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Host rating
90 %
Last replied
17 Jun 2025
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100.0 %
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Details
Description
PLEASE READ THE FULL PROFILE BEFORE APPLYING — AND CHECK THE CALENDAR FIRST
Hi everyone,
My name is Teresa, and I’m a retired English teacher from Portugal with a lifelong love for animals — especially dogs.
Over 20 years ago, I began rescuing stray and abandoned dogs. What started as a personal mission has grown into a full-scale project. Today, we run a registered NGO and care for around 400 dogs and 10 cats at our shelter in beautiful Marateca, near Setúbal, Portugal.
All of our animals are available for adoption, and we work closely with a German rescue organization to help find them loving homes.
Volunteers are a vital part of our work. With so many animals to care for, there’s always something to be done — so any helping hands are truly appreciated!
If you love dogs, don’t mind getting a little dirty, and want to be part of a meaningful cause while surrounded by nature, come and join me at the shelter.
Obrigado,
Teresa
Types of help and learning opportunities
Charity Work
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Interests
Charity work
Plant care
Gardening
Animals
Nature
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Your stay with us will be a rewarding experience, both personally and culturally.
You'll gain valuable insights into dog behavior — especially the dynamics within a pack, how they communicate, and interact with one another.
This is also a great opportunity to meet people from around the world, build friendships, and share experiences.
Beyond the shelter, you’ll have time to explore the natural beauty of Portugal. Our farm is nestled in a peaceful, rural area surrounded by cork trees and wildlife. It’s the perfect escape from busy tourist areas — yet the nearest city is just a 30-minute bus ride away.
Beautiful towns like Setúbal and Lisbon are within reach, and several beaches are also easily accessible.
Local Portuguese food is generally affordable and absolutely worth trying. Do keep in mind that Portugal has a strong meat and fish-based food culture, so vegetarian or vegan options may not always be widely available — though with a little effort, they can be found.
Help
– PLEASE READ THIS CAREFULLY BEFORE APPLYING –
We’re looking for committed and compassionate volunteers to help support our animal rescue work. This is a working shelter, not a petting zoo or holiday retreat, and it’s important that you know what to expect before applying.
Minimum stay: 1 week
Maximum stay: 3 weeks (can be discussed)
Shifts: please coordinate your preferred time with the shelter manager.
Tasks must be completed before finishing your shift.
What We Expect from You:
• Be punctual, flexible, mentally and physically fit
• Follow all instructions carefully — they are in place for your safety and the animals’ well-being
• Be practical, attentive, and willing to learn
• Have a real love for dogs, and not be afraid of hard, often dirty work
• Be okay with insects, mud, poop, and sometimes challenging weather
• That you keep both the apartment and the shelter clean and leave them tidy upon departure.
Main Volunteer Tasks:
• Cleaning kennels (yes, that includes poop and pee!)
• Refilling food and water
• General maintenance (e.g. fixing fences or dog houses)
• Caring for plants around the property
• Helping with weekly vet visits
• Spending quality time with the dogs after your shift (cuddles are encouraged!)
• And more, depending on what’s needed that day
What to Bring:
No prior experience needed — just a positive attitude and willingness to help.
Wear season-appropriate, durable clothes and supportive shoes you don’t mind getting dirty.
• Winter: Cold, wet, muddy — bring warm layers.
• Summer: Hot and humid — bring breathable clothing and sun protection.
• All year: Old sneakers or sturdy work shoes are best
• depending on the weather, leggings, or working pants and a fanny pack always comes in handy
⸻
The Reality of Shelter Life:
This is not for everyone. Some people leave after two days because they didn’t realize how demanding the work is.
We’re honest about this so that only the right people apply.
You will:
• Clean up poop (every day)
• Get dirty and sweaty
• See bugs, mice, maybe even rats
• Work hard — even in heat or mud
But if you truly love animals, and you’re ready to give your time, energy, and heart to help them, this will be an incredibly rewarding experience. We take safety seriously. For example, when entering kennels, it’s vital to follow our guidelines to avoid dogs escaping. This kind of attention protects the animals and ensures the shelter runs smoothly.
Please only apply if you feel 100% ready to commit, physically and mentally. Our shelter and our dogs rely on volunteers who show up with care, energy, and a genuine desire to help.
