Sri Lanka, Galle5/5 (2 reviews)
Volunteering in a dog shelter in Sri Lanka
In southern Sri Lanka, join the world’s second largest dog shelter, home to 2,500 dogs, and care for abandoned, sick and injured dogs and puppies.
- Where
- Galle, Sri Lanka
- Length
- From 2 to 12 weeks
- Minimum age
- 16 years old
- Language
- English intermediate
from €1,190 for 2 weeks
€300 deposit today, place confirmed within 48 hours, balance before departure.
How does it work?
- Today€300 deposit per participant, deducted from the price
- Within 48 hoursThe team confirms your place, or refunds you in full
- The balance12 weeks before departure, or on confirmation if you leave sooner
Secure payment by Stripe
Free and with no commitment: the team calls you back with availability. Talk to the team
Key questions answered
- How old do I need to be?
- The programme is open to volunteers aged 16 and over.
- How long can I go for?
- From 2 to 12 weeks.
- How much does it cost?
- From €1,190 for 2 weeks.
- What will I do there?
- Take out and walk the many disabled and injured dogs as a priority.
- Who supervises the volunteers on site?
- Freepackers is the exclusive partner in France for this project in Sri Lanka. We guarantee ethical projects with quality supervision, carefully selected and monitored through regular on-site visits.
- What is included in the price?
- Airport pick-up 06:00 to 13:00 or 14:30 to 18:30 on Saturday, all meals, accommodation in shared rooms, orientation session and daily briefing, training and supervision, …
- Do I need to speak another language?
- Required level: English intermediate.
The project
The lives of dogs in Sri Lanka are not the same as in Europe. Animals do not have the same rights there and are not always treated well, which you may witness during your eco-friendly trip to Sri Lanka. There are very few awareness campaigns about dogs, and most of them live on the streets in poor physical condition.
That is why a shelter was created to take in abandoned dogs and puppies in need of care (many females are not sterilized). These puppies are often too young to survive and require very rapid care. Most die from hunger or infections, or become victims of abuse.
You will join the 2nd largest dog shelter in the world, home to 2,500 dogs.
This project was developed with a non-profit organization dedicated to the protection of stray dogs in the south of the country. An experienced team of well-known veterinarians, caregivers, technical staff, and assistants is on site to help the dogs and train volunteers who wish to dedicate their time to this project.
Such a shelter requires substantial funding and staff, so your participation is extremely important.
A project we follow
Projects chosen with care and followed through regular visits on site.
Your role
During your eco-friendly trip to Sri Lanka, you work Monday to Friday and take part in the shelter’s various daily tasks:
- Feed the dogs
- Take out and walk the many disabled and injured dogs as a priority
- Brush the dogs and check for ticks.
- Trim nails and clean ears.
- Help clean the dogs’ kennels.
- Help with administering medication.
The project price includes a donation used to maintain the enclosures, toys and leads and to run sterilisation campaigns.
Two French coordinators are on site to liaise with the local staff.
A typical week
During your eco-friendly trip to Sri Lanka, you work from Monday to Friday and take part in the various daily tasks of the shelter:
- Helping with morning and midday feeding.
- Taking out and walking the many disabled and injured dogs as a priority.
- Brushing the dogs and checking for ticks.
- Trimming nails and cleaning ears.
- Helping clean the dogs’ kennels.
- Assisting with administering medication.
The project fee includes a donation used to maintain the enclosures, toys, leashes, and to carry out sterilization campaigns.
Two French coordinators are on site to liaise with the local staff.
Accommodation and meals
You will stay in one of the two volunteer houses, located in the Unawatuna area, just a 15-minute drive from the center of Galle and a 5-minute walk from the beach.
These houses have several rooms accommodating between 4 and 6 people, each equipped with bathrooms. Each house also includes an outdoor area, offering a peaceful place to relax, socialize, or simply enjoy the pleasant climate of the region. In addition, meals are included in the project.
Volunteers will be assigned depending on the availability of each house.
For couples, families, or people who prefer a single, double, or family room, additional options are available at an extra cost. For more information about rates and conditions, please contact us directly.
Free time and activities
To complete your eco-friendly trip to Sri Lanka, you can take a one-week tour if you wish. Two options are available: surf and yoga, or a discovery tour of Sri Lanka.
Please contact us to find out the departure dates.
The host organisation
Freepackers is the exclusive partner in France for this project in Sri Lanka. We guarantee ethical projects with quality supervision, carefully selected and monitored through regular on-site visits. Donations are fully and directly reinvested in local associations, ensuring real and transparent local impact.
Combine the projects
We encourage you to combine our dog, turtle, and environment projects in Sri Lanka. The needs are ongoing, your help is valuable, and this option allows you to diversify your tasks while giving greater impact to your commitment.
Budget
How long are you going for?
This programme is available all year round
What is included
- Airport pick-up 06:00 to 13:00 or 14:30 to 18:30 on Saturday
- All meals
- Accommodation in shared rooms
- Orientation session and daily briefing
- Training and supervision
- Wifi (limited)
- Donation to the project
Not included
- Flights
- Insurance
- Visa
- Airport drop-off
Where your money goes
Donations are reinvested in full and directly into the local associations. How the costs break down
See the budget week by week
| Length | Total programme budget |
|---|
Responsible travel by Freepackers
Why not take your time?
Extend your trip in Sri Lanka
No volunteering here: a tour with local guides, at your own pace. The team arranges it with your stay, in the same enquiry.
All 3 tours in Sri LankaYou can add it when you fill in your enquiry.
Getting ready to leave
Your application
An up-to-date CV and a cover letter describing your background and what brings you here.
Conditions to take part
- From 16 years old.
- Intermediate level of English (able to understand instructions and communicate).
- Copy of passport.
Insurance
For any project abroad, Freepackers requires travel insurance covering accidents, illness, repatriation and third-party liability. With Chapka Cap Student, you get 5% off.
Online language lessons
With Clic Campus: video lessons and an e-learning platform, from home.
Questions
What kind of accommodation is provided for a family?
You stay together, in private rooms, shared houses or comfortable local guesthouses.
Is it a safe trip for children?
Our projects are selected with safety in mind. Families get a reassuring setting and supervised activities. The days are designed to include young and old alike, with a flexible pace and time to discover things together.
Can you join a project as a family?
Yes. For families who want to travel together, we offer programmes designed to welcome children from the age of 4, 10 or 15 depending on the project. Our programme pages say whether they are open to families; otherwise, contact our team to find out more.
Another question? Ask the team, and someone who knows the project will answer.
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