Profile information
Host is looking for help immediately
Host rating
80 %
Last replied
24 Apr 2024
Reply rate
56.4 %
Usually responds within 2 days
Feedback
46
Email verified
Badges (2)
Details
Description
Animal sanctuary for donkeys, horses, ponies
Help needed around the sanctuary with mucking out, feeding, & maintenance of existing buildings.
My place is a farm sanctuary for seriously abused and unwanted animals, I’ve been running the sanctuary for over 8 years. I primarily care for donkeys & a small number of horses but have rescue a large number of rescue cats saved from the streets.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Animal Care, cleaning out & feeding
Farmstay help
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Accommodation
I offer private rooms, 2 doubles & three single, and some storage for clothes, There’s a private indoor shower, toilet and washing machine. A shared indoor kitchen with hob and fridge. There’s an old range in the kitchen which provides a heat source when lit, & can be used as an oven. I provide bedding but not towels.
What else ...
Local town Approx 1 hour 30 minutes walk. There are taxis. A car or bicycle would be useful if you want to go to the town & don’t want to walk or get a taxi, or explore some of this beautiful region. A car is helpful to explore further afield such as the thermal springs although there are buses from the local town of Chantada & trains from Monforte de Lemos.
Parking is available a few mins walk from the house.
We have no WiFi (the local town has bars & cafes with WiFi) but you can get 3G/4G in some parts of the house. It does get muddy at the farm & at some times of year it can be wet & cold in Galicia. We do get great sunshine too though! You need to come equipped with waterproof clothes, warm clothes (for some times of year) & good wellingtons or waterproof boots for working at the farm. I provide work gloves if you need them.
You need to be confident around equines. Workaways are shown what to do when they arrive & tasks are allocated daily/weekly.
If there’s others staying then you’ll agree yourselves who’ll cook each day ( usually just the evening meal but it’s up to you how you work it out) & the house cleaning rota. I provide a hoover & all other cleaning equipment.
Hours expected
Minimum of 1 weeks stay. 5 hours a day split across the day depending on the animals needs. We start at 9am everyday. Tasks are allocated depending on how many workaways are staying. You have 1 day off a week. You can do more hours if you want to.
You should bring some wet and cold weather clothing, a towel and some boots for working in mud in and around animals. We do not supply clothing or footwear for volunteers.
Thank you
Christopher
.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Charity Work
Art Projects
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
People will learn all aspects of animal care, how to clean out stables.
People will learn all aspects of animal care, including feeding, maintaining & repairing fencing, how to clean out stables and do basic medical tasks. How to move a large herd of donkeys & horses around & care for several chickens.
Help
Animal Care help and garden tasks, dog walking, feeding of animals and some building crafts.
Animal Care help, feeding of animals, cleaning out, maintenance of their shelters, moving hay bales. Sharing the preparation & cooking of meals for themselves & other workaways, cleaning the house & grounds and some land clearance. Ongoing maintenance of the land, animals housing, fencing & maintenance of the main house. General building jobs as required.
Languages
Languages spoken
English: FluentThis host offers a language exchange
I’m eager to learn any new language but can be a slow learner but will try
Accommodation
I can offer a private room with double bed and some storage for clothes, there’s a private indoor shower and toilet too with washing machine. A shared indoor kitchen with over and fridge. And two more basic empty rooms downstairs with a possibility to stay with one double bed and a single.
What else ...
Local town good 1 hour 30 minutes walk away, tough terrain through the mountains
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Hours expected
5 hours per day, 5 days/week
Host ref number: 369654812512
Feedback (37)
1 Apr 2024
Left by Workawayer (Ludovica) for host
This was my first workaway and I'm so happy it was: the place is just magical, it just gives you the space to breathe and look at what is around and inside of you.
