Give Back During Your Visit – Rescue Centres, Sanctuaries & Animal Welfare
If you love animals and want to do something meaningful during your stay, there are several incredible rescue centres and sanctuaries around the Alicante region that welcome volunteers. Whether you’re staying short-term or long-term, your time and compassion can make a big difference for animals in need.
🐴 Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre – Rojales
A registered sanctuary rescuing horses, donkeys and ponies from abuse and neglect. They offer guided tours and rely heavily on volunteer help.
- 📍 Location: Partido Lo Garriga, Rojales
- 🕒 Volunteer Days: Tuesday–Sunday mornings
- 🧹 Help with: Feeding, mucking out, grooming, tours, and repairs
- 🌿 No experience needed – support and training provided
- 🌐 Visit Website
- 📍 Google Maps
🐕 SAT Animal Rescue – San Miguel de Salinas
A no-kill shelter caring for abandoned and mistreated dogs. They also operate a charity shop that helps fund the rescue.
- 📍 Location: Near San Miguel de Salinas (exact address upon enquiry)
- 🕒 Volunteer Opportunities: Dog walking, cleaning, fostering, fundraising, shop work
- 🧡 Welcomes one-time visitors and regular volunteers
- 🌐 Visit Website
- 📍 Google Maps
🐶 Torrevieja Cat and Dog Shelter – Torrevieja
This municipal shelter cares for both cats and dogs and always needs help with socialising, feeding, and basic care.
- 📍 Location: CV-905, Km 3.5, Torrevieja (just behind the water park)
- 🕒 Volunteer Roles: Dog walking, cat care, cleaning, and helping with adoptions
- 🐾 Spanish is helpful but not required – many volunteers are international
- 🌐 Google Listing
- 📞 Contact: Best reached through visiting or calling local vet centres that coordinate visits
🐾 APASA Dog Shelter – Jávea
A long-standing dog shelter run by a team of passionate volunteers. A great option if you’re visiting the northern Costa Blanca.
- 📍 Location: Camino de les Sorts, Jávea
- 🕒 Volunteer Work: Dog walking, puppy care, cleaning, admin help
- 🐕 Welcomes holidaymakers who just want to help out for a day
- 🌐 Visit Website
- 📍 Google Maps
🐕🦺 Akira Animal Sanctuary – Benissa / Teulada
A clean, modern shelter that’s very welcoming to English-speaking volunteers. Supports fostering and international adoptions.
- 📍 Location: Camí Camarrocha, Benissa
- 🕒 Volunteer Roles: Dog walking, transport help, vet trips, fostering
- 🧡 Group walks and fundraising events regularly held
- 🌐 Visit Website
- 📍 Google Maps
🐾 Hope for Podencos – Albox / Alicante
Dedicated to saving Podencos, a gentle and often mistreated Spanish hunting breed. The shelter supports foster and adoption programmes throughout Spain and Europe.
- 📍 Location: Albox region, with support work across Alicante
- 🕒 Volunteer Roles: Foster care, admin, transport, social media
- 🐶 Always in need of drivers and fundraisers
- 🌐 Visit Website
- 📍 Google Maps
✅ Volunteering Tips
- Contact in advance – many shelters have limited staff
- Clothing – wear sensible shoes and old clothes
- Bring water – especially in warmer months
- Supplies always welcome – dog/cat food, leads, towels, disinfectant
- Short stays okay – even a few hours of help are appreciated
- Family-friendly – check with each centre regarding kids