Help us make the world a better place and join our small, independent animal sanctuary in Domecko, rural Poland

Availability

  2025 

 Min stay requested: at least a week

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Details

  • Description

    Description

    We’re a small, independent animal sanctuary in rural Poland, surrounded by forest and fueled by love, compassion, and hard work. Our mission is to provide a lifelong home for rescued animals and create a space where people, nature, and animals can coexist peacefully.

    The sanctuary is run by just the two of us — I’m a psychotherapist and teacher, and my partner is a musician. We're both activists who care deeply about animal rights, sustainability, and meaningful human connection. We're plant-based, practical, and a bit unconventional — living close to the land, guided by purpose more than comfort.

    We care for over 50 rescued animals, including dogs, cats, pigs, goats, sheep, rabbits, hens, geese, and one very charming duck. Every animal here has a name, a story, and a safe place to be.

    Right now, we're focused on improving the infrastructure.

    If you're looking for something real, purposeful, and rooted in nature (with a bit of chaos, noise, and laughter along the way), you might just feel at home here.

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    Charity Work
    Gardening
    DIY and building projects
    Animal Care
    Creating/ Cooking family meals
    Help around the house
    General Maintenance
  • Interests

    Interests

    Movies & TV
    Politics / Social justice
    LGBTQ
    Pets
    Vegetarian or vegan
    Self development
    Charity work
    History
    Books
    Music
    Languages
    Gardening
    Writing
    Drawing & painting
    Animals
    Yoga / Wellness
    Nature
    Water sports
    Outdoor activities
    Cycling
    Hiking
  • UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

    UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

    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

    Volunteering with us isn’t just about helping — it’s also a rich learning experience and a cultural exchange.

    I’m a psychotherapist and teacher — open-minded, curious, and passionate about languages, animals, and deep conversations. I can teach you English, Polish, a lot about animal behavior, and a plant-based, healthy lifestyle. I love hearing about different cultures and ways of life — and I’m a good listener (and talker) too. 😊

    My partner is a musician, endlessly chatty, a bit bossy, and absolutely one of the kindest souls you’ll meet. He brings music, energy, structure, and a good sense of humor to every day. You might find yourself building a fence with him by day and singing by the fire with him at night.

    Between the two of us, you'll experience a mix of structured tasks, open-hearted connection, shared meals, laughs, music, and real talk — all set in the middle of nature with over 50 rescued animals.

  • Help

    Help

    We are currently looking for skilled and reliable volunteers to support us with physically demanding but rewarding work at our animal sanctuary.

    The main help we need includes:

    Landscaping, gardening, and planting

    General outdoor tasks.

    There’s also the optional opportunity to help with animals: feeding, cleaning, and walking our 7 dogs — but the priority right now is on physical infrastructure.

    We usually work 5 hours per day, Monday to Friday, with flexibility depending on the weather and type of tasks. You’ll need to be fit, self-motivated, and comfortable getting your hands dirty. This is not a retreat — it’s real help with real purpose, and we value people who show up ready to contribute.

    In exchange, you’ll stay in a cozy wooden guest house, share a warm plant-based dinner with us each day, and have access to peaceful nature, meaningful connection, and a lot of wagging tails.

  • Languages

    Languages spoken
    English: Fluent
    Polish: Fluent
    German: Beginner
    French: Beginner

    This host offers a language exchange
    This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
    You can contact them directly for more information.

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation

    Volunteers stay in a private wooden guest house located on the sanctuary grounds. It’s a simple but comfortable space that includes:

    Comfortable mattresses with clean bedding provided

    A private bathroom with a shower

    A small kitchen for preparing your own meals

    Basic furniture, electricity, and natural light

    Access to a bike for getting around the area

    The house is quiet and cozy — ideal for relaxing after a day of hands-on work. You’ll have your own space, but you're always welcome to join us for meals, conversations, or time around the bonfire.

  • What else ...

    What else ...

    When you're not helping out at the sanctuary, there's plenty of space — both literally and mentally — to rest, explore, and recharge.

    We live right on the edge of a beautiful, vast forest with trails perfect for long walks, bike rides, or quiet moments in nature. It’s peaceful, wild, and full of life — a great place to unplug and reconnect with yourself.

    We're about 40 minutes from lakes and mountain areas, where you can go hiking, swimming (in the warmer months), or just enjoy the views. If you're into photography, sketching, journaling, or simply lying in the grass with a book — this is your place.

    We provide a bicycle for getting around locally. The nearest small town with shops and basic services is a short ride away. We can also pick you up from the nearest train station and help you get settled in.

    In the evenings, we often cook together, talk by the fire, or play music. You're welcome to join — or do your own thing. There's no pressure, just openness.

    If you're looking for nightlife, crowds, or lots of stimulation — this might not be the right place. But if you're craving simplicity, honesty, connection, and nature, you’ll find it here.

  • 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

  • Space for parking camper vans

    Space for parking camper vans

    This host can provide space for campervans.

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    Two

  • My animals / pets

    My animals / pets

Host ref number: 614691798625

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