How to Volunteer with Rescue Dogs: My Story and Step-by-Step Guide

Working with rescue animals is an experience that stays with you forever.

Seeing a scared dog heal and thrive because of your care is a deeply moving experience.

The first time a dog, who may have never trusted humans before, carefully comes closer to you and rests their head in your hand is truly magical.

Helping rescue animals transforms not only their lives but also your own.

If you're wondering how to start volunteering with rescue animals, you're in the right place.

In this blog, I’ll share my story and provide practical tips on how to get started.

How It All Started: My Journey into Dog Rescue

One of the most frequent questions I receive is how I started volunteering in dog rescue shelters.

The journey began in 2011, during my first long-distance trip with my partner to Brazil. It was there that we first faced the heartbreaking reality of stray dogs.

Armed with dog food, we spent much of our time feeding and connecting with the stray dogs, offering love and kindness.

This experience inspired us to start a mission: to travel the world helping dogs in need.

Our next stop was Thailand, where we visited a dog shelter for the first time.

We socialized with the rescue dogs, walked the dogs, and took them to the beach.

From that moment on, helping rescue dogs became a part of our travels.

Many people ask how we finance volunteering and if we volunteer full-time.

In our case, we use our own savings, but there are many ways to make volunteering with rescue animals more low-cost. (I’ll dive deeper into the details later, including tips on free accommodation and fundraising for volunteering.)

To explain how we balance work and volunteering, I work as a hairstylist for myself, and my partner is a freelancer in youth care. This flexibility allows us to plan our vacations around volunteering. Nearly all of our holidays are dedicated to helping animals, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Whenever we choose a new country to visit, our first step is to search online for animal rescue shelters and reach out to see how we can help.

What we do depends on how much time we have and what is possible at the shelter. Sometimes, we simply visit the shelter, make donations, or help with walking the dogs. Other times, we volunteer for a couple of weeks.

When we're back home in the Netherlands, I create adoption videos and other content for social media to raise awareness for dogs in need.

Every experience is unique, and we always find meaningful ways to help.

Ready to Start Your Own Journey in Animal Rescue?

If you’re thinking of starting your own journey in animal rescue volunteering, remember that every effort, big or small, makes a real difference.

Keep reading to find out how to get started volunteering with rescue animals abroad!

Step-by-Step Guide to Volunteering at Animal Rescue Shelters Around the World

Step 1: Define Your Goals and Choose a Destination

The first step in planning your volunteer journey is to figure out your goals. Understanding what you want to focus on will help you choose an opportunity and create a fulfilling experience.

 Start by asking yourself:

• Do you want to volunteer locally or abroad?

• Are you looking for a short-term experience or a long-term commitment?

• Do you prefer a small, intimate setting, or a large facility?

• Do you want to work with just dogs or other animals too?

• What kind of tasks are you comfortable with?

• What’s your budget?

Step 2: Find the Right Shelter

Finding a shelter that aligns with your values and interests is essential.

There are two main ways to do this:

1. Search By Yourself

Google and social media: Search for shelters in your chosen destination. Instagram is a great place for finding smaller rescues.

Contact shelters directly: Email or message them about volunteer opportunities.

Many shelters welcome volunteers, even without formal programs.

 2. Use Volunteer Platforms

Websites like Worldpackers and Workaway connect volunteers with shelters worldwide. They often list shelters offering free accommodation, meals, or other benefits in exchange for your work. These platforms make it easy to compare options, read reviews, and apply directly.

Tip: It’s important to check the requirements of each shelter. Shelters may have different criteria you need to meet, such as:

• Age rules: Some shelters may ask that you be at least 18 years old or have a specific minimum age requirement for volunteers.

• Vaccinations: Depending on where the shelter is located, you may need to have specific vaccinations (e.g., rabies)

• Experience or skills: Some shelters might prefer volunteers with prior experience in animal care or basic medical skills.

• Time commitment: Many shelters expect a minimum number of weeks or hours, so check if they require long-term or short-term volunteers.

• Scheduling restrictions: Some rescues or shelters may ask that volunteers only come on specific days, like weekends-only, or during specific times, like after 2 p.m

  
  

Tip for Short-Term Volunteers: Even if you only have a few hours or a single day, many shelters welcome short-term help. You could walk dogs, take a guided tour of the shelter, or spend time cuddling and socializing with the animals. It’s a great way to make a small yet meaningful impact during your travels!

Another way to help, is by becoming a flight angel. This means helping transport rescue animals to their new homes by escorting them on your flight. Many shelters arrange the logistics, and all you need to do is meet the animal at the airport. It’s an easy way to make a life-changing difference for a rescue animal! Check with shelters or special platforms like facebook groups and websites for opportunities to become a flight angel during your trip.