The sanctuary itself and the work done by Christopher in building it is absolutely impressive and I'm really happy to have been part of it, even if only for 10 days. Work was clearly… read more
The sanctuary itself and the work done by Christopher in building it is absolutely impressive and I'm really happy to have been part of it, even if only for 10 days. Work was clearly… read more
7 Mar 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Sara Giorgia)
Sara volunteered with me in February and was a fantastic volunteer. She worked hard everyday, followed instructions clearly and efficiently and kept both the house and her bedroom tidy. She helped really well as a team with her group of volunteers and was punctual with her time keeping. I would strongly recommend her for any workaway project,… read more
(Excellent
)
10 Feb 2024
Left by Workawayer (Sara Giorgia) for host
my stay in San Vicente was very happy. I was sorry to leave after just one week. I met there some amazing people, shout-out to Nina, Rebecca, Marin, Luise and Jordi! You were the best! And Chris also is an amazing guy, was our reference the whole time, just takes a little time to get to understand him. For anything don't hesitate to text if you're… read more
30 Jan 2024
Left by Workawayer (Valeria) for host
I stayed at Chris's animal sanctuary 10 days in January an it was such an amazing experience. The work can be tiring sometimes but absolutely fulfilling, at the end of the day it just amazing to go to bed feeling good. The love of Chris for his donkeys and other animals is super contagious and when you talk to him you can feel his passion and… read more
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(4.9)
Cultural exchange:
(4.8)
Communication:
(4.9)
1 Apr 2024
Left by Workawayer (Ludovica) for host
This was my first workaway and I'm so happy it was: the place is just magical, it just gives you the space to breathe and look at what is around and inside of you.
The sanctuary itself and the work done by Christopher in building it is absolutely impressive and I'm really happy to have been part of it, even if only for 10 days. Work was clearly… read more
The sanctuary itself and the work done by Christopher in building it is absolutely impressive and I'm really happy to have been part of it, even if only for 10 days. Work was clearly… read more
7 Mar 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Sara Giorgia)
Sara volunteered with me in February and was a fantastic volunteer. She worked hard everyday, followed instructions clearly and efficiently and kept both the house and her bedroom tidy. She helped really well as a team with her group of volunteers and was punctual with her time keeping. I would strongly recommend her for any workaway project,… read more
(Excellent
)
10 Feb 2024
Left by Workawayer (Sara Giorgia) for host
my stay in San Vicente was very happy. I was sorry to leave after just one week. I met there some amazing people, shout-out to Nina, Rebecca, Marin, Luise and Jordi! You were the best! And Chris also is an amazing guy, was our reference the whole time, just takes a little time to get to understand him. For anything don't hesitate to text if you're… read more
30 Jan 2024
Left by Workawayer (Valeria) for host
I stayed at Chris's animal sanctuary 10 days in January an it was such an amazing experience. The work can be tiring sometimes but absolutely fulfilling, at the end of the day it just amazing to go to bed feeling good. The love of Chris for his donkeys and other animals is super contagious and when you talk to him you can feel his passion and… read more
9 Nov 2023
Left by Workawayer (Jasmin & Philipp) for host
It was a very nice ecperience working at Chris donkeys sanctuary.
The work was clear communicated and we learned a lot about the farmlife. Even tough we had a lot of rain, it was fun to work together and to have all the animals around. The animals love to cuddle, especially the cats.
We stayed for a bit more than a week and can highly recommend… read more
The work was clear communicated and we learned a lot about the farmlife. Even tough we had a lot of rain, it was fun to work together and to have all the animals around. The animals love to cuddle, especially the cats.
We stayed for a bit more than a week and can highly recommend… read more
7 Sep 2023
Left by Workawayer (Brendan) for host
I had a great time volunteering at Chris’s place. I enjoyed the morning routine of filling hay bags and clearing the stables. Afternoon tasks varied, sometimes they were free.
Chris is a genuine person and easy to get on with. He is clear about what is expected. Food was provided, and volunteers mostly cooked.
The area is remote and a real… read more
Chris is a genuine person and easy to get on with. He is clear about what is expected. Food was provided, and volunteers mostly cooked.
The area is remote and a real… read more
1 Aug 2023
Left by Workawayer (Magdalen) for host
I really enjoyed my stay at Chris's farm, I stayed for 10 days. Each morning we started around 9/9:30 filling bags of hay for the donkeys and horses then we cleaned out the stables and refreshed the water for the animals around the farm. Around noon we took a break for lunch which was always cooked communally by the volunteers with groceries… read more
27 Jul 2023
Left by Workawayer (Erez) for host
I stayed at Chris’ sanctuary for 2 weeks and it was an amazing experience.