Thank you so much — we truly appreciate everyone who comes here for the right reasons.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Portuguese: Fluent
French: Beginner
Accommodation
Your accommodation:
We can offer:
- First of all, a LOT of dogs! :) Everywhere...
- One fully equipped Caravan with toilet, shower and a kitchen
- one single bed room in the shared apartment house directly in the shelter, with private bedrooms, fully equipped kitchen and shared bathroom
-one double bed room in the shared apartment house directly in the shelter , with private bedrooms, fully equipped kitchen and shared bathroom
Bear in mind, our volunteer house is basic and is in the middle of the shelter and you might be woken up in the morning by dog sounds. Please do not expect a fancy apartment.
- Towels and bed linen will be provided.
- You will share the common areas with other volunteers.
- The use of a wash machine is possible for free once a week
- The apartment is in the middle of the dog kennels. So it can get loud in the night. (You might bring earplugs ;))
- We will also provide a bicycle and a helmet, so you can get independently to the next village in a few minutes.
- There is also the option to use the Shelter car, but is has priority for all sort of farm related trips f.e. to the vet, picking up dogs etc. A valid driver license is mandatory.
- Unfortunately, we cannot provide meals. But you can get them for a low price in the next village.
The water from the tap is drinkable.
PLUS:
- We ask you kindly to clean after yourself before you leave, we do not have time to clean every time a volunteer leaves.
- Whenever you want to go out for the night, you should sleep out - midnight being the limit to come back to the shelter. The dogs will always bark once someone walks through the shelter, it’s very noisy and we ask to considerate the sleep of everyone else there.
What else ...
!!!IMPORTANT INFORMATION!!!
!SUNDAYS NO ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE!
WEDNESDAY ARRIVAL AFTER 5pm!
- ARRIVAL DAY-
Please make sure when you book a flight, to keep in mind that you need to arrive at the farm latest 8pm on arrival day depending how you travel.
Public transportation:
1)When you travel by public transport and need a pick up from a close bus station, you need to be there latest 5.30pm! We can arrange a pick up at the bus station, if you let us know up front.
Sundays no public transport offered. Further instructions can be given.
2)When you travel in your own (rental) car or by taxi, please make sure you also arrive at the shelter latest at 8pm!
If you arrive later due to unforeseen circumstances, inform Teresa(shelter manager) upfront via WhatsApp and we can try to find a solution. Otherwise you need to be aware that you need to arrange another accommodation the first night by yourself and you have to take care of the costs yourself too.
-DEPARTURE DAY-
If you have an early flight, please make sure to stay overnight somewhere else, as leaving the farm early in the morning is not possible. Also public transport might also not be available.
Last but not least,
We cannot host volunteers with their own dog. This would be too stressful for every party.
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
Feedback (35)
Don’t expect to just… read more
They were always willing to help and perforned all tasks they were asked to from cleaning the kennels to changing water and filling up food containers
They often worked more than the established time period once they were aware a lot of tasks were still waiting to be… read more
They are an excellent example of how volunteering work should be ( in the present case working in a big dog shelter )They performed all the tasks assigned willingly and even offered to help doing something else, if needed.
Very polite and helpful, always in a good mood despite the heavy rain and… read more
There is a lot of work to do and it is fairly strenuous but you are given a lot of room to work at your own pace and schedule. The workday consists of clearing up poo, sweeping and replacing water and food. There will sometimes be… read more
Photos
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(4.8)
Cultural exchange:
(4.4)
Communication:
(4.6)
Don’t expect to just… read more
They were always willing to help and perforned all tasks they were asked to from cleaning the kennels to changing water and filling up food containers
They often worked more than the established time period once they were aware a lot of tasks were still waiting to be… read more
They are an excellent example of how volunteering work should be ( in the present case working in a big dog shelter )They performed all the tasks assigned willingly and even offered to help doing something else, if needed.
Very polite and helpful, always in a good mood despite the heavy rain and… read more
There is a lot of work to do and it is fairly strenuous but you are given a lot of room to work at your own pace and schedule. The workday consists of clearing up poo, sweeping and replacing water and food. There will sometimes be… read more
I enjoyed a lot, thank you for this experience! Would definitely recommend it!
When I stayed, the main jobs were cleaning - water, cleaning up poo etc. I also enjoyed walking the dogs in the evenings and… read more
As someone who had never… read more
Isabella we wish you all the best. Please let… read more
She got along with the animals very well and was always respectful and open to the team.
