About the program
Join local volunteer teams in the beautiful south-west of Ireland and make a meaningful difference in the lives of rescued animals.
In recent years, animal welfare organisations across Ireland have experienced increasing demand for rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming services. As more animals require care and support, volunteer contributions have become increasingly important in helping rescue centres continue their vital work and maintain high standards of animal welfare.
By supporting the centre, you help provide care, comfort, and a second chance to animals that have experienced neglect, abandonment, or difficult circumstances. Animal rescue centres play a vital role in Ireland, offering safe shelter, rehabilitation, and opportunities for rehoming to animals in need.
The organisation operates a busy animal rescue centre that cares for approximately 140 dogs, as well as a small number of sheep, goats, pigs, horses, and cats. The rescue is supported by a dedicated team of 2–3 permanent staff members each day, alongside local volunteers who generously contribute their time throughout the week.
Goals of this Project:
- Support the daily care and wellbeing of rescued animals.
- Help maintain a safe, clean, and enriching environment for all animals at the centre.
- Assist staff and local volunteers with essential operational tasks.
- Promote animal welfare and responsible care practices.
- Increase the rescue centre's capacity to provide support to vulnerable animals.
How You Can Help
By joining this programme, you will play a crucial role in providing daily care and support to rescued animals while helping the centre continue its valuable work.
Your support will involve a range of practical, hands-on tasks that directly contribute to the wellbeing of the animals and the smooth running of the rescue centre. Every volunteer makes a meaningful impact, helping ensure the animals receive the attention, exercise, and care they deserve.
Volunteer tasks will include feeding the animals, taking dogs for walks, helping clean and maintain the facilities, and, of course, spending quality time socialising with the animals.
Please note that due to the physically demanding nature of the work, volunteering at this project is scheduled for three days per week. The remaining two volunteer days will be spent supporting other local community projects, such as a community clean-up initiative and charity shop assistance.
Volunteers' tasks can include:
- Feeding and watering animals
- Walking and exercising dogs
- Cleaning kennels, enclosures, and communal areas
- Assisting with general maintenance and upkeep
- Socialising and interacting with animals
- Supporting enrichment activities
- Assisting staff with daily operational tasks
- Helping with laundry, bedding, and supplies
- Supporting other local community projects
Requirements
Love Volunteers welcomes all participants aged 18 years and over who wish to dedicate their time and energy to supporting this project.
This hands-on programme is ideal for animal lovers who enjoy practical work and are looking for a rewarding volunteer experience. Volunteers should be comfortable working closely with dogs, as much of the volunteer work involves interacting with the many dogs cared for by the rescue centre.
Participants should be aware that some animals have come from situations involving neglect or abuse, and volunteers may occasionally encounter emotionally challenging circumstances. The rescue centre can also be a noisy environment, with dogs frequently barking throughout the day.
Volunteers are expected to be adaptable, flexible, and willing to assist wherever needed. Personal motivation, maturity, and responsibility are important qualities for participants. Volunteers should enjoy physical work, be comfortable getting their hands dirty, and be prepared to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
An intermediate level of spoken English is required to ensure volunteers can communicate effectively with staff, fellow volunteers, and host families.
All applicants will have a video interview with the programme coordinator in Ireland and complete a medical questionnaire prior to confirmation of a placement.
Additionally, volunteers applying to join this program will be required to supply to following documentation:
- Emergency contact
- Resume
Project Location
The project is located in the south-west of Ireland, one of the country's most popular and scenic regions. Known for its dramatic coastal landscapes, rolling countryside, charming villages, and vibrant local culture, the area offers volunteers the opportunity to experience some of Ireland's most spectacular natural beauty while contributing to a worthwhile cause.
During their free time, volunteers can explore stunning beaches, historic sites, traditional Irish towns, and breathtaking viewpoints that attract visitors from around the world.
Start Dates & Duration
This project has arrivals on specific Mondays throughout the year. Volunteers can choose to participate for periods ranging from 3 to 12 weeks.
Places on this project are limited and subject to availability, so early booking is strongly recommended.
For current available start dates please check the calendar on the right.
Arrival & Orientation
Arrival in Cork Airport - Participants are picked up in the airport and transferred to accommodation in Cork city centre.
Arrival at a Different Airport - Volunteers arriving through Dublin airport or other Irish airports will need to make their own way to Cork. Detailed travel information will be provided prior to arrival. Regular bus and rail connections make travelling to Cork straightforward from most major Irish airports and cities. Volunteers are met on arrival in Cork city.
First Day and Overnight in Cork City - Volunteers stay in pre-arranged hostel accommodation in Cork city centre on their first night (shared dormitory bedroom). After checking in, participants have free time to relax, settle in, and explore the city. A welcome dinner is generally organised on the first evening, providing an opportunity to meet fellow volunteers.
Second Day: Orientation and Transfer to Project - On the morning of their second day, participants attend a comprehensive orientation workshop lasting approximately 3–4 hours, followed by a guided walking tour of Cork city.
Following the orientation, volunteers travel to their project location using public transportation and begin settling into their local community.
Accommodation & Meals
Following their orientation in Cork (hostel accommodation), volunteers stay with carefully selected local host families, providing a unique opportunity to experience authentic Irish culture and daily life.
Breakfast and dinner are provided by the host family, while lunch is typically prepared in the form of sandwiches or a packed lunch. Dietary requirements can usually be accommodated when communicated in advance.
Many host families live within walking distance of the project, while others may be located slightly further away. Depending on the location, volunteers may walk, cycle, receive lifts, or use local public transportation.
Host families come in many different forms, including families with children, couples, and single hosts. Participants usually have their own bedroom, although on occasion rooms may be shared with another volunteer of the same gender. It is also common for host families to welcome more than one international volunteer at a time, creating a sociable and supportive environment from the moment participants arrive.
In most project locations, there are several volunteers living and volunteering within the same community. This provides plenty of opportunities to meet fellow participants, socialise after volunteer hours, explore the local area together, and organise weekend trips and excursions around Ireland.
Living with a host family provides participants with an immediate support system, helping them settle in, improve their language skills, and gain a deeper understanding of Irish culture and daily life. At the same time, participants enjoy a good level of independence and freedom to explore their surroundings, build friendships with other volunteers, and experience life in Ireland at their own pace.
Fees
That’s just USD 87 per day* for:
*In addition to the program fees listed above a Registration Fee is payable to secure your place. The registration fee is USD 299 for those volunteering with Love Volunteers for the first time or USD 149 for any subsequent volunteer placements. The registration fee includes: lifetime LV Alumni Membership, fundraising support & advice, dedicated pre-departure support, certificate of completion (on request), and exclusive access to the LV Trip Planner.
Some things are not included in the program fees listed above, such as flights, visas, vaccinations, travel insurance, additional foods and snacks, spending money, local transport, in-country trips and excursions, return airport transfer (unless mentioned above).
Please note that prices are subject to change without notice. Please ensure you have read the Love Volunteers Terms and Conditions & Refund Policy.