Chris is extremely dedicated , committed and caring .
Working with him and seeing his lifestyle opened my eyes.
As I believed in the cause, admired Chris’ dedication and felt connection to the donkeys (and to some of the other animals - cats , horses/ponys, dogs ,… read more
Chris is extremely dedicated , committed and caring .
Working with him and seeing his lifestyle opened my eyes.
As I believed in the cause, admired Chris’ dedication and felt connection to the donkeys (and to some of the other animals - cats , horses/ponys, dogs ,… read more
20 Jun 2023
Left by Workawayer (Ashly) for host
Chris has made a very special place for all the animals living there. Although he says it is about donkeys, expect to be surrounded by so many more wonderful animals. When I was there it was a very special experience. Circumstances were not always ideal because of the quite extreme weather conditions for the time of year. Be prepared to work hard… read more
5 Jun 2023
Left by Workawayer (Merle Zoe) for host
I stayed almost 3 weeks at Chris' sanctuary in April and I truly loved it there! It was mostly physical work like cleaning out stables and feeding the donkeys and other animals but we also always had a lot of freetime to explore the hills and river around or enjoy the sun:-) All the volunteers lived together in one house so everyone got to know… read more
18 May 2023
Left by Workawayer (Luisa) for host
I had a wonderful time at this sanctuary! It was always fun to work with the other volunteers and besides some basic tasks that need to be done every morning, there are plenty of things that you can work on all around the farm - I learned to many new things! In the free time, I was always surrounded by all those amazing animals or spent my time… read more
9 May 2023
Left by Workawayer (Emily) for host
I had an amazing trip, staying for just a week in April.
We did some quite physical work on a couple of days (cleaning out the stables!) and slept very well, but then on the rest of the days Chris gave us some pretty easy tasks to compensate. The donkeys were gorgeous, I'd not spent much time with donkeys before but when you approached one… read more
We did some quite physical work on a couple of days (cleaning out the stables!) and slept very well, but then on the rest of the days Chris gave us some pretty easy tasks to compensate. The donkeys were gorgeous, I'd not spent much time with donkeys before but when you approached one… read more
19 Apr 2023
Left by Workawayer (Liam) for host
This was my first time going to a workday (27/M) and I couldn't have dreamed of a better experience!
I stayed at Christophers sanctuary in March, I was only supposed to stay for 2 weeks but extended my stay another week and a bit as I wanted to spend as much time here as possible.
There is not a lot more I can add to the glowing reviews received… read more
I stayed at Christophers sanctuary in March, I was only supposed to stay for 2 weeks but extended my stay another week and a bit as I wanted to spend as much time here as possible.
There is not a lot more I can add to the glowing reviews received… read more
11 Apr 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Tille & Toon)
Tille & Tonne stayed with me for just over a week, they are a wonderful young couple who took to life here at the sanctuary so well and worked so well as team with my other volunteers staying during the same time, they were clean and tidy and kept the house well kept and took part in communal meals cooking and washing dishes afterwards. They are… read more
(Excellent
)
4 Apr 2023
Left by Workawayer (Tille & Toon) for host
We would like to thank Chris for our stay at the sanctuary. Chris went out of his way to make us feel comfortable, but always in subtle ways so it comes very natural🙂. There’s more than enough food, no pressure or strict timings for the work. He tries to integrate everyone in the group of volunteers, once again in a very natural way. He was always… read more
3 Apr 2023
Left by Workawayer (Lucas & Mica) for host
We have spent 2 amazing weeks at Christopher's Sanctuary. Without a doubt, it was an unforgettable experience, Christopher has the right tact to live together and create a good climate for and with the volunteers. Being in the sanctuary makes you observe how is the sacrifice that a human being makes every day for animals, from a love that we have… read more
21 Mar 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Lucas & Mica)
Lucas & Mica
Stayed with me on my farm for two weeks, having them here was one of the best times of my life. They are both incredibly kind and hardworking people who work well both as a team ane individually, they will try any task given and show great enthusiasm in all they do. Here at my farm I take care of over 58 equines the work is hard and… read more
Stayed with me on my farm for two weeks, having them here was one of the best times of my life. They are both incredibly kind and hardworking people who work well both as a team ane individually, they will try any task given and show great enthusiasm in all they do. Here at my farm I take care of over 58 equines the work is hard and… read more
(Excellent
)
2 Apr 2023
Left by Workawayer (Larisa & Estela) for host
We spent two most wonderful weeks at the sanctuary. We felt like home from the first moment we came. This place is truly magical, full of love and tranquility. Every single animal is special and beutiful and have their own story. Chris we need to say thank you for teaching us tons of new skills, letting us try to do new things we never did before,… read more
22 Mar 2023
Left by Workawayer (Robin & Dorinda) for host
Eventhough we only spent a week at Chris' amazing sanctuary, it has been a lifechanging experience for us!