So thank you very much Fleur for all you've done. It was a pleasure to have you around.
All the best 🐾🐾
Unfortunately we only had one week but we're looking forward to the next time she'll come to us.
Katrin, thank you so much for all you've… read more
We couldn't be more happy with her and her help.
Thank you so much for all you've done. We're looking forward to seeing you again some day.
All the best for you 🐾🐾
During my stay, she was very nice with me, I thank her a lot for everything !
Mathilde
She was so lovely and warming with the dogs. We couldn't be happier with her.
So thank you Tania for all you've done. When you're around please stop by to say hello.
We wish you all the best for your journey 🐾🐾
It was a real pleasure to get to know you, and the beautiful shutter.
I’m thankful that there are people like you in this world that care, and are creative and activists!
It gave me motivation and hope.
I want to thank you for all you do, and for giving us the opportunity to help even if it’s just a bit.… read more
Luise, thank you so much for your loving and caring help. We really hope to see you soon again.
Beijinhos
When I was reading feedbacks (before coming to Portugal) I thought, people are a bit overreacting about Teresas dedication to dogs. Now I know, she is even working harder than I could possibly have imagined. It… read more
As we first arrived everything was so overwhelming… so many dogs with so many different stories, problems, personalities. The days at the shelter aren’t always easy - physically as well as mentally. But in the end we are glad we stayed, learned how… read more
So Carrie and Lata, thank you very much for all you've done. We're looking so forward to seeing you again in January.
Take good care and… read more
During my four weeks at the shelter, I felt like there was a never-ending amount of work and due to the hot and dusty weather, it could get very exhausting.
Nevertheless, I have to say that Teresa and all the lovely dogs turned my stay into a real pleasure!
This is a perfect… read more
Thank you very much Mara for helping us. All the best for your further journey.
Thank you Urša for all you've done. When you're around someday again we'd love to welcome you here again.
Valentine, we're beyond grateful for your… read more
The farm is big and is a (temporary) home to about 330 dogs. Every day tasks include walking the dogs, a little cleaning,… read more
Ash, thank you so much for all you've done. We wish you all the best on your further journey.
Thank you Petra and Cole for your help. All the best for your future.
She was cleaning, walking the dogs, giving medicine and of course a lot of petting and cuddling.
Thank you Cecilia for all you've done. We wish you all the best for your new part of life and hope to see you again… read more
Come to Terezas dogfarm if you want to meet 400 souls full of love which beg after love and attention. There is always something you can do, so it wont get borring here. The farm is surround by a beutiful nature and it is nice to go for a walk with the dogs in the evenig. If you love dogs and have no… read more
Thank you so much Lucía for helping us. We wish you all the best and great workaway experiences
Jackson, we wish you all the best for your further journey. Best wishes to you… read more
We wish you all the best and want you to know that you're more than welcome… read more
Thank you so much Elisa for all you've done. We wish you all the best and hope to see you soon again.
The work with the dogs gave me a lot of joy. I helped with feeding and cleaning, took… read more
It's amazing how much she does for the animals!
Thank you two for your great support. We wish you all the best for your future.
She learned so fast and could work self-responsible very quick.
I'm more than thankful for her support and hope to see her again once.
All the best to you, Sina and enjoy your further journey.
I spent two wonderful weeks with Teresa and would come back any time. The dogs are all lovely, you get to spend your time caring for them, feeding them, cleaning their spaces and of course giving lots of love to them. You will receive a lot of love from them… read more
It was a real pleasure to help in this place, so many friendly dogs, a… read more
We wish you all the best and a lot of fun with your new family… read more
She didn't bother any kind of work and also helped perfectly with medical treatments.
Thank you so much Luisa. We wish you all the best and a great journey.
Thank you so much for your help, Jenna. We wish you all the best.
Thank you so much for everything you've done. We wish you all the best for your further… read more
Thank you very much for your great help.
Already the communication before her stay was uncomplicated and full of good energy.
She did all work very well and had a good connection to the dogs and everyone on the farm.
We hope to see her again next year. Till then we wish her all the… read more
Peyton and Michelle did all work with passion and responsibility.
We hope to see them soon again, the dogs will miss them :)
We wish them all the best for their further journey.
We did a lot of different jobs, but the most important was always spending time with the dogs. At first glance, the amount of dogs may seem intimidating… read more
