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Join our rescue dog care team in historic Galle, Sri Lanka. Feed, bathe, walk, and socialise rescued street dogs while supporting their rehabilitation. Work alongside our local vet team, assist with medical care, and help match dogs with loving homes. No experience needed.
Just compassion. Make a real difference on Sri Lanka's stunning south coast.
20 hours of help per week
Animal Care: Help look after and take care of animals.
Social Work: Help with volunteer work in local projects and communities.
Amount: US$ 350 Per week
Fee pays for: Benefits for travelers, Materials for volunteer activities, and Donation to project
Description: Your fee includes accommodation, meals, airport pickup & local transport. plus, daily dog food, vet care & shelter costs. No hidden extras. Just real impact for rescued dogs on Sri Lanka's south coast, supported by a passionate local team.
2 days off per week
Private Room: You will have a bed in a private room. In other words, a room just for you.
Shared Dorm: You will have a bed in a shared room, which means you will share the same room with other travelers.
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.
Discounts on Restaurants: Get discounts at nearby restaurants.
Discounts on Tours: Get discounts for tours and excursions around town.
Discounts on Accommodation: Get discounts for your stay in other hostels.
Free Laundry: You can use our laundry room freely.
Free Tours: We’ll take you on tours and rides around town. For free!
Pick Up: We will pick you up when you arrive, and take you to our property.
Use our equipped kitchen: Feel free to use our kitchen and make your own delicious food.
Certificate: Get a certificate of completion after you finish your experience.
Basic Internet Access: Basic speed internet for you to work remotely
Beginner English or Beginner German
Between 18 and 60 years old
Welcomes solo volunteers, couples, and partners of volunteers
Be from outside Sri Lanka
Flights, Travel Insurance, Internal Transportation and Visa
As a Dog Care & Rescue Volunteer, you'll work hands-on at our rescue shelter in Galle, supporting a passionate local team dedicated to transforming the lives of street dogs on Sri Lanka's south coast. From your very first day, you'll be doing real, meaningful work. not just observing.
What You'll Do
# Feed, bathe, and groom shelter dogs daily
# Walk and socialise dogs to build trust and reduce anxiety
# Assist the vet team with health checks, wound care, and post-surgery recovery
# Support sterilisation and vaccination outreach programmes
# Help document dogs for rehoming and adoption listings
# Join community education drives to promote responsible pet ownership
# Assist with rescue operations for injured or abandoned street dogs
Who This Is For
No professional experience is required. Just genuine love for animals, a positive attitude, and willingness to get your hands dirty. This program welcomes solo travellers, couples, gap year students, and animal care professionals alike.
Morning Shift — 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM (daily, all volunteers)
Fresh water and morning feeding for all shelter dogs
Bathing, grooming, and basic hygiene care
Morning walks and outdoor socialisation sessions
Assist vet team with health checks, wound dressing, and medication
Clean and disinfect kennels, bedding, and shelter facilities
Document dog behaviour and recovery progress
Support incoming rescue drop-offs and intake assessments
Afternoon Shift — When Needed (as required)
Evening feeding rounds
Post-surgery and recovery monitoring
Emergency rescue response and street outreach
Photographing and updating dogs for adoption listings
Community outreach and responsible pet ownership education
Sterilisation and vaccination clinic support
Rehoming coordination and adoption follow-ups
A Typical Day
You'll start your morning at 8:30 AM at the shelter. feeding, cleaning, walking, and loving the dogs in our care. By noon, your core shift is done. On busier days or during rescue operations, afternoon support may be needed and is always appreciated. Flexibility and a willing heart go a long way here.
General Conduct
Treat all animals with kindness, patience, and respect at all times
Never shout at, punish, or use physical force on any dog
Follow all instructions given by the shelter manager and vet team
Maintain a positive, cooperative attitude with staff and fellow volunteers
Respect local Sri Lankan culture, customs, and community members
Health & Safety
Always wash hands thoroughly before and after handling dogs
Wear closed-toe shoes and appropriate clothing in the shelter at all times
Report any dog bites, scratches, or injuries to staff immediately
Do not handle aggressive or high-risk dogs without staff supervision
Ensure you are up to date with tetanus and hepatitis vaccinations before arrival
Volunteers with open wounds must inform the vet team before handling animals
Shelter Rules
Never feed dogs outside of scheduled feeding times without permission
Do not bring outside food into the kennel area
Do not remove any dog from the shelter premises without staff authorisation
Always latch kennel gates securely after entering or exiting
Keep shelter areas clean — if you see a mess, clean it
Do not introduce personal pets or outside animals into the shelter
Accommodation & Living
Keep shared accommodation clean and respect fellow volunteers' space
Quiet hours observed from 10:00 PM onwards
No guests allowed in volunteer accommodation without prior approval
Alcohol is not permitted on shelter or accommodation premises
Drugs of any kind are strictly prohibited and result in immediate dismissal
Punctuality & Commitment
Arrive on time for your 8:30 AM shift — the dogs depend on a routine
Notify the program manager at least 12 hours in advance if you are unwell or unable to attend
A minimum stay of 2 weeks.
