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Perfect 4.63rating (30)
🔥 In High Demand

Assistant at Dog Shelter

location
1 - 50 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Complete your reservation as soon as possible. This project fills up quickly and is already booked on certain dates.


Highlights

  • Experience the joy of helping over 250 animals in need, learning their story and changing their faith in humanity through love, care and passion.
  • Gain an in-depth knowledge about rescue, rehabilitation and animal welfare while doing daily task such as feeding, cleaning and socializing.
  • Meet volunteers from all over the world and make friends for life <3 while being a part of a beautiful community and worthy cause.

Highlights

  • Experience the joy of helping over 250 animals in need, learning their story and changing their faith in humanity through love, care and passion.
  • Gain an in-depth knowledge about rescue, rehabilitation and animal welfare while doing daily task such as feeding, cleaning and socializing.
  • Meet volunteers from all over the world and make friends for life <3 while being a part of a beautiful community and worthy cause.
  • Make memories you will never forget, first hand knowledge about rescuing and get an absolute unique experience filled with so much love and joy from our 250 happy dogs.
  • Explore the beautiful surroundings you live in and immerse yourself in the Greek culture or just relax under the olive trees while the warm sun rays touches your skin.

  • 🔥 In High Demand
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples

    About the program

    Volunteer at our Greek animal shelter and learn about rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming abandoned and abused animals through love, care and dedication! 🐶

    The Project

    At Bronx Familia Animal Shelter, located in the serene olive groves of Crete, Greece, we are dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming abandoned dogs. With over 280 dogs currently under our care, most of them being strays or chain dogs rescued from neglect and abuse, we provide ...

    About the program

    The Project

    At Bronx Familia Animal Shelter, located in the serene olive groves of Crete, Greece, we are dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming abandoned dogs. With over 280 dogs currently under our care, most of them being strays or chain dogs rescued from neglect and abuse, we provide a safe haven for them until they find their forever homes. As a nonprofit organization, we rely heavily on the kindness and generosity of volunteers and donors from around the world. We work tirelessly to create a better life for these animals, but we face significant challenges, such as the widespread issue of animal cruelty and the constant need for financial support to cover the costs of food, medical care, and daily shelter operations.

    The Shelter

    Our volunteer program is crucial to the success of the shelter, as it helps us with the daily tasks of feeding, cleaning, and socializing the animals. Volunteers play an essential role in ensuring that the shelter runs smoothly and that our dogs receive the love and care they deserve. Volunteers will be working alongside me, Nikos Tsikalakis, the founder and owner of the shelter, as well as other volunteers from around the world. Together, we create a welcoming and compassionate environment for both the animals and the people who help them.

    The Location

    The shelter itself is located in a beautiful, peaceful area surrounded by an olive grove, offering a unique opportunity to experience the authentic life of Crete. Volunteers will live just 500 meters away from the shelter in the charming village of Kalo Chorio, where they can immerse themselves in the local culture and enjoy the tranquil surroundings.

    What to Expect

    We expect our volunteers to be passionate, dedicated, and compassionate. They should be willing to work hard and show empathy for the animals in our care. In return, we offer a rewarding experience where volunteers will make a real difference in the lives of our animals while gaining valuable insights into animal rescue and welfare. Volunteers do not need to bring special equipment, but they should come prepared for a physically demanding role and be ready to get their hands dirty in support of our furry friends.


    Typical day

    • A typical day at Bronx Familia Animal Shelter starts around 9:30 AM, with the main responsibilities of our volunteers being feeding, cleaning, and watering the dogs. Volunteers begin by cleaning the kennels, which includes removing dog waste from the enclosures and ensuring the dogs have fresh water ...

    Typical day

    • A typical day at Bronx Familia Animal Shelter starts around 9:30 AM, with the main responsibilities of our volunteers being feeding, cleaning, and watering the dogs. Volunteers begin by cleaning the kennels, which includes removing dog waste from the enclosures and ensuring the dogs have fresh water twice a day. Keeping the shelter clean and hygienic is essential for the well-being of over 280 dogs, and this task is vital to maintaining a healthy environment.
    • After the cleaning and watering tasks are completed, volunteers spend time socializing with the dogs. This is a fun and rewarding part of the day, as volunteers get to interact with the dogs, play with them, and help them build trust and confidence. Socializing is especially important for the dogs who are still learning to adapt to their new environment or have come from troubled backgrounds.
    • In addition to caring for the animals, volunteers help with general maintenance tasks around the shelter, such as mending fences, repairing dog enclosures, and building new dog houses. Sometimes, the dogs may damage their enclosures in an attempt to escape, so volunteers need to stay alert and assist with repairs, which can happen at any time of day or night.
    • Volunteers also assist with managing food supplies, ensuring we have enough to meet the needs of the dogs, especially those on special diets. This is an important responsibility as we strive to provide the best care for every animal.

