Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
26 Apr 2025
Reply rate
90.9 %
Usually responds within 3 days
Feedback
30
Email verified
Badges (3)
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Details
Description
This is a registered animal welfare charity on the beautiful island of Antigua in the eastern Caribbean, located approximately 250 miles south east of Puerto Rico. The charity has been in existence since 1991. We operate a small-animal (dogs & cats) shelter, pet adoption programs, humane education, low-cost spay/neuter clinics, in addition to a donkey sanctuary where we offer a permanent home to approximately 100 donkeys.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Hospitality/Tourism
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
We work hard but we love what we do. Caring for the animals, including the donkeys, is a very calming and happy experience for our volunteers and for the animals themselves! Our volunteers are able to offer the animals time and attention that we sometimes are too busy to provide them. Our volunteers always seem to enjoy themselves and want to return.
Help
We need help with all aspects of animal care: cleaning corrals; fence repairs; cleaning and feeding the dogs and cats; socializing kittens and pups; walking dogs; introducing visitors to the donkeys; brushing donkeys; assisting with intake and release of spay/neuter patients.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
We provide a pretty studio apartment with two single beds and a bathroom with a shower. There is a microwave, small fridge and a 2-burner cook-top. We provide bed linens, towels, toilet paper and paper towels. We are unable to provide food but we are happy to take volunteers shopping whenever necessary.
Volunteers have access to a washing machine located in the animal shelter.
There is Wi-Fi, an available computer and good internet access.
The studio is located on the compound close to the donkey petting area.
What else ...
We are located in a rural area and although there is a bus to town, it does not operate very frequently. We suggest consideration be given to renting a car and can help arrange a reduced rate. Antigua has many wonderful beaches and activities such as swimming with sting rays, kayaking and zip-lining.
We pick up and deliver volunteers to and from the airport which is about half an hour away. We ask that volunteers avoid arriving or departing on Sunday and Monday.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Host ref number: 618894281881
Feedback (16)
5 Feb 2025
Left by Workawayer (Louis & Amandine ) for host
We had a wonderful experience in the sanctuary, even though we had to leave earlier because of the unexpected start of our boat.
The place is very nice and quiet, and we loved the company of Brandy and Ralphy. We took care of the animals (dogs, cats, donkeys) and helped Daren with different tasks. All the team is very kind. Daren explained… read more
The place is very nice and quiet, and we loved the company of Brandy and Ralphy. We took care of the animals (dogs, cats, donkeys) and helped Daren with different tasks. All the team is very kind. Daren explained… read more
18 Dec 2024
Left by Workawayer (Tammy & Marc) for host
My husband and I spend 2 weeks volunteering at the Humane Society.
It was our first workaway, and it will definitely not be our last time volunteering here.
Our tasks were cleaning the dog kennels, feeding and giving water. Spending time socializing and giving them one on one time. They are so sweet and kind dogs. They are all up for adoption.… read more
It was our first workaway, and it will definitely not be our last time volunteering here.
Our tasks were cleaning the dog kennels, feeding and giving water. Spending time socializing and giving them one on one time. They are so sweet and kind dogs. They are all up for adoption.… read more
21 Sep 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Laura )
Laura's time with us was Caribbean style! Things don't always go smoothly in the Caribbean, beautiful though it is. From the day she arrived until the day she left (when it finally got fixed), there was a major plumbing problem - and only intermittent Government water. Laura was a very good sport about it. Because we were busy trying to resolve… read more
(Excellent
)
17 Sep 2024
Left by Workawayer (Laura ) for host
The Donkey Sanctuary - my first Workaway experience! The donkeys have a very good life at the sanctuary. I never really saw most of them because they were free to roam and graze on the hillside. All of their health and dietary needs were well cared for. The public donkeys in the corral at the shelter were the sanctuary veterans who were used to… 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:
(4.9)
Cultural exchange:
(4.8)
Communication:
(4.9)
5 Feb 2025
Left by Workawayer (Louis & Amandine ) for host
We had a wonderful experience in the sanctuary, even though we had to leave earlier because of the unexpected start of our boat.
The place is very nice and quiet, and we loved the company of Brandy and Ralphy. We took care of the animals (dogs, cats, donkeys) and helped Daren with different tasks. All the team is very kind. Daren explained… read more
The place is very nice and quiet, and we loved the company of Brandy and Ralphy. We took care of the animals (dogs, cats, donkeys) and helped Daren with different tasks. All the team is very kind. Daren explained… read more
18 Dec 2024
Left by Workawayer (Tammy & Marc) for host
My husband and I spend 2 weeks volunteering at the Humane Society.
It was our first workaway, and it will definitely not be our last time volunteering here.
Our tasks were cleaning the dog kennels, feeding and giving water. Spending time socializing and giving them one on one time. They are so sweet and kind dogs. They are all up for adoption.… read more
It was our first workaway, and it will definitely not be our last time volunteering here.
