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Czech Republic
I enjoyed my experience in HappyTails! The job is not hard, its mostly cleaning, moving dogs to different yards, feeding and doing check-ins and check-outs. If you like dogs you will enjoy it! The apartments are very well equipped. There was two of us for the volunteering . Im not super sure if I would like it as much if I was there alone, because the car is no longer available for volunteers and the walk to the town is long. We caught a high season and not enough helpers, so it was mostly more than 20 hours work per week. Lisa tried to find us stuff to do, that was very nice!
29 days ago
Mexico
It was a fantastic experience; although there were a few tense moments, they were resolved without any issues. Lisa always offered words of encouragement. She is a great person ✨️🫶 I arrived without knowing English—I only knew a few very basic words and phrases—but I feel they helped me overcome my fear of speaking the language. A word of advice: you really need to understand a bit of English for the volunteer work, as there were times when I couldn't understand something and Lisa would get frustrated. Greetings to Lisa, Kent, Margaret, Benny, Elsa, and Rudy (I miss you all)🫂🐶❤️
2 months ago
Brazil
My experience was very good, I loved the region, Lisa is very friendly and welcoming, the apartments she provides are wonderful with great comfort, meals are plentiful, nothing is lacking. The work itself is very relaxed, it has all the necessary conditions to be carried out. I hope to return many more times.
4 months ago
Thank you, Eddy! It a pleasure getting to know you. I am grateful for all the positivity you bring with everywhere with you, and wishing you every success on reaching top level in your English and your future in Marine Biology at an International level. I too hope this is the beginning of many return visits and a long friendship.
Puerto Rico
Lisa is very welcoming and accommodating, she really takes the time to get to know her helpers. We had regular family style dinners and played card games. Sometimes Lisa's directions during work are a bit overwhelming but she means well
4 months ago
Thank you, Jennalee. It was a pleasure having you as part of the Happy Tails family. Your kindness, maturity, strong work ethic, and willingness to help wherever needed made a real difference every day. Anyone would be fortunate to have you on their team, and I have no doubt you will be successful in whatever path you choose next. Wishing you all the very best for the future. I gave you a 5 out of 5 in my review because you are.
Germany
Lisa was a very friendly and good Host with a unique humor. The provided Apartments were clean and cozy. Working hours were respected and if there was any kind of problem it could be solved quickly. Lisa was always nice to us and cooked delicious meals. If she couldn't cook because she had to be somewhere she always provided enough food. We had realy nice game nights playing cards with Lisa. We made new friends while we stayed at the shelter and had a great time. Just ask Lisa if there are any question about work tasks or ask her to write it on the whiteboard. Thank you Lisa !!!
5 months ago
Senta, thank you for this—it genuinely made me laugh and smile. I’m glad you felt comfortable here (and relieved my cooking kept everyone alive and happy!). You and Johannes were such a great part of the place—easygoing, hardworking, and always up for a laugh. The game nights may still be under review… I’m pretty sure I was winning at least once. I’ll consider the whiteboard suggestion—no promises. Wishing you both the best on your next adventures—you’re always welcome back at Happy Tails! HUGS
Germany
I had a great experience overall. Lisas cooking & games played r nice. Accomodations r comfy & provide basic groceries for the days you cook for yourself. It's important to clearly understand expectations. This works best when things are written down. Being clear & proactive helps avoid misunderstandings & unnecessary stress. Lisa is humorous, deeply knowledgeable about animals & always got ideas on how to improve the shelter. Great location not far from Huntsville + trails on property.
5 months ago
Thank you, Ann-Sophie. I really appreciate your kind and thoughtful review. I am so glad you enjoyed your time with the dogs, the routines, and the property. You were a great part of the team while you were here and it was a pleasure having you. Enjoy your time in Nova Scotia and wishing you all the best back home in Germany.
Switzerland
Overall itwas a good experience. You are with the dogs every day of the week,except when you have free days. The tasks are not that difficult it's just repetitive and most of the work is cleaning. Lisa explained that if you want to work with dogs you have to stay many months. Lisa tried her best to make everyone comfortable during the stay. Huntsville is a little town and there is not to much too do. If you want to stay in a calm and isolated place this place is perfect for you. Lisa let us a car so that we could visit the nearest parts. Lisa prepare the meals every night and it's good.
7 months ago
Thank you Alicia, I’m glad you had a good overall experience and enjoyed spending time with the dogs. Muskoka life is definitely quieter than city life, but many helpers and tourists to the area appreciate the chance to be close to nature and the animals. I’m happy you were able to explore the area with the car and share meals together in the evenings. Wishing you all the best with your studies and future travels. You are a special young lady and very likeable even if beat me in cards.;)
Brazil
We have stayed over the very busy Christmas period. Lisa has deep dog knowledge, a strong sense of humour and enjoy talking. When under pressure, her communication was stressful and unclear, raised voices were common, which caused mistakes. Our extra, willing efforts were deeply acknowledged but didn't ease the constant tension. The focus is solely on keeping operations running, bonding with dogs isn't a reality. Perks were good: 3 days off, a shared car, comfy lodging (close to noisy kennels though). We feel the experience might be more balanced and enjoyable with additional helpers.
9 months ago
Thank you for sharing your perspective. This stay was affected by last-minute cancellations, making shared routines especially important. In this animal-care environment, morning briefings are a core part of the exchange, as this is when dog groupings, gates, safety considerations, notes, and clarifications are addressed. Choosing not to participate made coordination more difficult and led to avoidable mistakes.
Brazil
At the shelter I experienced a taste of Canadian life & cuisine. I loved spending time with the dogs/cats. Lisa is generous & provides a comfy stay (a fully equipped apartment, food, & van to explore beautiful Muskoka in the fall). Because the shelter was in a transitional phase our tasks were focused on organizing, cleaning & maintenance, so there were stressful times and challenging work, but that won't be the case for most & Lisa did her best to make us feel valued. I was the shelter for a good team & our accomplishments, so I still recommend it & loved my time in Huntsville & the friends I made.
10 months ago
Thank you so much for your review Thais! I’m really glad you came and that you really enjoyed the animals, the apartment, and exploring Muskoka. I truly appreciated all your hard work during our transition period and the positive energy you brought. You are an amazing lady. I’m happy you left with good memories — please keep in touch, and I hope our paths cross again! My door is always open for you. Best, Lisa
Brazil
My experience at the shelter was truly wonderful! Lisa is kind and goes out of her way to make sure you have a great stay. The schedule is well organized, the work is not hard. It's a fantastic place to connect with fellow international travelers and to get a real feel for Canadian culture, especially through the charm of the small town setting and Lisa's delicious home cooked dinners. I had such a great time there! I met amazing people and got to enjoy some breathtaking Canadian scenery.
about 1 year ago
Thank you for your kind words Luiza. We all enjoyed your company too and especially yours & Thais Brazilian culinary talents. It was truly a pleasure to have you as part of the resort. We've lots of lovely photographs of you with the dogs and fond memories. All the best, Lisa
