Shelter Animal Carer - help for abandoned dogs and cats .

Germany

5

It was such an amazing experience ! Will definitely come back. All humans, dogs and cats were so special and wonderful and have a place in my heart. Thank you for this amazing experience!

3 months ago

Animal Rescue Algarve replied

Franziska volunteered at our shelter and was an absolute joy to have on the team. From the moment she arrived, she showed great enthusiasm and initiative. Her proactive attitude meant that she was always one step ahead—whether it was cleaning kennels, walking dogs, assisting with feeding times, or helping with administrative tasks.She was incredibly friendly, not just with the staff but also with the dogs, who clearly responded well to her calm and caring nature.

Ireland

5

I have absolutely fallen in love with ARA! It is such a special place. Everyone, staff and volunteers, are so lovely and friendly. I stayed for 2 weeks but now wish I could have stayed longer but I will be back as soon as possible. I would recommend this place to literally anyone! There's a special place in my heart for all the animals here 🩷 I have so much love for this place I don't know how to put it into words, everything about it is just so beautiful!!! The best place I could have picked for my first Worldpackers experience 🩷

3 months ago

Animal Rescue Algarve replied

We are incredibly grateful to have Sarah as part of our volunteer team at the animal shelter. From the moment she joined, her warmth, friendliness, and dedication have made a lasting impact on both our staff and the animals in our care.Sarah has a natural way with animals — they immediately respond to her calm, gentle presence. She goes above and beyond during every shift, not only taking excellent care of the animals but also spending extra time cuddling and comforting them

Germany

5

My second time at ARA and it could not have been more special! Just from my point of view in 2019, ARA was already one of the best organized and the shelter welfare-orientated shelters I ever worked with. And especially now in 2025, if there is something like a dogshelter-heaven, ARA is on of the top. For solo-travelers: if you look for funny, the shelter-loving people: look no further, you found it here. For couples: one of the best experiences. Private room, dog-walking-/cleaning-shifts together in sunsets or separated for a little pause. Many friends to find but also private space. Just perfect.

3 months ago

Animal Rescue Algarve replied

Fenja has been an absolute joy to have as a volunteer at our animal shelter. From the very beginning, she brought a bright and positive energy with her, always greeting both people and animals with a warm smile. Her dedication and compassion were evident in everything she did. We are also thrilled to share that Fenja is adopting one of our dogs, which speaks volumes about her love and commitment to animal welfare. It’s comforting to know that one of our beloved dogs will be adopted by her :)

United Kingdom

5

As always, a very special time at ARA. I can't reccomend this place enough to anyone who is new to voulenteering or an the shelter lover. It's an amazing organisation.

4 months ago

Animal Rescue Algarve replied

Heather has been an outstanding member of our volunteer team, and we are so grateful for her continued dedication and compassion. She has a calm, kind presence that the dogs respond to immediately, making her a valuable part of their daily care and socialization. One of the things that stands out most about Heather is her commitment to going on extra mile.She regularly takes the dogs on additional walks, ensuring they get plenty of exercise and fresh air

Germany

5

This place is so special & makes nearly everyone want to come back! Its so heart warming and i absolutely can recommend volunteering at ARA!

4 months ago

Animal Rescue Algarve replied

Julia is consistently proactive and dependable. She never hesitates to take initiative, whether it’s helping with extra tasks, keeping things organized, or spending extra time with the animals who need it most. She's skilled at working with dogs that are more challenging to train, and her patience and dedication have helped them become more confident.One of the things we appreciate most is Julia’s love for taking the dogs on extra walks.She goes above and beyond to help with our animals

Austria

5

We can't describe in words how much we loved this place! Livia and I spent two weeks at ARA and the time flew past so quickly - it defintely wasn't long enough! The dogs and cats are so adorable and special. It was so nice getting to know each of their unique personalities! It's truly impossible not to fall in love with every single one of them! The people at ARA are incredibly kind and were always ready to help whenever we needed something. All they do they do for the animals and you can really feel how much heart and soul they put into their work. Incredibly grateful for our time there!♡

4 months ago

Animal Rescue Algarve replied

Lara volunteered with us for two weeks and was an absolute joy to have at the shelter. She came with her sister, Livia, and both showed incredible dedication — even helping out on the day they were supposed to leave. Lara was kind, cheerful, and deeply caring with both the cats and dogs. Her calm and friendly presence made a real difference, and the animals clearly felt safe and loved around her. We’re so grateful for her time and energy, and she’ll always be welcome back with open arms!