Our tasks were cleaning the dog kennels, feeding and giving water. Spending time socializing and giving them one on one time. They are so sweet and kind dogs. They are all up for adoption.… read more
21 Sep 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Laura )
Laura's time with us was Caribbean style! Things don't always go smoothly in the Caribbean, beautiful though it is. From the day she arrived until the day she left (when it finally got fixed), there was a major plumbing problem - and only intermittent Government water. Laura was a very good sport about it. Because we were busy trying to resolve… read more
(Excellent)
17 Sep 2024
Left by Workawayer (Laura ) for host
The Donkey Sanctuary - my first Workaway experience! The donkeys have a very good life at the sanctuary. I never really saw most of them because they were free to roam and graze on the hillside. All of their health and dietary needs were well cared for. The public donkeys in the corral at the shelter were the sanctuary veterans who were used to… read more
9 Feb 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Jane)
Jane was with us for three weeks and was an absolute pleasure. She has a very pleasant and friendly personality. She helped with all tasks willingly and was a great help to both our Shelter Manager and our Donkey Sanctuary Manager. She came at a great time as we have very young puppies that need to be socialized and Jane took on the task with… read more
(Excellent)
25 Jul 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Alessio & Guenda)
This young couple was a delight to host and each of them, in their own way, made a significant contribution to our work with the animals. Guenda worked mainly with the dogs and cats and also took great photos for us. Alessio was a big help to Daren especially with some of the heavy work, including removing difficult donkeys from our mobile catch… read more
(Excellent)
28 May 2023
Left by Workawayer (Alessio & Guenda) for host
We, Alessio&Guenda, stayed in Antigua Donkey Sanctuary for the entire month of march, having one of the best experience of our lives.
We really enjoyed spending our time with the donkeys, dogs and cats.
Alessio was mostly helping with the donkeys, brushing them, cleaning the fences and some hard works like trying to catch some wild ones or… read more
We really enjoyed spending our time with the donkeys, dogs and cats.
Alessio was mostly helping with the donkeys, brushing them, cleaning the fences and some hard works like trying to catch some wild ones or… read more
5 Jul 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Caroline)
Caroline was a great help to us, particularly since two staff members were away during her stay. She stepped up and worked hard to fill the gap. Her skills as a teacher also came into play including reorganizing our used book shop. Thank you Caroline!
(Excellent)
5 Jul 2023
Left by Workawayer (Caroline) for host
Spending time here was amazing. The first day I was there felt just wonderful to be amongst nature, so many birds, geckos, then at night the frogs, crickets and bats. The accommodation was perfect, clean, bright and functional. It was great to be able to hire a car and get out and about to see more of the beautiful Island. I thoroughly enjoyed… read more
21 Jun 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Bohuslava)
Bo has a keen interest in animal welfare, worked very hard, and was a great help to our small staff, especially in the Animal Shelter with the dogs. We were very grateful for her support.
(Very good)
17 Jun 2023
Left by Workawayer (Bohuslava) for host
Thank you Karen, Tequesa and Daren for an amazing experience at the sanctuary.
Thank you for sharing all the wisdom and experience and thank you for the patience and professional conduct.
I enjoyed working with the dogs, cats and donkeys and I learned so much about the beautiful island that Antigua is.
Thank you for providing the cute, clean and… read more
Thank you for sharing all the wisdom and experience and thank you for the patience and professional conduct.
I enjoyed working with the dogs, cats and donkeys and I learned so much about the beautiful island that Antigua is.
Thank you for providing the cute, clean and… read more
12 Mar 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Emmaline)
Emmaline and her partner David were terrific volunteers. Emmaline stayed for the entire month, David for about a week. Both were very pleasant and cheerful and helped our small staff tremendously, We thoroughly enjoyed their stay and we are so pleased that they are planning to return later in the year! And, Emmaline, our dog Rufus will also be… read more
(Excellent)
9 Mar 2023
Left by Workawayer (Emmaline) for host
I spent the month of February as a live-in volunteer at the place and what an amazing experience I had! My partner David joined me for the first week, he is already excited about our next visit.
Karen, Daren and Tequesa are so lovely, welcoming and knowledgeable. They work really hard to care for the donkeys, cats and dogs that live at the… read more
Karen, Daren and Tequesa are so lovely, welcoming and knowledgeable. They work really hard to care for the donkeys, cats and dogs that live at the… read more
15 Jan 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Stephen)
The month Stephen spent with us in Antigua seemed to fly by very quickly. We were happy to have him with us and would welcome him back anytime. He is a very pleasant, capable young man with a very caring and willing spirit. He was a great help to us not only looking after the animals themselves but also helping us to improve their environment,… read more
(Excellent)
14 Jan 2023
Left by Workawayer (Stephen) for host
Just finished a great month on the island. Karen, Daren and Tequesa are wonderfully kind, welcoming and hard working people, who are doing some really excellent welfare work for the donkeys, cats and dogs there. The sanctuary has loads of island charm, the donkeys are full of character and mischief, and all inhabitants there are very happy and… read more
8 Nov 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Chantal Lisa)
Chantal was a great volunteer and we would welcome her back anytime! She has a very sunny and pleasant personality and is very easy to work with. We all enjoyed our interactions with her. She was a great help to our shelter and sanctuary staff with respect to the care of the animals but she also helped us tremendously with social media… read more
(Excellent)
8 Nov 2022
Left by Workawayer (Chantal Lisa) for host
I've had a great time at the donkey sanctuary. In the mornings I have worked with Tequesa, the shelter manager, and took care of the cats and dogs. This included cleaning the kennels, playing with the cats, walking and brushing the dogs and other tasks that came up during the day. In the afternoon I had free time where I went over to the donkeys… read more
12 Dec 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Debby)
Debby has a very pleasant and helping personality. She was a pleasure to have around and helped our small staff with whatever was asked of her. We would be delighted to have her join us again.
