Bulgaria
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This is a volunteer run charity in Bansko, Bulgaria.
Initially we were caring for street dogs in abandoned buildings and on the streets, looking after their medical needs and feeding them. The opportunity arose a year ago to rent some space to give shelter to vulnerable puppies, to take care of their medical and everyday needs. Currently we look after the dogs in the shelter whilst looking for their forever homes. We have a small network of fostererers, both in Bansko and in the UK
Additionally we continue with the work of neutering street dogs and providing feeding stations for them around town. Alongside this we focus on education, and juniors came into being a year ago at the local school. They visit the shelter to spend time with the dogs and also do fundraising events with us
Charity Work
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
General Maintenance
We have volunteers from the world over. You can meet and learn from them with regards to whatever interests you - customs, foods etc. Some volunteers get together for pot luck dinners etc
We are inviting people who have a genuine love of dogs.
You will help with
- Cleaning the pens and yard. Ensuring the cleaning equipment is kept clean.
- Feeding and giving water.
- Grooming the dogs.
- Walking them.The dogs enjoy human contact so it’s good to spend quality time with them. We want them to be used to walking on a lead, ready for adoption.
- General maintenance of the yard and kennels etc is ongoing!
- Fundraising ideas are welcomed.
- Education is at the heart of progress. We need to reach the local community and involve them with our activities, as we educate them about the importance of proper dog care and why neutering is a necessity.
Bulgarian: Fluent
English: Fluent
Spanish: Intermediate
We rent apartments in Bansko for volunteers to use. They are clean, well maintained and have all the basics you need. The accomodation will vary depending on how many volunteers we have at any given time - sometimes studio apartments, other times shared larger places.
We can provide tea, coffee and breakfast cereal. We are an animal rescue funded entirely by donations so we are not able to provide other meals.
There is so much to do with free time in and around Bansko, you're truly spoilt for choice. It is a ski resort in the winter and a hiking/cycling area in the summer. It's a popular base for digital nomads who organise lots of activities daily. Whether you want to take up salsa dancing, visit hot spring spas, learn to ski, join crafting groups, find gym buddies, visit monasteries, join walking tours, try rock climbing, engage with entrepreneurs you can easily do it all in Bansko!
The shelter is in easy walking distance of a main street with shops, cafes and restaurants. It's easy to get around Bansko on foot. Buses run from here to other main tourist areas such as Plovdiv and Sofia, other areas are more accessible by car.
Medical insurance is your responsibility.
Two weeks is the minimum stay, but preference will be given to people looking for a longer stay ... Both the dogs and visitors get more out of the exchange with a longer stay
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Bankso is a renowned hub for digital nomads, with plenty of coworking spaces and meet up opportunity. Coworking Bankso is the host of Nomadfest, which brings thousands of people to town each year
This host can provide space for campervans.
This host has said they are willing to accept those travelling with a pet.
More than two
28 a week, split into 4 hour sessions
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