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Help us make the world a better place in Domecko, Poland

The experience

We’re a friendly, plant-based animal sanctuary in the woods looking for skilled, hands-on help with building, fencing, and creating a pond. You’ll stay in a cozy cabin with your own kitchen and bathroom. We offer a warm daily meal, food supplies for other meals, and a bike to explore. Dog walking and animal care are welcome but optional. We can pick you up from the train station!

What you offer

25 hours of help per week

Farming: Plant crops, sow seeds and help in outside tasks.

Painting & Decorating: Help with painting or decorating the property facilities.

Building & Repairing: Help with a wide range of repairs or building.

Gardening: Help grow plants and cultivate gardens

What you get

2 days off per week

Private Room: You will have a bed in a private room. In other words, a room just for you.

Breakfast: You are entitled to a free breakfast, every day of your stay.

Lunch: You are entitled to a free lunch, every day of your stay.

Dinner: You are entitled to a free dinner, every day of your stay.

Free Laundry: You can use our laundry room freely.

Free Hiking Tours: We’ll take you on excursions and hikes around town. For free!

Bikes at your disposal: You can use our bikes any time you want.

Certificate: Get a certificate of completion after you finish your experience.

Basic Internet Access: Basic speed internet for you to work remotely

Requirements

Intermediate English or Beginner Polish

Between 25 and 80 years old

Welcomes solo volunteers, couples, and partners of volunteers

What's not included

Flights, Travel Insurance, Internal Transportation and Visa

Program Details

💬 What We Expect from You
We’re looking for volunteers who are:

Skilled with tools and experienced in physical, outdoor work (like building, digging, fencing, gardening)

Reliable, focused, and independent — we’ll guide you, but we appreciate people who can take initiative

Physically fit and okay with getting muddy, sweaty, and a little tired

Respectful of animals, people, and the plant-based values of our sanctuary

Open to simple living, flexible schedules, and life with barking dogs and rescued animals around

You don’t need to be a professional, but this is not a holiday — we really count on your help to move the project forward.

💚 What You Can Expect from Us
A safe, welcoming place to stay in a private, cozy wooden house with your own bathroom and kitchen

One warm, plant-based meal per day (dinner) and food supplies for breakfast and supper

Freedom to use our bike, greenhouse, garden produce, and enjoy nearby forests, lakes, and mountains

Honest communication, guidance, and support as you work

A meaningful experience with space for connection, purpose, and time in nature

We’re not a luxury eco-retreat, but a real place built on hard work, idealism, and heart. We’re happy to welcome people who share that spirit.

Activities & Shift

🗓️ Daily Activities Checklist
Our day at the sanctuary starts early — around 7:00 AM — but volunteers are welcome to begin at 9:00 AM. Here's what a typical weekday looks like:

Morning (9:00–12:30):

Walking the dogs

Feeding animals (if you choose to help with care)

Building tasks: digging, sawing, assembling fencing or shelters

Gardening, planting, or greenhouse work

General outdoor maintenance (path clearing, compost, small repairs)

Midday Break (12:30–1:30):

Lunch break — prepare your own meal with provided supplies

Rest or relax in your guest house or outside

Afternoon (1:30–2:30 or 3:00):

Continue with physical tasks: fencing, pond digging, carpentry

Watering plants, cleaning tools or workspaces

Optional animal care or simply spending time with the animals

Evening:

Shared warm plant-based dinner (we cook!)

We enjoy good conversations, music, and getting to know our volunteers — it's a great time to unwind and connect

🕒 Shifts & Schedule
Workdays: Monday to Friday

Start time: 9:00 AM (our day begins at 7:00, but that’s just us 😉)

Work time: ~5 hours/day with flexibility depending on the task and weather

Weekends: Free — relax, explore, or join us if you like

Rules

No smoking inside buildings – You can smoke outside, away from animals and buildings.

No excessive alcohol or drugs– We aim for a safe, grounded, and respectful environment.

Plant-based food only on the premises – Please respect that this is a fully vegan space.

Respect the animals’ space and needs – Some are shy, some are loud, some don’t want to be touched — we’ll guide you.

Clean up after yourself – Especially in shared areas and your accommodation.

Use tools responsibly – Only use power tools if you’re comfortable with them. Safety first!

Ask before starting new tasks – We love initiative, but please check in so we can stay coordinated.

Limit loud music or noise at night – Our animals (and humans!) need quiet to rest.

Visitors only with prior approval – We keep things small and focused.

We value communication – If something isn’t working for you, let us know — we’re open and human too.