Intensive volunteer stays (1 week+)

If you live outside the Pego area or abroad, you can still play a hands-on role in caring for our dogs and cats by joining us for an intensive volunteer stay of one week or longer. This is a great option if you want to combine travel with meaningful work and really get to know the animals and our team.

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What to expect

During an intensive stay you become part of our daily shelter routine. You might help with:

Feeding, cleaning and making sure kennels and catteries are safe and comfortable for the animals.
Walking dogs, socialising shy animals and giving extra time to those who need confidence and trust.
Brushing, basic grooming and enrichment games to keep animals relaxed and stimulated while they wait for homes.
Simple maintenance and cleaning tasks that help the shelter run smoothly all year round.

Our work with the animals starts in the morning and, for dogs, continues again in the afternoon (times vary by season). Most intensive-stay volunteers choose to help on at least five days per week so that they and the animals can benefit from continuity. You will always have some free time to rest, explore the local area or simply enjoy quiet moments with your favourite dogs and cats.

You do not need professional experience, but you should be comfortable around animals, willing to get your hands dirty and able to follow our team’s guidance.

About APROP

In Spain, there is no national animal welfare organisation responsible for rescuing lost, abandoned or mistreated cats and dogs. Instead, much of this responsibility falls to local charities like APROP.

Although we receive some support from the local council, it covers only a small proportion of our running costs. We rely on the generosity of donors, fundraisers and volunteers to provide food, veterinary care and safe shelter for every animal that comes through our doors.

Our goal is simple: to give every cat and dog the best possible chance of a happy future.

Life at APROP

Our shelter sits among the beautiful orange groves just outside Pego, providing a peaceful setting for both volunteers and animals.

You’ll spend your days caring for the animals before enjoying everything Pego has to offer, with its cafés, restaurants and relaxed Spanish lifestyle just a short walk away.

Volunteer accommodation is available with someone connected to APROP, giving you an introduction to local life. Additionally, bikes are available to borrow to help you get around.

Why volunteer with APROP?

Join a welcoming, international team of volunteers.
Spend your days caring for cats and dogs that truly need your help.
Enjoy beautiful walks through the orange groves with our dogs.
Experience authentic Spanish life in the heart of Pego.
See the incredible journey from rescue to forever home.

4.8 rating on Volunteer world

Coming directly through APROP

We continue to welcome volunteers who find us through international platforms, but you can also arrange your stay directly with us. When you book directly, more of your contribution goes straight to the care of our animals and the running of the shelter. This helps us cover essentials such as food, veterinary treatment, medicines and improvements to kennels and catteries.

Depending on your plans and budget, we can advise you on:

Recommended minimum stay (from one week upwards).
Suggested daily time commitment.
Local accommodation options and how to get to Pego from Valencia or Alicante.

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Testimonials from Volunteer World

“
Ben
“This was a great volunteer experience being able to directly assist sheltered dogs and cats, all while taking in the rich scenery and culture of Southern Spain. APROP is very well run and the team communicates in a timely fashion. I look forward to hopefully returning someday.”

“
Gabriella
“Dogs and cats are very loved and cared for! The volunteers are all fantastic and always available to explain and help. The walk on the mountain with the dogs and the other volunteers was beautiful. I highly recommend!!!”

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Tabea
“I had the best time in Pego. The work at Aprop and my stay at Evi's were beyond my best expectations. The volunteers at Aprop are extremely kind and caring. The animals are so well cared for and therefore very friendly to humans. I needed to spend some time away from the city, and in Pego I had the chance to do something meaningful, meet nice people, and enjoy the beautiful region, the mountains and the beach. I was hosted by Evi and Lea, who are the best hosts ever, always smiling, caring and ready to help if needed. If I will be in the region again, I would definitely go to Aprop and help 🙂”

“
Amy
“This was my first time volunteering and it was the best experience ever. APROP is a very beautiful Shelter and they care very good for their cats and dogs. I helped out with walking the dogs and feeding/cleaning the cats. The local volunteers at APROP are the friendliest people ever and they make you feel very welcome. Im very thankful, that I was able to help out. I would definitely go again to visit Pego and help at APROP and I can recommend it to a 100%”

“
Pauline
“What can I say? I had the most perfect experience volunteering at APROP animal shelter. From the start, the team was incredibly responsive through the platform, and they were flexible with my limited availability to volunteer. On-site, my host Carmen was an absolute sweetheart. The entire team, whether working with the cats or dogs, was wonderful as well—such passionate and kind-hearted people, a real pleasure to be around! It was a refreshing week that recharged my batteries before going back to work. I wholeheartedly recommend this experience and wouldn’t hesitate to do it again in the future!”

How to apply

To arrange an intensive volunteer stay directly with APROP, please get in touch and let us know:

Your preferred dates and length of stay.
Whether you are more interested in working with dogs, cats, or both.
Any previous experience with animals, languages you speak, and any medical or mobility needs we should be aware of.

Once we receive your message, we will confirm availability, explain the next steps, and share practical information about travel and accommodation in or near Pego. You will also receive our volunteer guidelines so you know what to bring and how to prepare for your time with us.

Apply