Austria

5

The whole place is well organised, which made the "work" feel easy and funny. Even during the shift and afterwards you have plenty of time to socialize with the dogs and cats, taking them for a walk to Loulé or to the beach. The training sessions were so interesting, you could learn so much about the four-pawed animals more We had a great time with the other volunteers - whether hanging out at the pool, at a bar, exploring Loulé or relaxing at the beach. We really grew fond of all of them and are so grateful for the time at ARA!

4 months ago

Animal Rescue Algarve replied

Livia spent two weeks volunteering at our animal shelter alongside her sister, Lara, and her help was truly invaluable. From day one, she jumped in with enthusiasm, care, and a big heart for every animal she met. She was gentle, responsible, and always ready to lend a hand — even on the day she was meant to leave. Her calm and positive attitude brought warmth to the shelter, and both the staff and animals loved having her around. We’re incredibly thankful for Livia’s time with us

Germany

5

I really love this place. I was there for 1 month now and could stay there forever. The Team and all the other volunteers were so friendly and lovely and made me feel welcomed since the first second. It is well organized and you have a lot of time with the dogs and cats. The work doesn't really feel like work if you love animals and the team gives you a lot of trust which is very nice because we were allowed to take the dogs on extra walks, to the beach, to the city, in the parks… on our own. I would 1000% recommend this place. It was full of love and very well organized. I will come back🫶🏻

4 months ago

Animal Rescue Algarve replied

We are incredibly grateful to have Alessa as part of our volunteer team at the animal shelter. From day one, she has shown herself to be exceptionally friendly, proactive, and deeply committed to the well-being of our dogs.Alessa consistently goes above and beyond in her role. She not only ensures that the dogs get their regular walks but often takes them on extra outings, giving them much-needed exercise, enrichment, and love. Her caring nature makes her popular among the dogs

Greece

5

Another amazing experience.ARA is a place who raise awareness about the shelter life and its support and proper nurturing.The staff does incredible job,informs you separately about its the shelter and their needs to know prior how to manage any possible situation and creates a sense of trust and inclusion to the volunteers for the very beginning.The trainings and the feedback along with the time spent with the animals it is a very educative and warm-hearted process.I truly loved my time there and thank you ARA for having me!Continue the amazing job!

4 months ago

Animal Rescue Algarve replied

Maria volunteered with us at the animal shelter for two weeks, and her presence made a truly positive impact. From the very first day, she brought a bright smile and a warm, friendly attitude that never wavered. She interacted with the animals with kindness, patience, and genuine affection. Whether it was walking dogs, playing with the cats, or helping with daily tasks, Maria approached every responsibility with enthusiasm and care.

Germany

5

Me and a friend stayed at ARA for 3 weeks. Even though we didn't have any experience with dogs before, we felt very safe, because the team and other volunteers were always very helpful and supporting. We could always express worries and ask questions about our stay! We really enjoyed our time there, and would recommend this wonderful experience to everyone! :)

4 months ago

Animal Rescue Algarve replied

We are incredibly grateful to have had Clara as a volunteer at our animal shelter.Her dedication, compassion, and reliability have made a meaningful difference in the lives of the animals and the entire team.Clara consistently went above and beyond in her duties—whether it was cleaning enclosures, feeding animals, training, or simply offering a kind word and gentle care to the animals in need.Her positive attitude and willingness to help wherever needed made her a joy to work with.

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