Chris showed us that every living soul deserves to be loved and that there is a home for everyone. He dedicates his life to give even the worst traumatized creatures a place to live and the space to find trust in human beings again. He knows… read more
Chris showed us that every living soul deserves to be loved and that there is a home for everyone. He dedicates his life to give even the worst traumatized creatures a place to live and the space to find trust in human beings again. He knows… read more
1 Jan 2023
Left by Workawayer (MariaVe) for host
There's already so many references so it's hard to say something new. Still I want to say: I loved this workaway: amazing place surrounded by nature, lots of wonderful animals who have plenty of space to roam around happily, very kind host Chris, who takes care of these animals with love and dedication.
I stayed there in November: it's cold and… read more
I stayed there in November: it's cold and… read more
6 Nov 2022
Left by Workawayer (Sjors & Noor) for host
We stayed 3 weeks and had an unbelievable experience!
-Work-
We loved to work with the animals. We mostly mucked the donkey/pony stables. And took care of the lovely cats (they really need lots of attention love). Chris tought us basic jobs so we could always work in the stables by our selves. When needed we did more difficult jobs. The work is… read more
-Work-
We loved to work with the animals. We mostly mucked the donkey/pony stables. And took care of the lovely cats (they really need lots of attention love). Chris tought us basic jobs so we could always work in the stables by our selves. When needed we did more difficult jobs. The work is… read more
12 Oct 2022
Left by Workawayer (Léa) for host
Chris is an interesting, hardworking and helpful person. His project diserves attention because rare are the person as devoted as hé is with his animals.
The workaway house getting nicer everyday and has a huge potential.
It's a great place for people who like animals, walking in thé nature..
Thanks a lot again for everything Chris
The workaway house getting nicer everyday and has a huge potential.
It's a great place for people who like animals, walking in thé nature..
Thanks a lot again for everything Chris
4 Oct 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Oliver & Caroline )
Oliver & Caroline spent nearly two weeks with us here at the sanctuary, they were both such a fantastic help around the farm and took to all tasks easily and confidently. They worked well as a team and working individually on set tasks, they are both strong and hard working people and can live easily with other volunteers in a community set up… read more
(Excellent
)
10 Sep 2022
Left by Workawayer (Oliver & Caroline ) for host
We spent two weeks here with Chris and a group of lovely workawayers. We really enjoyed the work and getting to spend time with the animals and getting to know their unique personalities. The surrounding areas are very beautiful and we had plenty of time outside of work to explore and relax. Chris was a kind host and always clear and helpful about… read more
3 Oct 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Marla )
Marla spent two weeks with me in the summer of 2022, she was an incredible volunteer and took a keen and loving interest in my work and the animals in my care. I’d often catch a glimpse of her enjoying her time of with the animals either grooming or just enjoying their company. She’s an extremely hard worker and took to every task asked of her… read more
(Excellent
)
10 Sep 2022
Left by Workawayer (Marla ) for host
I spent two wonderful weeks in august at Chris' sanctuary. Chris is such a nice host and his passion and dedication for his job is really inspiring. He has a lot of knowledge to share and so much love for his animals.
