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Help stray dogs in Thessaloniki, Greece

5.0
(39 reviews)39

The experience

Hello Worldpackers!!!

the Project HOPELAND is from the people for the dogs. In our program sounds will be surrounded by dogs - day and night. This way you will learn about their behavior and their character very fast.


What you offer

6 hours of help per day

Social Work: Help with volunteer work in local projects and communities.

Cleaning: Help clean the kitchen, bedrooms, bathrooms and common areas.

Animal Care: Help look after and take care of animals.

Additional fee required

Amount: € 100 Per week

Fee pays for: Donation to project

Description: We provide all the meals for the volunteers to cook, plus airport transport. We need this money as we are a non profit organization to pay the utility bills that derive from the volunteers.


What you get

2 days off per week

Shared Dorm: You will have a bed in a shared room, which means you will share the same room with other travelers.

Team Dorm: You will have a bed in a shared room, which means you will share the same room with other people.

Breakfast: You are entitled to a free breakfast, every day of your stay.

Lunch: You are entitled to a free lunch, every day of your stay.

Dinner: You are entitled to a free dinner, every day of your stay.

Free Laundry: You can use our laundry room freely.

Certificate: Get a certificate of completion after you finish your experience.

Basic Internet Access: Basic speed internet for you to work remotely


Requirements

Fluent English

Between 18 and 50 years old

Welcomes solo volunteers, couples, and partners of volunteers

Travel insurance


What's not included

Flights, Travel Insurance, Internal Transportation and Visa


Program Details

The activities are all day long - twice per day we feed the dogs, twice per day we clean. In between we have multiple changes (exchange certain group of dogs) meaning while one group is out, the other one is inside. This assures a safe and quiet time for the dogs where they can enjoy the garden, roam around and sleep under the trees. When we are not working we spend our time brushing the dogs, walking them or making sure they get a lot of cuddles. Sometimes we learn them new tricks and day-to-day knowledge for a day like walking on a leash (especially important for the younger dogs). Since the sanctuary and the dogs depend on the volunteers we take care of you. While there are little breaks in between work you will also get two days off per week where you can go to the beach or explore the cities nearby.


Activities & Shift

A typical day in Hopeland
7:45 AM / 07:45 - 🌞 First round of dogs are let out while kitchen volunteer prepares the food for the dogs.
8:20 AM / 08:20 - 🐶 Next dog change.
8:50 AM / 08:50 - 🥣 Preparation for morning feeding.
9:00 AM / 09:00 - 🍽️ Feeding time followed by another dog change.
10:30 AM / 10:30 - 🧼 Another dog change and the big clean begins, where every space is cleaned throughly.
12:00 PM / 12:00 - 🐾 Next dog change.
1:00 PM / 13:00 - 🔄 Another dog change.
1:30 PM / 13:30 - 🕜 Another dog change followed by lunch break.
4:45 PM / 16:45 - 🍲 Preparation for afternoon feeding.
5:00 PM / 17:00 - 🍗 Feeding time followed by a late clean, where all spaces are cleaned again.
7:00 PM / 19:00 - 🔄 Another dog change.
8:30 PM / 20:30 - 🔄 Another dog change.
10:00 PM / 22:00 - 😴Final dog change and the day concludes.
Throughout the day, everyone has a task, and responsibilities are fairly distributed. There's also time for cuddling, playing, and walking with the dogs. 🐶🕰️


Rules

HOPELAND Volunteer Code of Conduct
To ensure a respectful, safe, and positive environment for everyone involved, the following rules must be followed without exception:
Respect and Equality
Hopeland is committed to providing an environment free of discrimination, where every participant can have a meaningful and rewarding experience. We expect all volunteers to treat each other, the staff, and the animals with kindness, respect, and professionalism at all times.
Clothing and Safety
All volunteers must wear appropriate footwear (closed-toe, sturdy shoes) and suitable outdoor clothing. Volunteers who arrive dressed inappropriately or wearing unsafe footwear may be refused participation for their own safety.
Substance Use
The use of non-prescription drugs and the abuse of alcohol are strictly prohibited. Any volunteer suspected of being under the influence will be immediately removed from the program without a refund.
Behavior and Conduct
Hopeland reserves the right to refuse participation or to terminate the stay of any volunteer whose behavior causes offense, distress, or poses a risk to others — whether human or animal.
Any costs arising from early departure due to misconduct will be the responsibility of the volunteer, not Hopeland.
Providing Accurate Information
By applying to volunteer at Hopeland, you confirm that all information provided in your application and questionnaire regarding your health, behavior, and character is accurate and truthful.
If it is found that the questionnaire was answered by someone else (including the use of AI or another person) and does not reflect the true abilities, behavior, or medical condition of the applicant, Hopeland reserves the right to immediately terminate the stay without any refund.