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

United States

2

I really loved all of the dogs at the shelter and the volunteers I met were amazing. But I experienced many negatives. the accommodation had no windows, gets very hot, and many animals were living inside such as birds, mice, and bugs. The two hosts would talk negatively about other volunteers behind their backs. During my time, 3 volunteers were bitten by the hosts dog. Working at the shelter requires a lot of responsibility and can be very mentally draining. Me along with 4 volunteers did not get a goodbye or a thank you upon our departure. Grateful for the experience, but wouldnt return.

12 months ago

Dalma replied

Lea probably mistook our dogshelter for a party hostel or Airbnb when applying as she didn't seem interested in our dogs at all. Like she says, working at a shelter requires a lot of responsibility, which we thought should go without saying. Unfortunately for both of us, it quickly became obvious that she is not a very responsible or dedicated young person. She went out drinking a lot and staying out till the morning slept through work or did her tasks very poorly the next day.
She also wasn't good at working in a team, having a confrontational attitude and on one occasion endangering another volunteer who just arrived. We always tell volunteers staying with us what to pay attention to for the safety of everyone, but this is not always enough and accidents can happen, unfortunately. You also have to actually pay attention and do your part as well, which was not the case with Lea. We trust that people coming to us are mature enough to understand this though, as they almost always are.
If this wasn't enough, she spoke badly about us to whoever would listen and was strangely nosy, asking inappropriate questions about our private life for no apparent reason.
As for not getting a goodbye, that's a bit difficult if you leave weeks before you were originally supposed to without telling us, but we'll be sure to work on our telepathic and clairvoyant skills.

Argentina

2

I truly wished I had a different experience. The dogs are amazingly taken care of and you will be able to connect with them as much as you like. But, I do not recommend this experience. They put in charge 2 girls that were almost as new as me. They were doing their best but cried out of stress some nights trying to figure out how to get everything done in the hours that we were supposed to work. The work is hard but you dont mind it, its for the doggies. I never worked 5 hours, there was always something extra to be done and you were never asked to do it, they assumed you wanted to work extra.

over 1 year ago

Dalma replied

As our unfortunate exchange shows, if you're looking for a free holiday or a place to cuddle puppies, our shelter is not the place for you. This is quite clear from our profile, which we usually assume people who apply to help us read before applying. This, sadly was not the case for Nicole. From the beginning it was clear she was mostly looking for a free bed and did not care much about dogs, or contributing to the work we do. She even seemed surprised that the work involved in taking care of them was physical and required attention to detail.
As written in our description (and probably could even be guessed), life at a shelter can be hectic and beside the 5 hours we sometimes ask volunteers to help with ad hoc tasks like giving medicine or going to the vet. Again, since we're lucky enough to almost always host people who read our profile, this has never been a problem before.
We truly wished we had a different experience too, but spending most of your time attached to your phone, clearly not interested in doing much or building any meaningful connections with the dogs just doesn't work at a place like ours where everyone tries to give their best.

Germany

4

I really liked my time in the shelter. Nelly and Franco were great and really welcoming. Most of the time the tasks were easy, though sometimes physically challenging. Work organisation didn't work out at times so some days were pretty stressful. The shelter is a really calm place where you can't do much so if you need some time to slow down and enjoy nature this is great for you! Especially the dogs are soo nice. <3 All in all it was a nice experience. Thank you Nelly & Franco :)

over 1 year ago

South Africa

5

Loved my time here ! Nelly and Franco were very friendly and welcoming, Work was manageable and the times were great ! Loved all the dogs and walks 🐶 Getting to know the other volunteers and learn about many cultures was probably my highlight!

almost 2 years ago

Germany

5

The dog shelter is great. I have fell in love with all of the dogs there!!! You really grow close to them quickly! The hosts franco and nelly are sooo nice, eventhought it would definitly help you to know at least some italian, but at the same time, I also didnt know any word and it worked out. The work is sometimes hard but rewarding! The nature around is beautiful. I will never forget this experience and thank you for everything Nelly and Franco!

almost 2 years ago

Australia

5

Volunteering at the organization was the best thing I've ever done. The hosts, Nelly and Franco, are so so welcoming, kind and generous, and will make you feel right at home. And the dogs will just melt your heart of course!! We worked for 5 hours a day, from 7am until 12pm. The work is straightforward, but can be physical at times (lots of walking, stairs, cleaning, scrubbing etc.). Overall, this was an amazingggg experience that I would recommend to everyone! I was sooo sad to leave in the end and I miss it there already! I will absolutely be returning to the shelter!!

almost 2 years ago

United Kingdom

5

This experience is one of a kind. Living in a rural, rustic barn with tons of dogs at every turn. Nelly and Franco adore the animals they care for and provide a warm, homely environment for those that wish to share that care. The work isn't difficult but it is important that it is done correctly as you are responsible for their wellbeing. The work involves: cleaning, administering medication, feeding, walking, brushing, and playing with the dogs. I could not recommend this experience more for those that have a love for animals.

about 2 years ago

Spain

5

Since it was my first time volunteering I was kind of nervous, but as soon as I arrived I felt at home. It's the perfect place for people who love animals and want to disconnect from the world (since the shelter is in the middle of nowhere). The hosts are really welcoming and you will end up learning a lot from them. It's impossible you go back home without (badly) speaking some Italian :) The work is not difficult but can be a little bit tiring if it's too hot and has to be well executed. It involves cleaning the cages, feeding the dogs and doing the walks.

about 2 years ago

Portugal

5

This experience is perfect for every person that loves dogs 🥰 Every day is full of dog's love but also taking care tasks (medication, cleaning, petting, walking,…) Nelly and Franco are welcoming and open to every person from every country. At some point we felt like theyr're almost our parents ☺️ At first can be a shock for some people the fact that the shelter is in the middle of nothing, but in the end its the perfect time and place for you to take a break The work is simple but made to be done with the attention since the dogs are totally dependent on what we do Overall is so rewarding 🧡

about 2 years ago

United States

5

Our experience at the dog shelter was unforgettable. I wouldn't dream of giving anything less than a 5 star review because the hosts are so caring and commited to their cause and because the animals are so sweet. We made many friends of both two and four legged variety and couldn't recommend the experience more. It's important to be somewhat in shape for this job as there are a lot of stairs and walking involved. It also helps to be a nature lover and comfortable with rustic living. The volunteer cabin can be dark and humid in the summer and inhabited by various bugs.

about 2 years ago

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