Insider’s View on Volunteering With Dogs in Portugal 🐶

What is "A Place for Strays?"

A Place for Strays is more than just a dog shelter. It is a refuge for abandoned, injured, and distressed dogs, who are cared for here with a lot of love and dedication. Founded and run by my friend Elena, the shelter and its dedicated team are committed to protecting street animals in the Algarve, with the aim of finding loving homes for the dogs.

On my first visit, I fell head over heels in love with the dogs, the team, and the mission, and I realized that Place for Strays would be a part of my life forever. Especially, when I adopted my dog ​​Peach 1.5-years ago.

There is room for up to 30 dogs on a spacious property near Albufeira with nine enclosures. They not only receive medical care and food, but also emotional support to help them regain their trust in people. The aim is to give every dog ​​a second chance at a happy life.

And I can promise you one thing: the dogs give you soooo much back! There is no better feeling than looking into the grateful eyes of the little furry friends and seeing how they slowly build up trust. Apart from the great weather on the Algarve, you are guaranteed to feel warm inside at Place for Strays.

How to help?

Your duties as a volunteer include:

• Feeding, fresh water, and medication

• Cleaning the enclosures and keeping the facility clean

• And, of course, give lots of cuddles, pets, and love

You will receive instructions from our permanent on-site helpers who come for the morning and evening shifts.

Above all, our furry friends want to get out of their enclosures and onto the big dog playground to run and romp around. With lots of cuddles, training or simply your presence, you can make a decisive contribution to helping these wonderful dogs regain their trust.

Important: Of course, every volunteer must only do what he or she feels comfortable with. If you don't feel comfortable walking the dogs alone or giving the dogs their medication, for example, that is not a must.

Other ways to help

1. Donations or food: Food, blankets, medication, and financial support are particularly urgently needed. If you are visiting the Algarve and have space in your suitcase, you can bring something with you - or simply donate on site. Every contribution counts and helps to improve the lives of the dogs.

2. Adoption or foster care: Maybe you have been looking for a four-legged friend for a long time? Dogs of all ages and sizes are waiting for their forever home in the shelter. Foster homes are also an important support if you can offer a dog a temporary home.

3. Become a sponsor: You can find all the information here: https://www.placeforstrays.de/patenschaft/

4. Membership in the club