The image depicts a diverse group of farm animals, including a horse, chickens, goats, and dogs, gathered in a field with a tree and a log.
The image shows a group of dogs in a yard, with a fence in the background. The dogs are all different breeds and sizes, and they appear to be playing together.
The image depicts a group of dogs in an outdoor setting, with a mix of small and large breeds, surrounded by greenery and possibly a fence or other structures.
The image depicts a collection of dark green leaves, likely from a tree, with a few brown spots scattered throughout, set against a light gray background. The leaves are arranged in a random pattern.
The image shows two dogs, one large and one small, sitting on the ground with their heads up, looking alert and attentive, in a relaxed and calm pose.
A person is painting a mural on a wall, with a large brush in their hand, surrounded by a fence and a tree in the background. The scene is set against a natural backdrop.
The image depicts a group of dogs, likely a mix of breeds, gathered together in a yard or enclosure, with some standing and others lying down, showcasing their unique characteristics.
The image shows a collection of mushrooms on the ground, with a few scattered around the area, set against a natural outdoor background. The scene appears to be a forest or wooded area.
A woman sits cross-legged on a yoga mat in a white room, with a black and white cat beside her, surrounded by crystals and a colorful tapestry behind her.
Two people are planting a small tree in a field, with one person holding a watering can and the other holding a plant.
The image depicts a group of people harvesting grass in a field, with a stone wall and a building in the background.
The image shows three people in a car, with two women and a man, all wearing sunglasses and making silly faces at the camera.
The image depicts a couple standing in a rustic barn, surrounded by hay and farm equipment, with the man's arm around the woman's waist.
The image depicts two men working in a dimly lit, narrow, and dirty space with wooden walls and a concrete floor. The man in the foreground is wearing a grey shirt and pants.
The image depicts a serene landscape featuring a lush green field with grazing sheep, surrounded by trees and bushes, with a distant mountain range in the background.
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Join us at a vegan animal sanctuary near the Serra da Estrela National Park, central Portugal

Profile information

  • rating

    Host is looking for help immediately

  • rating

    Host rating

    100 %

  • Last replied

    Last replied

    12 Dec 2025

  • Reply rate

    Reply rate

    95.2 %

    Usually responds within 3 days

  • feedbacks

    Feedback

    68

  • Email verified

    Email verified

Country info

If you are from outside of the EU and planning to visit Portugal to work, volunteer or study, YOU WILL NEED THE CORRECT VISA. To find out more information please contact the embassy in your home country BEFORE travelling.

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Availability

  2025 

 Min stay requested: at least a week

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What's this?

Details

  • Description

    Description

    Welcome to Star Mountain Animal Sanctuary, a Vegan Sanctuary!

    Hello, I am Annie, and I run a registered non-profit animal sanctuary located in the stunning Serra da Estrela National Park in central Portugal. The mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome animals in need. I’m looking for passionate volunteers who share a love for animals and want to contribute to the sanctuary.



    The sanctuary is seeking motivated individuals to assist with a variety of tasks, including:

    - **Fencing**
    - **Cleaning animal areas**
    - **Cleaning and painting the volunteer house**
    - **General maintenance** (including plumbing, landscaping, tree planting, carpentry and more)

    This work can be physically demanding, involving an 800-meter uphill trek from the volunteer house to the sanctuary. If you have any injuries or are unfit for physical work, this is not be the right place for you. While no specific skills are required, a genuine desire to help improve the sanctuary is essential.

    Volunteer Requirements

    During December and January we are looking for either two friends or a couple to stay for a minimum of two weeks starting December 15th. Solo travelers who appreciate their own space are also welcome. Please note that I do not celebrate Christmas or New Year, as this time is used to retreat from society. Thus, I prefer volunteers who are self-sufficient and do not require entertainment during this period.

    Your Role

    Your tasks will primarily focus on animal care, if applying in December and January, including helping with the puppies and kittens at the sanctuary; however, you won’t necessarily be doing animal care every day. If there are more urgent tasks that need attention, such as fixing a fence or other maintenance work, you may be assigned to those duties instead. After work hours, you are welcome to spend time with the animals by petting, cuddling, or walking them.

    Additionally, ongoing projects include:

    - Planting trees
    - Clearing bracken and brambles
    - Poo picking
    - Turning hay
    - Fruit and herb collection
    - Painting and decorating the house

    All tasks require physical effort, and appreciation is shown for your hard work.

    Accommodations and Community Life

    You will have a private room just a five-minute walk from the sanctuary. Vegan food is provided in the stocked kitchen, and volunteers can prepare their own meals, either individually or as a group. It’s important to keep the house tidy, empty bins, and wash up after meals. Any volunteers who do not help maintain cleanliness may be asked to leave.