    While the schedule is flexible and can change depending on the shelter’s needs, volunteers can expect to spend their days helping to improve the lives of the dogs while also enjoying their company. In exchange for their hard work, volunteers are provided with accommodation and basic food to cook their own meals, though any special dietary needs are the responsibility of the volunteers themselves.

    Each day offers new challenges, but the work is deeply fulfilling, knowing that you are making a meaningful difference in the lives of the dogs at Bronx Familia Animal Shelter.


    Free-time activities

    When you finish the daily task you are more than welcome to socialize the dogs, make videos and pictures for social medias, walk the dogs etc. (please ask Nikos before you take any dog out for a walk) and feel free to explore the beautiful area you live in.

    Around you is nature and tranquility. Kalo ...

    Free-time activities

    When you finish the daily task you are more than welcome to socialize the dogs, make videos and pictures for social medias, walk the dogs etc. (please ask Nikos before you take any dog out for a walk) and feel free to explore the beautiful area you live in.

    Around you is nature and tranquility. Kalo Chorio (Taverne, Cafe) is 1 km away. It's near Gouves (3.5km away from the shelter) . Keep in mind that without a car, it is not much easy to move around! You can always ask to get a ride to Gouves, and we will try our best to arrange it.


    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level)

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    We provide our volunteers with 

    • accommodation, 
    • basic groceries to make breakfast, lunch and dinner (bread, milk, pasta, rice etc.) and 
    • households goods (hand soap, cleaning supplies, toilet paper etc.)

    Accommodation

    We have two small house set up. 
    • The main one accommodates up to four people, it has a kitchen with gas stove and bathroom. It is a shared room with 4 beds. 
    • The second one is a container building with 3 beds ( a bunk bed with the a bottom double bed and a single top bed) and a bathroom. 
    We are solely relying on solar power + our generator ( we use it in the winter months).

    We will expect the accommodation to be cleaned regularly, maintaining a clean and healthy indoor environment.
    We do also have a caravan with room for up to two person, but at the moment it is functional as a cat house to our three cats.

    Food & Beverages

    We provide you with all basic food to cook your daily meals (such as bread, eggs, vegetables, rice etc.). We do not provide your meals, you must cook yourself or arrange with your fellow volunteers to cook together (we offer everything you will need for basic meals, for any further special requests on meals, you can provide them yourself).

    Internet Access

    Limited access at the project site
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Airport Pickup at Heraklion Airport

    An airport pickup isn't included within the program fees either.

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Heraklion Airport (HER) in Heraklion. We assist you to find cheap flights to Greece. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Greece provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Greece you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Greece. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    We accept/ are in need of volunteers throughout all the year and are very much dependent on helping hands to keep our everyday life going.

    How to get to the shelter
    To get to the shelter you can take the bus to Gouves from the main bus station in Heraklion or from the bus stop at Heraklion airport (approximately 25-30 min ride), from Gouves (3.5 km from Kalo Chorio where we are located) to the shelter the transfer can be arranged from us! If it happens you arrive outside of the bus schedules it might be arranged that you can be picked up from the airport (if we have volunteers to stay at the shelter) or you can take a taxi directly.

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $55 per week 1 - 50 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    1 - 50 weeks

    Deposit

    Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.


    Final Payment

    You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

    You don't have to pay anything yet

    4.63
    30 reviews

    2026
    It’s been one of the best experiences of my life. I’ve met some wonderful people, I’m really going to miss all the dogs, and Nikos ...
    Yachay Julien Velásquez

    Assistant at Dog Shelter

    2025
    .... where dedication and compassion are felt in every action! For me, it was my first experience with volunteer work. I spent two weeks ...
    Patricia Papanian

    Assistant at Dog Shelter

    Location

    Europe > Southern Europe > Greece > Kalo Chorio

    Meet your project coordinator

    Caroline
    30
    reviews
    4.63
    Perfect
    2013
    Founded

    Verified

      Below average response rate
    Spoken languages: English, Danish
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    Contact Caroline
      Below average response rate
    English, Danish

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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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