(Very good)
1 Dec 2021
Left by Workawayer (Debby) for host
I was fortunate to be able to spend 3 weeks at this sanctuary in November, 2021. I mostly helped with the cats and dogs with a bit of interaction with the donkeys. Everyone at this property is completely devoted to the animals in their care . I met some wonderful people, got to visit several beautiful beautiful beaches and local sights. The living… read more
2 Dec 2021
Left by Workawayer (Jennifer) for host
My friend and I came to stay at the sanctuary for two weeks in October. Before arrival Karen had excellent communication with us, so we knew what to expect and had no confusion upon arrival. We had a really lovely time staying here, thriving on the routine of getting up to clean out and care for the dogs and cats in the morning, helping their… read more
7 Nov 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Jennifer)
Jenni and her friend Lauren were with us for two weeks in October. They were a pleasure to have around and a great help to our small staff. Although they usually work mainly with equines (Lauren is actually an equine veterinarian), they enthusiastically helped us with cleaning and feeding the dogs and cats in our Animal Shelter as well as helping… read more
(Excellent)
12 Mar 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Lauren)
Lauren was a great help to us while she was here, especially to our Shelter Manager and Donkey Sanctuary Manager. We would welcome her back anytime.
(Excellent)
11 Feb 2021
Left by Workawayer (Lauren) for host
I stayed at the sanctuary for 2 months in November-December 2020 and had the most amazing time! Karen, Carol-Faye and Daren were incredibly welcoming and the 35 acre sanctuary is beautiful! I had to quarantine for the first 14 days which was tough but all staff helped in any way I needed and there was plenty of no contact support work to keep me… read more
8 Feb 2021
Left by Workawayer (Toby & Molly) for host
We had an excellent two weeks volunteering at the donkey sanctuary.
The work was varied and interesting and it was lovely to feel valued.
The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful; it was a particular highlight to have learnt so much about local life, food & culture from Carol-Faye and Daren.
The accommodation is basic but has everything you… read more
The work was varied and interesting and it was lovely to feel valued.
The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful; it was a particular highlight to have learnt so much about local life, food & culture from Carol-Faye and Daren.
The accommodation is basic but has everything you… read more
15 Feb 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Fred )
Because he contracted Dengue fever at a previous post, Fred stayed a shorter period of time than originally planned and still seemed not completely recovered. Nevertheless, he worked along with another volunteer helping repair and replace fences which was a great help to our Donkey Sanctuary Manager. Fred has a very cheerful, pleasant personality… read more
(Very good)
29 Jan 2020
Left by Workawayer (Fred ) for host
Karen and her staff are very warm and I immediately felt comfortable. The work was interesting, it was fun and you learn a lot about the donkeys and the island. Thank you for the wonderful time in Antigua! Fred
4 Feb 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Massimo)
Massimo was a pleasure to have around. He helped our Donkey Sanctuary Manager Daren every day with whatever tasks were asked of him, despite some very hot weather. At our request, he looked after a dog that we are socializing and made a big difference in the dog's behaviour and therefore its ability to be rehomed. Massimo was friendly and… read more
(Excellent)
3 Feb 2020
Left by Workawayer (Massimo) for host
what a great workaway experience!!!
the staff is amazing. everyone was so friendly, open, interested, honest and truly has a heart for the animals they work for. i have never met anyone loving animals like the team of the donkey sanctuary.
i was mainly working with daren, the sanctuary manager. what a great guy -very knowledgeable- not just… read more
the staff is amazing. everyone was so friendly, open, interested, honest and truly has a heart for the animals they work for. i have never met anyone loving animals like the team of the donkey sanctuary.
i was mainly working with daren, the sanctuary manager. what a great guy -very knowledgeable- not just… read more
17 Jan 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Raquel)
Raquel is a very pleasant young woman and was willing to do whatever was asked of her. She worked mainly with our Donkey Sanctuary Manager, Daren, and although her spoken English is not strong, they managed to communicate and work together looking after the donkeys. She was also a big help in our cattery with the cleaning and feeding and helped us… read more
(Very good)
11 Jan 2020
Left by Workawayer (Raquel) for host
It has been a very positive experience! I loved enjoying the tranquility, nature, animals and beaches.
Pre-trip communication has been easy with the director, making recommendations and responding to messages quickly. Instead being there, we had almost no communication.
The relationship with the workers has been good, they cared for me and made… read more
Pre-trip communication has been easy with the director, making recommendations and responding to messages quickly. Instead being there, we had almost no communication.
The relationship with the workers has been good, they cared for me and made… read more
