Volunteer in a Dog Care Project

Join the Dog Care Volunteering Project in Sri Lanka with Volunteering Solutions and volunteer with one of the most reputed organisations devoted to the well-being of stray dogs in southern Sri Lanka. There are hundreds of thousands of stray dogs in the country who suffer from hunger and untreated diseases, beaten to death, and extremely mistreated by humans due to lack of sensitivity.

Most of these dogs live on the streets, and many are in an appalling state. Unsprayed females produce several litters of puppies every year, many of which are simply abandoned in front of temples or thrown in the drains, etc. Being a volunteer for this program, you’ll get an opportunity of hands-on work with dogs that need attention and care, while collaborating with a highly efficient team.

The main motivation behind this project is to provide a high level of care to the most neglected and vulnerable street dogs of southern Sri Lanka, so they have the best possible chance to survive and thrive despite the difficult odds they face.

Volunteers in the project work with a well regarded charity which cares for approximately 2,500 dogs in their facility which is the largest animal care facility in all of Sri Lanka. The dogs are divided in two adjacent units which house approximately 1,200 dogs each.Among them, approximately 500 are disabled.The dogs are cared for in a beautiful, free-roaming sanctuary which provides a safe-haven for sick, disabled, and vulnerable strays. There is also an on-site veterinary clinic with resident local vets providing life-saving treatment and care.

The goals of the organization and this project are:

• To facilitate socialization for puppies and adult dogs to help them feel more comfortable around people, enhancing their emotional well-being and preparing them for potential adoption opportunities
• To provide quality care and rehabilitation for all dogs that need it, including sick, injured and disabled dogs
• Offer physical and mental stimulation for disabled dogs and assisting with their daily physical needs.
• To equip volunteers with hands-on skills in animal care and strengthening their commitment to humane animal welfare practices.

Background to this program
There are an estimated 3 million stray dogs in Sri Lanka many of whom suffer immensely through malnutrition, disease, and horrific injuries. A significant portion of the local public’s knowledge/awareness of dogs (and animals in general) is unfortunately still quite limited and often regressive leading to ill-treatment and abuse.

Most dogs live on the streets, and many are in an appalling state. Unsprayed females produce several litters of puppies every year, many of which are simply abandoned in front of temples or at the gates of shelters. These puppies are usually too small to have even the slightest chance of survival unless provided with care. Many of them die of hunger or due to parasites or fall victim to animal abusers. Unfortunately, the government turns a blind eye to this problem and does nothing to support the well-being of stray dogs.

Hence, it is of utmost importance to provide these vulnerable dogs with a level of care that gives them the best chance to survive and thrive. With a distinct lack of safe havens and veterinary care available to strays in Sri Lanka, the work and facilities provided in this project are a lifeline to many otherwise doomed dogs.The goal of this project is to provide a dignified, joyful, and protected way of life to these beautiful creatures and give them new hope where there was none before.

Want to see other ways to make an impact? Check out our Volunteer in Asia programs.

Volunteer Roles & Responsibilities

Volunteers spend most of their project time at the dog care facility doing hands-on work with dogs that need the attention and care. They also assist in various activities around the facilities, including local beaches and streets, to assist with the care work and day-to-day operations as needed.

The type of tasks volunteers can expect to undertake include:

• High level of engagement with dogs and dog activities (playing, cuddling, etc.)

• Assisting during mealtime feedings

• Working with injured and disabled dogs and using a range of rehabilitation techniques such as hydrotherapy, wheelchair therapy and more (involves weekly trips to the local beach for these activities)

• Cleaning the general areas to maintain hygiene

• Helping with socializing certain dogs

• Puppy care

• Occasionally assisting with building various tools for the betterment of the dogs’ experience (e.g., building small sheds, utility tools, toys, etc.)

• Other day-to-day tasks as appropriate

Please note that the above set of tasks represent the range of tasks past volunteers have undertaken over time. The actual set of tasks performed at any given time are dependent on the needs on the ground in those periods and are determined by the management of the dog sanctuary. Being a real-world project, the tasks can also evolve from time to time as per the needs and goals of the project.

Requirements & eligibility

Volunteers must be 16 years or older at the time of joining the project. You need to have an open mind and a flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment. The volunteer should bring energy and enthusiasm to make a difference. Participants must be fit and healthy at the time of joining the program and should be prepared to work outdoors and get their hands dirty. Participants in the program should have a keen interest and love for animals and dogs in particular. A parental consent form shall be required for Under 18 participants joining the program.We strongly recommend participants get the anti-rabies vaccine before joining this project to cover for any unexpected bites or injuries that may occur in their day-to-day activities.