We worked a few hours in the morning and a few hours late afternoon, depending on the weather. The hours in between shifts are… read more
We worked a few hours in the morning and a few hours late afternoon, depending on the weather. The hours in between shifts are… read more
31 Aug 2022
Left by Workawayer (Julia & Rayk) for host
We spent a little more than six weeks at the sanctuary and it was a great experience. Never in our life were we able to participate in such meaningful work and have a true sense of helping formely abused and traumatised animals. Chris' work at the sanctuary is truly inspiring and even though we were there in the middle of one of the biggest… read more
23 Aug 2022
Left by Workawayer (Nikita) for host
I had a wonderful experience working at the sanctuary this summer. I spent 6 weeks there and time flew by. Chris is a great teacher, patient and gentle in his ways; all in all a great host. Lots of reviews write about the work, so I will spare you the repetition and focus on something else.
I want to give a few learnings from my experience as… read more
I want to give a few learnings from my experience as… read more
9 May 2022
Left by Workawayer (Virginia Maria & Bernat) for host
We have learned a lot in our experience here, how to take care the donkeys, get to know their various personalities and fall in love with the baby donkeys, Dylan, Grayson and Virgil. They are adorable, loving and noble. In addition, we really liked the experience of living in community with other volunteers and also helping to plant the garden.… read more
3 May 2022
Left by Workawayer (Keren) for host
My two weeks in Chris’ farm were an absolute dream!
I got to wake up To the beautiful greenery of Northern Spain and spend time taking care of the sweetest donkeys, horses, chickens, cats and dogs. Chris was very helpful and always made sure to check up on the volunteers and make sure everything was going okay. He also trusted us to take care of… read more
I got to wake up To the beautiful greenery of Northern Spain and spend time taking care of the sweetest donkeys, horses, chickens, cats and dogs. Chris was very helpful and always made sure to check up on the volunteers and make sure everything was going okay. He also trusted us to take care of… read more
16 Apr 2022
Left by Workawayer (Josepha & Lukas) for host
During the two weeks we spent at Christopher’s sanctuary we learned to take care of the donkeys, met many really nice people and experienced life in this beautiful little paradise in northern Spain.
Every day we worked together with other volunteers who stayed with us at the farm. We took care of the donkeys in the morning and in the evening and… read more
Every day we worked together with other volunteers who stayed with us at the farm. We took care of the donkeys in the morning and in the evening and… read more
12 Apr 2022
Left by Workawayer (Jack) for host
I spent a little over a week and a half on the farm with the donkeys and it was such a great experience. I had absolutely no experience with animals or farming before coming out but Chris is really kind, accommodating and patient and the other volunteers showed me the ropes quite quickly. Taking care of the animals is very rewarding and the other… read more
7 Apr 2022
Left by Workawayer (Remi & Martin) for host
We went in Christopher's farm 2 weeks with my friend, and it was one of the best experience of our lives. He was extremely kind and comprehensive, always helpful. We learned from him a lot of things, the place was wonderful as the animals he got, it's definitely a good vibes place. The forest and the people around the farm are really great too.… read more
8 Mar 2022
Left by Workawayer (Veronica) for host
I cannot thank Chris enough for my time on his sanctuary. I came here to understand what it takes to run my own sanctuary someday and Chris was more than helpful and welcoming. He comes by often to always make sure the volunteers are happy and comfortable. My work was pretty consistent taking care of the animals feedings, cleaning their stalls… read more
4 Mar 2022
Left by Workawayer (Stefanie ) for host
Dear Chris,
I want to thank you very much for giving me the opportunity to help with this great project on your farm.
You have built something really really great there. I admire your commitment very much.
Your deep love and tireless commitment to your animals can be felt everywhere at your place.
You are a very caring and appreciating host.… read more
I want to thank you very much for giving me the opportunity to help with this great project on your farm.
You have built something really really great there. I admire your commitment very much.
Your deep love and tireless commitment to your animals can be felt everywhere at your place.
You are a very caring and appreciating host.… read more
4 Feb 2022
Left by Workawayer (Delia) for host
I spent 3 weeks at the sanctuary and loved every minute of it. The animals are so sweet and the fields of galicia ar really peaceful. Christopher always made sure that the volunteers where comfortable and there was always a lot of great food.