    Socializing and exchanging stories is enjoyable, but privacy is also valued. Please do not expect me to be around all the time. Some times we have Multiple Workawayers to create a more social atmosphere and accomplish more tasks efficiently. However, sometimes you may find yourself working alone, especially in December through to March, so being self-sufficient is important and comfortable with your own company is essential.

    Join the Community!

    If you're excited about animal welfare and ready for a rewarding experience, it would be wonderful to welcome you to the sanctuary!

    We are a alcohol and drug free environment and only plantbased foods are allowed into the house. If sticking to those rules is going to be hard for you. Please don't apply.
    Thanks for reading , wishing you many adventures
    Annie

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    Charity Work
    Art Projects
    Gardening
    DIY and building projects
    Animal Care
    Farmstay help
    Help around the house
    General Maintenance
  • UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

    UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

    Icon

    ...

    ...

    UN goals
    No poverty
    Zero hunger
    Good health and well-being
    Quality education
    Gender equality
    Clean water and sanitation
    Affordable and clean energy
    Decent work and economic growth
    Industries, innovation and infrastructure
    Reduce inequality
    Sustainable cities and communities
    Responsible consumption and production
    Climate action
    Life below water
    Life on land
    Peace, justice and strong institutions
    Partnerships for the goals
  • Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Be a part of helping to expand our vegan animal shelter. Nice walks in the local area . The chance to be part of foster animal rehabilitation and the chance to visit a wildlife rehabilitation centre close by.

  • Help

    Help

    We have loads of projects to complete they include, making an irrigation system, fencing the boarder and planting trees, pulling up bracken, cutting back brambles and maintaining the veggi garden, poo picking, hay turning, fruit picking, herb and flower collection amongst other stuff, all quite physical work. We also have daily tasks which involve cleaning, washing up and we have some art projects.

  • Languages spoken

    English: Fluent
    Portuguese: Beginner

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation

    Private room in a house with wifi, hot showers and electricity.

  • What else ...

    What else ...

    Things to do in the local area- Lots of walking and cycling opportunities in the National Park, the local municipality holds numerous events around the year. Possibilities to visit the near by towns of Gouveia and Guarda, not to far from salamanca in spain for the weekend off., if you have your own car.

  • A little more information

    A little more information

    • Internet access

    • Limited internet access

      Limited internet access

    • We have pets

    • We are smokers

    • Can host families

  • Can host digital nomads

    Can host digital nomads

    We have good internet connection

  • Space for parking camper vans

    Space for parking camper vans

    This host can provide space for campervans.

  • Can possibly accept pets

    Can possibly accept pets

    This host has said they are willing to accept those travelling with a pet.

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    More than two

  • My animals / pets

    My animals / pets

    82

    We have 82 animals living at the sanctuary

Host ref number: 827861528924

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Photos

The image shows a group of dogs in a yard, with a fence in the background. The dogs are all different breeds and sizes, and they appear to be playing together.
The image depicts a group of dogs in an outdoor setting, with a mix of small and large breeds, surrounded by greenery and possibly a fence or other structures.
The image depicts a collection of dark green leaves, likely from a tree, with a few brown spots scattered throughout, set against a light gray background. The leaves are arranged in a random pattern.
The image shows two dogs, one large and one small, sitting on the ground with their heads up, looking alert and attentive, in a relaxed and calm pose.
A person is painting a mural on a wall, with a large brush in their hand, surrounded by a fence and a tree in the background. The scene is set against a natural backdrop.
The image depicts a group of dogs, likely a mix of breeds, gathered together in a yard or enclosure, with some standing and others lying down, showcasing their unique characteristics.
The image shows a collection of mushrooms on the ground, with a few scattered around the area, set against a natural outdoor background. The scene appears to be a forest or wooded area.
A woman sits cross-legged on a yoga mat in a white room, with a black and white cat beside her, surrounded by crystals and a colorful tapestry behind her.
 Show all photos
Two people are planting a small tree in a field, with one person holding a watering can and the other holding a plant.
The image depicts a group of people harvesting grass in a field, with a stone wall and a building in the background.
The image shows three people in a car, with two women and a man, all wearing sunglasses and making silly faces at the camera.
The image depicts a couple standing in a rustic barn, surrounded by hay and farm equipment, with the man's arm around the woman's waist.
The image depicts two men working in a dimly lit, narrow, and dirty space with wooden walls and a concrete floor. The man in the foreground is wearing a grey shirt and pants.
The image depicts a serene landscape featuring a lush green field with grazing sheep, surrounded by trees and bushes, with a distant mountain range in the background.
The image depicts a diverse group of farm animals, including a horse, chickens, goats, and dogs, gathered in a field with a tree and a log.

Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host

+27

Feedback

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Accuracy of profile:
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Cultural exchange:
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Communication:
(4.8)

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