool stories, and i hope to meet them again somewhere on my way into the world. Thank you Neli and Franco, and all the friends i made on the way. I will be back for sure when i have a chance! See you! ♥️

9 months ago

Spain

2

The care of the dogs at the shelter is incredible. They are very well looked after, and the work is hard but satisfying. I had to leave early due to the unsanitary conditions of the volunteer shelter (live and dead mice, mouse droppings in the kitchen, bird nests on the roof, no windows.). I would have liked more information/photos about the installation and for both hosts (Franco and Nelly) to be there. I spoke with Nelly about my departure and there was good communication. Thank you for the great work and effort in caring for the dogs. If the conditions were better I would stayed the time❤️

3 months ago

Dalma replied

Sorry Ana didn’t find things to her liking. She left instead of talking to us or pitching in - unlike other volunteers who arrived the same day and helped clean up after a terribly messy group before them.
We like to trust people to take care of their space without needing constant checks, which doesn’t always work out.
Ana expected us to clean for her and left after claiming a health issue. This is a work exchange, not a hotel - please make sure that’s what you're looking for before applying.

Israel

5

I can't even describe how right and perfect this experience for was me. Everyone who arrives there or is already there dedicates their whole day just for the dogs, and it shows. All the volunteers I got to know there are amazing, and I enjoyed every moment with them. The hosts were lovely and respected to every request I had. Every morning we wake up to physical work includes amazing therapy by cleaning dogs cages and walks with a friend or by myself, and when I finished the work (exactly at 1:00 pm every day), I felt tired but satisfied every day again.

9 months ago

Netherlands

5

I had such a great experience here. This was my first ever worldpackers and I was not disappointed. Hours and work was good. It is very physical work, but its nice to be active. The afternoons were very chill. The dogs are so good and I loved being with multiple amazing vollenteers.

9 months ago

United Kingdom

5

I couldn't have imagined how brilliant this project would be. The shelter itself is so well cared for and so much effort has been put in by Nelli, Franco and the volunteers to make sure all the dogs are so looked after. The working hours are really well explained and you're taught everything, so you are comfortable with what you have to do. I felt very happy going to Cassie at any point to ask questions! The location and the people make this trip life changing. I have met absolute friends for life here and have the best memories. Thank you for the best memories, Grazie Mille Ciao!!

10 months ago

Germany

5

Whether you come to the shelter alone or as two, you feel welcome and you find a quick connection with the other volunteers. Nelly and Franco are very nice people who stand behind their shelter with their complete heart and who makes the best lunches for us on Sundays. Other days you can challenge yourselves in the kitchen and you can then explore the area on your own, go shopping with Franco or spend your free time differently from 1 pm. Communication has always worked very well,not always with words,sometimes with gestures, but finally we all understood each other.

10 months ago

Austria

5

Loved it here! The work is physical, but pays off. Working hours are respected. The dogs are adorable & getting to bond with them is so rewarding. The accomodation is very simple, but doable & they provide work clothes. Sunday lunch is free with the hosts Franco & Nelly (who are lovely people). Such a highlight, getting to bond with them & trying typical Sicilian dishes. Might not be fitting for adventurous people though, as the area is quite calm & there's not much to do. Also loved the social aspect, since you spend so much time with the other volunteers, you really get to know each other :)

11 months ago

United States

5

My stay here at the shelter was an unbelievable experience. Working with the dogs every day is so fulfilling, I am so greatful to get the chance to make the dogs happy. Nelly and Franco are very caring people and you can easily see how much they care about the dogs, talking with them during Sunday lunches was always a pleasure(and they make some of the best food I've ever had). Living in the little cabin with the rest of the volunteers is one of the best parts of the experience, cooking family style meals together every night and spending our days exploring the area.

11 months ago

Australia

5

I can't begin to put into words how grateful I am for my experience at the organization. Even though my stay is far from over I'm forever thankful for the amazing volunteers I've met, as-well as two of the most beautiful hosts Franco and Nelli. If you're looking for an escape from bustling city's and lots of oxytocin from hugging dogs I would highly recommend. The dogs here really deserve the world which Nelly and Franco always assure they get. Passion and care have really been poured into this place from top to bottom. I loved my experience Grazie mille🤍☺️

11 months ago

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