He cares about his animals so much and does so much work so that they have the best life possible. It's… read more
He cares about his animals so much and does so much work so that they have the best life possible. It's… read more
5 Jan 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Steffen & Daniela)
Steffen & Daniela stayed with me for over two weeks where they took care of 15 donkeys, 20 birds and 12 cats all by themselves, they were managing one of my farmhouses themselves and showed great confidence and care with my animals and property. They both worked extremely hard each day and even had time to do extra tasks each day once they’d… read more
(Excellent
)
26 Nov 2021
Left by Workawayer (Steffen & Daniela) for host
We spent great 9 days at Christopher’s shelter and even though we had no experience in this type of work, he explained us what to do and was helpful all the time.
Christopher is really committed with the shelter full time and was a big inspiration for us. He came to the place twice a day to let the donkeys out and in, check out if everything was… read more
Christopher is really committed with the shelter full time and was a big inspiration for us. He came to the place twice a day to let the donkeys out and in, check out if everything was… read more
4 Dec 2021
Left by Workawayer (SilviaBurgdorf) for host
The donkey sanctuary is a very special place in the Galician mountains. Christopher is highly committed to save and help the animals! We found him and the many stories he told us about the difficulties of protecting animals in Northern Spain very intriguing. Even more we admire the hard work he puts in there every day. When we were there he… read more
16 Nov 2021
Left by Workawayer (Markus) for host
Chris is incredible passionate working with his animals and giving them a better life.
The day to day work on the farm was quite physical and hard sometimes (due to cold and wet days in November - the area gets a bit muddy)
But I could see some of the donkeys progressing from day to day what really gave me motivation and the feeling to do… read more
The day to day work on the farm was quite physical and hard sometimes (due to cold and wet days in November - the area gets a bit muddy)
But I could see some of the donkeys progressing from day to day what really gave me motivation and the feeling to do… read more
9 Nov 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (David )
David was a pleasure to have as a volunteer a special young man who will bring great joy and kindness to your project. Although he’s only young he’s very hardworking and enthusiastic to try any job given to him, he’s fantastic with animals and shows great care and respect when working around them. David is a great person to have around other… read more
(Excellent
)
8 Nov 2021
Left by Workawayer (David ) for host
This was my first workaway experience and it was amazing! Chris is a great person who really cares about his animals and his volunteers. It was very interesting to interact with the animals and see how they become better and more comfortable around you every day. Each animal has its own personality and that makes it intriguing to observe them.
A… read more
A… read more
10 Oct 2021
Left by Workawayer (Elisa) for host
I spent 5 wonderful weeks at the sanctuary with a lovely portugese couple. The work was perfectly adequate (taking care of the animals, cleaning out stables, some gardening and general cleanup/ maintenace tasks etc.) and there was a lot of free time to explore the area and spend time with the animals.
Christopher came down to the house every day… read more
Christopher came down to the house every day… read more
28 Aug 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Veronika)
Veronika stayed with us for a week and was fantastic to have around the sanctuary. She was eager to learn new things and showed great confidence with all the animals both big and small, especially the cats. She kept the house tidy and clean and was always willing to help with cooking. I would recommend Veronika to anyone looking for a workaway… read more
(Excellent
)
11 Aug 2021
Left by Workawayer (Maddi) for host
It was a really nice experience to stay at the sanctuary! I spend just the few free days I had, and I would have definitely loved to stay much longer.
During my stay, I shared the beautiful farm house with a lovely Portuguese couple, and Christopher came several times a day to give instructions, help, work and spend some time together. He would… read more
During my stay, I shared the beautiful farm house with a lovely Portuguese couple, and Christopher came several times a day to give instructions, help, work and spend some time together. He would… read more
11 Aug 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Maddi)
It was a pleasure to have Maddie volunteer at my sanctuary, she’s a quick learner and eager to help and learn new things. She took care of my large donkey herd and birds as well as many cats with great care and dedication. She kept the house clean and helped with all meals and cleaning. I would highly recommend Maddie for any volunteer project and… read more
(Excellent
)
