The GDS Volunteer Program
You will have fun (and you will be tired at the end of each day)! It is impossible to spend time with our wonderful dogs and not have a HOUNDTABULOUS time!
Our volunteer program is intended for the benefit of our dogs.
We have established rules for their emotional and physical safety. If you wish to volunteer with our program, we require an application to be submitted and once approved, a signed agreement that our rules are understood and will be followed. The safety of our dogs is paramount. Volunteer duties include: cleaning, feeding, walking the dogs, grooming, agility activities, cooking, and vet runs with staff. The minimum age for volunteers is 18. THREE VOLUNTEERS FROM ONE GROUP IS THE MAXIMUM PER WEEK.
Due to the high number of applications that GDS receives, we are only accepting those from recurring sponsors. In addition, we are offering €50 discount to repeat volunteers. We love repeaters!
NEW — volunteers booking with repeat volunteers will only need to pay 180 euros for their week covering food accommodation.
UPDATE — with consideration to heat conditions, we are suspending our volunteer program for the months of July and August.
Want to Become a Volunteer?
THE APPLICATION PROCESS
As interest in the work of Galgos del Sol continues to grow, we now receive far more volunteer applications than we are able to accommodate. To ensure a fair selection process, the board has decided to prioritize applications from individuals who are already active supporters of Galgos del Sol—whether through our Sponsor Dog Program, regular or one-time donations, or participation in online auctions. We understand this may be disappointing, but with an average of four applicants for every available volunteer placement, this approach helps us manage demand as fairly as possible.
START DAY IS MONDAY — NO EXCEPTIONS
Mondays are Changeover Day at the Centre, and all volunteers must arrive in time for the induction course, which begins at 10:30 a.m. on Monday. Depending on your travel arrangements, you may need to book a hotel or Airbnb for Sunday night to ensure you arrive at the Centre on time.
Life at GDS is often unpredictable. We may begin the day with a clear plan, only to receive news of a galgo sighting that shifts priorities immediately. Above all, our work is guided by what is best for the dogs. A whiteboard is updated daily to outline each volunteer’s responsibilities and assignments..
- 10:30AM — day one induction
- 9AM — duties include: cleaning, feeding, walking the dogs, playing with the dogs, and vet runs with the staff.
- 2–3PM — lunch on-site
- 3PM — back to work!
- 7PM — return to the residence to plan your evening
COSTS
SEVEN DAY VOLUNTEER STAY*:
€350 per person*, includes on-site vegan lunch prepared M-F, S&S make your own with provided food. *€50 discount to sponsors, monthly donors and repeat volunteers.
Lunches are often pre-prepared but we encourage volunteers to help out with preparation, planning and cleanups. Vegan cooks welcome!
* Seven day stay is the required amount of time for new volunteers, minimum and maximum. For repeat volunteers interested in a longer stay, please contact galgosdelsolusa@gmail.com
CAR RENTAL
Volunteers are responsible for arranging their own transportation to and from the Centre. Car rental is the only reliable option, as there is no public transportation or taxi service available to the facility.
WHY SHOULD YOU PAY TO VOLUNTEER?
Operating a volunteer program requires both time and financial resources. Staff time is needed to oversee and support volunteers, and additional operational costs—such as increased utility usage—are also incurred. In return, we do our very best to ensure that volunteers experience the full spectrum of life at GDS.
LOCATION
GDS is located in San Cayetano, Murcia in southern Spain. See map below.
TRANSPORTATION
From North America
- Madrid-Barajas Airport to Alicante-Elche Airport and rent a car to drive to GDS
- Rent a car at Madrid-Barajas Airport and drive from Madrid to GDS
From UK
- Alicante-Elche Airport and rent a car to drive to GDS
- Corvera Airport and rent a car to drive to GDS
HEALTH COVERAGE
For Americans and non EU applicants, if medical attention is required while at GDS, you will be responsible for any costs incurred should medical attention or hospitalization be necessary. Please check with your insurance company and/or obtain health coverage through a travel insurance policy before arriving to GDS.
It is the policy of GDS that volunteers have health coverage during their stay. WE REQUIRE DOCUMENTATION OF THIS COVERAGE PRIOR TO YOUR ARRIVAL. WE WILL NOT ACCEPT VOLUNTEERS TO THE CENTER WITHOUT THE REQUESTED HEALTH DOCUMENTATION.
DISCLAIMER FOR VOLUNTEERS
As a volunteer at Galgos del Sol, you are not entering into an employment or similar contractual relationship that would provide workers’ compensation or insurance coverage. By signing the acknowledgment form* you confirm that you maintain valid personal insurance coverage sufficient for your participation as a volunteer at Galgos del Sol, including up-to-date health and accident insurance as well as third-party liability coverage.
*Form provided at GDS.
By signing, you also agree to waive, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any present or future claims you may have against Galgos del Sol arising from or related to your participation as a volunteer. This waiver applies regardless of whether you maintain the insurance coverage described above or whether Galgos del Sol holds separate insurance for its operations.
ACCOMODATIONS
We offer accommodation in San Cayetano, Murcia, that sleeps up to three people. The residence includes one bedroom with twin beds and another with a double bed, as well as a fully equipped kitchen, living area, bathroom, sunroom, and garden.
The house is a two-minute walk from an urbanization bar, swimming pool, and paddle tennis courts, and a five-minute walk from a traditional Spanish village offering several English and Spanish cafés and bars, a panadería (bakery), pharmacy, and a small supermarket. The local beach on the famous Mar Menor is just a five-minute drive away, and depending on the time of year, beach bars provide a lively atmosphere for evening meals. The residence is also only a short drive from the Centre. See photos below. PLEASE NOTE: Due to the high volume of applications, solo volunteers or parties of two will likely share the residence with other volunteers.
APPLICATION
Please fill out and submit the following form. We will email with our response and if approved, we will include information about what is useful to bring as well as a contract for signature outlining the rules, deposit due, payments and our expectations for volunteers. PLEASE NOTE: ALL members of a proposed party must complete an application and note names in the below form.
QUESTIONS? galgosdelsolusa@gmail.com
