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

Finland

5

This place is incredible. Nelly and Franco are so loving and welcoming and the dogs just melted my heart. You will live with other people and spend a lot of time with each other. Remember always to respect the community 🧡🌿. This experience is all-enconpassing; you will immerse yourself not just in Italian culture but also learn a lot from other volunteers. And last but not least, all the time spent with the dogs really helps you to appreciate them and their loving souls. They all have their own unique personality that needs to be respected when working with them.

over 1 year ago

Germany

5

My stay at the organization was truly the best first volunteering experience I could've hoped for!Nelly and Franco are wonderful hosts who devote every day to the wellbeing and care of the dogs.They were extremely welcoming which made the stay so much more enjoyable. I was also able to meet lots of lovely volunteers with whom I shared lots of wonderful moments. The dogs we worked with are all so sweet and kind.Generally, the work was very straightforward and easy to get used to but you'll definitely have to get your hands dirty.Saying goodbye to the dogs and place is hard,I hope to come back!

over 1 year ago

Norway

5

My time at the organization dogfarm was absolutely amazing. I felt so welcome by Nelly and Franco (the owners) and also by the other volunteers! You work with beautiful surroundings and adorable and amazing dogs! The work can be hard (steep stairs), but it's all worth it and you feel that you make an important and necessary impact to the place! During my stay we worked from 8-13, it was so nice because you still had a whole day left after work. If you had to go somewhere nearby Franco was always welcome to give you a lift. Franco and Nelly also cook delicious Sicilian specialties💛💛

over 1 year ago

Germany

5

My stay at the shelter was truly one of the best experiences I've ever had. I met a lot of lovely people and Nelly and Franco are great hosts. They really made me feel welcomed and respected. All the dogs are so kind and gentle and it was so lovely to work with each of them. You will have a lot of responsibility and keep in mind that some of the dogs may not had the best life before, so it can get difficult at times. But once you know all of them it is great working with them and it definitely will be hard leaving them.

over 1 year ago

Germany

5

My experience at Rifugio the organization was truly amazing. Nelly is a wonderful host that puts all her love and patience into the care of all the dogs. Working and spending time with the animals is always fun and you will be able to learn a lot about them. All the volunteers I met during my stay were lovely and made my weeks there very special. I hope I will be able to come back!

over 1 year ago

Canada

5

I absolutely loved my time at the shelter and would recommend this experience to anyone who loves animals and isn't afraid to get their hands dirty. The shelter is surrounded by gorgeous mountains and is just a short drive away from town (Franco will take you wherever you need to go ;) The work at times will get your blood pumping but the tasks overall are simple. 3 weeks snuck up on me and I wish I could stay longer to spend more time with the dogs and the other volunteers. Nelly and the dogs need as much love & care as they can get so if you're unsure whether to apply… just do it!

over 1 year ago

Germany

5

Thank you for everything !!! ❤️❤️

over 1 year ago

Germany

4

My experience at the dog shelter was very positive. Working with the dogs was enjoyable and felt meaningful. The accommodation was cozy, and it was fun cooking and living with other international volunteers. However, only two bicycles were available in the last week, limiting mobility. Ideal for volunteers seeking relaxation, but less suited for those wanting more activities.

11 months ago

Canada

3

My experience was good as a whole but I had to shorten my stay, as I didn't feel at my place anymore. The accommodation is very basic, a bed and a curtain for privacy. We had a mice problem in the house, which was handled but made the living uncomfortable. The work itself if very physical (climbing stairs, carrying buckets and tools, walking the dogs, etc). As for the hosts, Nelly and Franco are very nice people that give back to the community with their work. All in all, it felt good to give back by caring for the dogs. Any person with a love for animals will hopefully find themselves well :)

12 months ago

United States

4

I really enjoyed this volunteering opportunity! The cons I experienced were really just due to a lack of communication, but the hosts rarely use English so i understand that. For instance, the living conditions are rugged, and I would've appreciated more emphasis on that so I could've prepared better, but I adapted quickly to it. They also take their work very seriously and have quite high standards, so they watch over you for the first few days and may send you home. I would've liked to have known this, but I really enjoyed my time, definitely do not regret it, and was sad to leave. Grazie!

12 months ago

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