Step 3: Plan Your Budget

It’s important to plan your budget. Think about how much money you’ll need for things like flights, food, travel insurance, transport, and accommodation. Volunteering abroad can come with costs, but there are plenty of ways to make it more budget-friendly.

Tips for Low-Budget Volunteers:

• Find shelters offering free or subsidized accommodation: Many shelters provide housing and meals in exchange for your work. Platforms like Worldpackers and Workaway are perfect for this.

• Crowdfund: Use platforms like GoFundMe to raise funds for your trip.

• Cut costs: Stay in hostels, cook your meals, and use public transport.

Step 4: Prepare yourself for Shelter Life

Working at a dog rescue shelter is incredibly fulfulling, but it’s also a lot of hard work. It’s not all puppy cuddles—though there will definitely be some of that! You must be open to learning new skills and ready to work hard and get your hands dirty. Remember: working with animals can be messy, smelly, and you might get very dirty—but the positives make it all worth it.

 Understand the Work Involved

Typical tasks you might take on include:

• Cleaning ,feeding and assisting with medical care.

• Walking with the dogs.

• Socializing and playing with the animals.

• Bathing and grooming dogs. 

• Laundry.

• Helping with training sessions.

• Taking photos and videos of the animals for their adoption profiles or social media.

• Helping with fundraising, or adoption events.

Mindset Tips

Working with rescue animals can be emotionally challenging. Here are some tips to prepare:

• Be patient with yourself. Working with rescue animals, especially those who have suffered trauma, can be hard. It’s okay to feel upset sometimes, but remind yourself that even small acts of kindness make a difference.

• Focus on progress. Celebrate the little wins

Pack Smart

Make sure to bring items that will help you handle the work comfortably:

• Clothing: Sturdy shoes, clothes that can get dirty, and a rain jacket.

• Essentials: Gloves, a refillable water bottle, fanny pack, and a first aid kit.

  
  

Tip: Bring any needed supplies

Shelters are often in great need of supplies, and your donation can make a big difference.

There’s always a shortage of things like:

• Medical supplies (bandages, flea/ tick treatments, etc.)

• Collars, leashes, and harnesses.

• Toys

• Cleaning Supplies

• Towels and Blankets

• Food and Water Bowls

• Grooming Supplies

• Pet Food and Treats

Step 6: Overcoming Challenges

Rescue work can be incredibly meaningful, but it’s not without its challenges. It can be emotionally and physically intense, and you may handle situations that test your strength.

You may come across several challenges, such as:

• Caring for injured or traumatized animals can be challenging, but your compassion helps them heal and rebuild trust.

• Handling unexpected tasks: From cleaning kennels to managing social media for the shelter, flexibility is key.

• Emotional toll: Not every story has a happy ending, and that can impact you over time.

  
  

To overcome these challenges:

• Have a support system: Connect with other volunteers, friends, or family who can offer support and a listening ear.

• Take care of yourself: Self-care is crucial. Get enough rest, eat well, and take breaks when needed.

• Stay focused on your purpose: Remember why you started this journey—to make a difference in the lives of animals. Your passion and strength will have an unforgettable impact.

Step 7: Continue Supporting the Shelter After You Leave

Your journey doesn’t end when you leave the shelter.

Here’s how you can keep making a difference:

• Promote the shelter online: Use your social media platforms to raise awareness about their work.

• Organize fundraisers back home: Even small events can supply essential support for the shelter.

• Sponsor or adopt a dog: If you’ve bonded with a furry friend, consider sponsoring their care or giving them a forever home.

What Makes a Great Rescue Volunteer?

Being a successful animal rescue volunteer isn’t just about showing up—it’s about embracing the right mindset and qualities to truly make a difference.

Here are three essential qualities that make a great volunteer:

• Compassion: A true love and empathy for animals form the foundation of rescue work. Whether it’s a scared puppy or an older dog with a difficult past, your kindness and care can help every animal feel safe and loved.

• Patience: Many rescue animals have experienced trauma or illness. Helping them heal and learn to trust again takes time and consistency. Patience allows you to celebrate the small steps and appreciate the journey.

• Flexibility: In rescue work, no two days are the same. One day you might be cleaning kennels or walking dogs, while the next you’re assisting with medical care or coordinating an adoption event. Staying flexible and open to new tasks will make your experience rewarding for both you and the shelter.

Thank you for caring about the lives of rescue animals.

The love and care you give will forever stay in their hearts.