Our volunteer program is open!

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 IS THE MAXIMUM PER WEEK.

NEW for first-time summer volunteers! For first-timers during the summer months of July and August, we now offer a shorter work day due to the oppressive heat.

• Monday to Friday 8-1 — then the remainder time is to enjoy adventures around the area.
• Volunteers must find own accommodation, food not included.
• Starts Monday 10am for induction.
• 50 euros donation/commitment to be paid in advance to reserve the week.

Currently Seeking Long Term Volunteers: We are seeking world-wide, long-term volunteers, new or past, for a minimum of one month. If interested, please contact jenny.galgosdelsol@gmail.com.

THE APPLICATION PROCESS

As the interest in the work of Galgos Del Sol has grown, we find ourselves in the position of having far more applications for volunteer requests than we are able to accommodate. The board has decided that the fairest way to proceed is to accept applications from those who are already active Galgos Del Sol supporters, this may be via our Sponsor Dog Program, Teaming, regular or one-off donations and participation in on-line Auctions. We understand that this will be a disappointment but with an average four applicants for each volunteer spot it is a difficult decision to make.

START DAY IS MONDAY — NO EXCEPTIONS

Monday’s are Change Over Day at the Centre and ALL volunteers must arrive for the Induction Course on a Monday at 10:30am. Depending on your travel and flight arrangements you may need to book a hotel or Airbnb room for Sunday night to ensure you arrive at the Centre at the required time.

There is always plenty of the unexpected at GDS — we start out the day with good intentions to accomplish specific things but the next thing you know, we hear of a galgo sighting and everything changes! But first and foremost — it is always about what is best for the dogs!!! A white board is updated daily with each volunteer’s responsibilities.

• 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.
* Seven day stay is the allotted amount of time for new volunteers, minimum and maximum. For repeat volunteers interested in a longer stay, please contact jenny@galgosdelsol@gmail.com

CAR RENTAL

Volunteers are responsible for transportation to and from the Centre. Car rental is the only option. There is no public transportation or taxi service.

WHY SHOULD YOU PAY TO VOLUNTEER?

Having a volunteer program costs us time and money. Time in terms of the demands on us to oversee and supervise volunteers and the increased utilities costs. We will do our best to ensure that our volunteers experience the full spectrum of GDS life!

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 in an employment or similar contractual relationship of any kind, that would provide workers compensation or any insurance coverage. By signing this note* you confirm, that you have your own valid insurance cover in place to fully cover your volunteer participation at Galgos del Sol, particularly regarding up to date, health and accident insurance and third-party liability coverage. *Provided at GDS.

You hereby waive any current or future claim you might have against Galgos del Sol in relation to you participating in its operation as a volunteer, for all possible legal reasons and all grounds, and to the extent legally possible. This waiver is made and valid regardless of the fact that you might not actually have insurance in place as guaranteed above, or Galgos del Sol might have independently contracted insurance for its operations.

ACCOMODATIONS

We offer a residence in San Cayetano, Murcia that sleeps three people (one room with twins and one with a double bed) that has a full kitchen, living area, bathroom, sun parlor and garden. The residence is a two-minute walk from an urbanisation bar, swimming pool, paddle tennis and a five-minute walk from an old Spanish village which includes several bars and cafes both English and Spanish, a Spanish panaderia (typical bakery), pharmacy and a small supermarket. It is a five-minute drive from the local beach situated on the famous Mar Menor. Depending on the time of year there are beach bars with a lovely atmosphere to enjoy an evening meal. The residence is just a few minutes drive from the Centre. See photos below. If the residence is not available, contact  jenny@galgosdelsol@gmail.com who offer alternative suggestions. 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.