Shared via our Facebook group (posted by Emma G. in our international volunteer group). Last update: November 2024.
Quick note: availability and conditions can change fast. Please confirm current openings, dates, tasks, and expectations directly with the host before you make travel plans.
Volunteer with rescued horses in Tenerife
Tenerife Horse Rescue Center is a registered charity founded in 2018 on Tenerife (Canary Islands, Spain). The sanctuary focuses on equines, and also cares for many other rescued animals from the island, including dogs, cats, birds, ducks, guinea pigs, goats, pigs, tortoises, hamsters, and more.
The community is large (around 40 people living on-site) and the work is described as “organised chaos”. After losing three members of the horse team at once due to sudden changes, they are looking for experienced horse people who can join as soon as possible.
Urgent opening: horse team (live-in)
Hours: 25 hours per week.
Minimum stay: 3 months (no maximum mentioned).
Included: food, accommodation, and WiFi.
Important: they cannot help with flight, visa, or related costs.
Experience required: solid horse experience, strong work ethic, team spirit, and confidence handling different horses in challenging situations. The approach mentioned is force-free, positive horsemanship.
Typical tasks: feeding, cleaning, basic care, hoof cleaning, in-hand walking (including sick horses), mucking out and poop picking, ground work, training, basic support with medical care, and occasionally riding (as needed).
The sanctuary describes the area as quiet and not touristy, with the beach about a 15-minute walk away. Life on-site is rustic and community-based.
Other openings mentioned (on-site)
General helpers: animal care support, sorting food donations, compost-making, and similar tasks. No experience is required for these roles, but a reliable, hard-working attitude is expected.
Instagram support: a last-minute space for someone to help manage their Instagram (requires knowing how to use Instagram and having a good phone).
Builders: builders are welcome as well.
What living and volunteering is like
Accommodation is described as very rustic on a sustainable finca. The project highlights simple living, community life, and practical work. They mention limited modern comforts and a hands-on, build-as-you-go environment.
Food is provided (they mention eating freegan). The project is presented as a good fit for people who enjoy animals, sustainability, and community life, and not a party setting.
Related tags on Voluntouring: intentional community, sustainable living, freegan, social media.
Additional update: kitchen support (live-in)
They also mention last-minute places for people who like to cook.
Places available now, minimum stay 2 months, no maximum mentioned. Applicants must be eligible to stay in Spain. They say they cannot help with a visa or provide a certificate to apply for a visa.
Exchange described: 25 hours per week in return for food and accommodation in a rustic, sustainable animal sanctuary with a large community (around 45 people).
Kitchen role: join (or potentially lead) the kitchen team to help cook buffet-style meals, described as breakfast at 11:00 and lunch at 14:30, in a fast-paced and unusual setting.
Contact details
Short stays: apply via their website form.
Short-stay volunteers application page
Website: tenerifehorserescue.com
Facebook page: Tenerife Horse Rescue
Voluntouring reminder: always confirm the latest details directly with the host (dates, hours, tasks, accommodation, food, and any requirements) before you commit. If anything feels unclear, ask for it in writing.