Help at a Privat Animal Sanctuary in Portugal

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The experience

Join our sanctuary where rescued animals live free and safe. Share your hands, heart and time in caring for them, helping the farm, and discovering the healing bond between humans, animals and nature in southern Portugal.

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What you offer

25 hours of help per week

Cleaning: Help clean the kitchen, bedrooms, bathrooms and common areas.

Animal Care: Help look after and take care of animals.

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

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

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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.

Shared Dorm: You will have a bed in a shared room, which means you will share the same room with other travelers.

Tent: You will sleep in a tent at a camping site.

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.

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

Holistic Therapies: You can take part in any of our therapeutic activities for free.

Use our equipped kitchen: Feel free to use our kitchen and make your own delicious food.

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

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

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Requirements

Intermediate English or Intermediate German

Over 18 years old

Welcomes solo volunteers, couples, and partners of volunteers

Travel insurance

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What's not included

Flights, Travel Insurance, Internal Transportation and Visa

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Program Details

Our sanctuary in southern Portugal is a safe haven for rescued cows, goats, horses, dogs, cats and more. We are not a production farm – we are a farm, where animals live freely and humans can learn from them. Volunteers help us with the daily care of the animals, the farm, and the land.

You will experience authentic rural life in the Alentejo: wide open landscapes, a private lake, olive trees and peaceful skies. Beyond work, there is space for cultural exchange, reflection, and enjoying the healing presence of animals. By joining us, you become part of a project that values every being and creates a bridge “Between Heaven and Herd.”

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Activities & Shift

Volunteers usually help around 4–5 hours per day, 5 days a week, with two days off. The rhythm can change depending on the season and needs of the animals. Tasks may include:

Feeding and giving fresh water

Cleaning stables and shelters

Gardening, planting, or general maintenance

Supporting small building or repair projects

Spending mindful time with animals, helping them feel safe with humans again


We try to adapt tasks to your interests and skills – every hand is valuable!

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Rules

To keep the sanctuary peaceful and safe for both animals and humans, we ask you to respect some simple rules:

No violence, alcohol abuse, or drugs on the property

Treat every animal with care and respect – no riding, no forcing contact

Be reliable with tasks and communicate openly if something is difficult

Keep common areas clean and tidy

Pets can only join if they are fully safe around other animals

Respect quiet hours and the shared community spirit


We welcome open-minded, animal-loving people who want to learn, share, and contribute.