Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
13 Jun 2025
Reply rate
97.1 %
Usually responds within 2 days
Feedback
18
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Badges (3)
Details
Description
We’ve been working for nearly two decades to help animals in need. We are currently caring for around 100 dogs and 30 cats, and we're looking for volunteers to help us provide them with the attention and socialization they need to get ready for adoption.
Your main role as a volunteer is to spend quality time with the animals — walking dogs, brushing them, playing, and simply being present. Many of them are still learning to trust people or just need more one-on-one time to build confidence and social skills.
You’ll also help with general shelter support — like tidying up and lending a hand where needed.
Experience isn’t necessary — just a genuine love for animals, a willingness to follow instructions, and a respectful, positive attitude. If you’re looking for a meaningful way to support animal welfare while experiencing life in rural Japan, we’d love to hear from you.
Types of help and learning opportunities
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
General Maintenance
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Volunteering with us offers a chance to experience daily life in rural Japan while supporting a meaningful cause. You'll be working alongside our local Japanese staff and volunteers, which provides a great opportunity to practice and improve your Japanese language skills, especially in a real-world, hands-on environment.
Our team also includes international volunteers, so you’ll be part of a truly multicultural group, all working together for the animals. You'll gain insight into animal welfare in Japan, the challenges we face, and how grassroots efforts can make a real difference.
It’s a rewarding cultural exchange for anyone interested in language, teamwork, and making a positive impact.
Help
We currently care for approximately 100 dogs and 30 cats at our shelter. Animal care volunteers play a vital role in walking dogs, brushing them, playing, and helping with socialization to prepare them for adoption.
We’re looking for responsible, self-reliant individuals who genuinely enjoy spending time with animals and are happy to support our team in daily routines.
We also welcome volunteers with carpentry or maintenance skills to help with small building projects and general upkeep around the shelter.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Japanese: Fluent
Accommodation
Volunteers stay in a shared volunteer house located a few minutes' walk from a small local train station, with convenience stores and basic shops nearby. Each volunteer has a private bedroom, but all other areas — including the kitchen, bathroom, and common spaces — are shared.
Please note:
*Bedroom doors are not lockable, so we ask everyone to be respectful of each other’s space and belongings.
*The house is older and not insulated, like many traditional Japanese homes. It can be very hot in summer and quite cold in winter, even with the air conditioners and space heaters provided. Please come prepared with appropriate clothing — especially warm layers and sleepwear for winter.
*The accommodation is self-managed — there is no cleaning staff, so volunteers are expected to clean up after themselves and take turns maintaining shared areas.
*We do not provide meals, but there is a kitchen for you to cook in. Sometimes donated food items (like rice or noodles) may be available for volunteers to use.
*The shelter is a short drive away, and a staff member or volunteer will provide transport between the house and shelter
What else ...
Transportation:
To/From the shelter: Shelter staff/volunteer can pick you up/drop you off from the volunteer accommodations.
To volunteer accommodation upon arrival in Tokushima: If you give us your schedule in advance, shelter staff/volunteer can pick you up at Tokushima-station.
Salary: We are run on a volunteer basis. Except for three hired paid regular staff member, we do not provide volunteers with salary or compensation.
Language: Most of the local volunteers and regular staff members are Japanese speakers. The founder, Susan and some volunteers can speak English.
Insurance: Please make sure to have your travel insurance. We cannot provide financial assistance for hospital visits or illnesses.
Tokushima prefecture does provide "volunteer insurance" to help cover medical costs for injuries sustained during volunteering in the country. The cost is 500 yen per year. We require volunteers to register for this insurance, so please provide your full name, address and contact information before arriving so we can prepare the paperwork.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
This host can provide space for campervans.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Feedback (13)
I was with other very nice volunteers so the walks will be more enjoyable.
The house where I… read more
We stayed for about three weeks. We had a great time working with the dogs and discovering the area. The staff at the shelter made us feel very welcome, and Hitoshi and Susan, who are very busy on a daily basis, were still there if we needed them.
The days… read more
Firstly, the easiest to improve: we had absolutely no communication with Susan and Hitoshi. We learn everything last minute.
Secondly, we felt a bit left alone. Except from driving us to and from the shelter, we had no help at all. No food either in the room provided for… read more
Photos
Feedback
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Accuracy of profile:
(4.8)
Cultural exchange:
(3.4)
Communication:
(3.9)
I was with other very nice volunteers so the walks will be more enjoyable.
The house where I… read more
We stayed for about three weeks. We had a great time working with the dogs and discovering the area. The staff at the shelter made us feel very welcome, and Hitoshi and Susan, who are very busy on a daily basis, were still there if we needed them.
The days… read more
Firstly, the easiest to improve: we had absolutely no communication with Susan and Hitoshi. We learn everything last minute.
Secondly, we felt a bit left alone. Except from driving us to and from the shelter, we had no help at all. No food either in the room provided for… read more
We stayed for 4 weeks in January and it was the most rewarding experience which has given us memories to last a lifetime. Susan and Hitoshi have an incredibly hard task in caring for all these animals and they do a brilliant job despite the pressures they are faced with.… read more
What I'm going to say it's about the same thing of all the others comments.
Susan and Hitoshi are sooooooo busy, I don't know how they arrive to manage everything, I'm very impressed! You can see Susan at the clinic (ask Histoshi to show you the puppies at the clinic… read more
You don’t get too much of an introduction because everyone is super busy but mainly all you’re doing is… read more
If you love animals and want to feel really useful, it's the right place to be ! I was with other volunteer people sometimes (German and French, Hi Jonas and Amy !)
This place is runned by Susan and Hitoshi, who are really really busy. Hitoshi drives… read more
For volunteers there is a lot of walking with tens of dogs every day. We are quite sad about these dogs, who are still waiting for… read more
The dogs are so cute, we already miss them!
Everyone at the shelter works so hard and it's so inspiring to see everyone giving up their time to care for these lovely animals. There is (of… read more
Thank you, Ming, for joining us and we would love to have you back anytime!
