Explore volunteer projects with dogs around the world, including dog shelters, rescue centres, sanctuaries, dogsitting exchanges, private homes, farms, community projects and other opportunities where caring for dogs is part of the experience.

The role of dogs varies considerably between listings. In some projects, animal care is the main activity. In others, looking after one or more dogs may be only one part of a wider work exchange involving gardening, hospitality, maintenance or daily life with the host.

Some listings may be seasonal, archival or no longer active. Always check the publication date and confirm current tasks, accommodation, animal-care arrangements and availability directly with the host or organisation before making travel plans.

What can volunteering with dogs involve?

Depending on the project, participants may help with:

• feeding dogs and providing fresh water;
• walking and exercising suitable dogs;
• cleaning sleeping areas, kennels or outdoor spaces;
• grooming and routine care;
• play, enrichment and appropriate social interaction;
• dogsitting while an owner is away;
• helping at a shelter or rescue organisation;
• supporting adoption or fundraising activities;
• maintaining fences, gardens or animal areas;
• other activities connected with the wider host or project.

Read each listing carefully to understand how important dog care is within the exchange. A project tagged with dogs does not necessarily mean that participants will spend most of their time working directly with animals.

Dog shelters and rescue projects

Shelters and rescue organisations may care for abandoned, stray, surrendered, injured or recovering dogs. Volunteer activities can include routine care, walking, cleaning, enrichment, adoption support and practical maintenance.

Shelter environments can be demanding, particularly when many animals are housed together. Ask about training, hygiene procedures, veterinary support and how new volunteers are introduced to the dogs.

If you specifically want to volunteer in this type of environment, browse the dedicated dog shelter volunteering opportunities.

Dogsitting and private exchanges

Some opportunities involve caring for dogs in a private home while the owner is working, travelling or needs additional help. These arrangements may include feeding, walking, companionship, administering agreed routine care and looking after the property.

Before accepting a dogsitting arrangement, ask about each dog’s routine, temperament, health, medication, behaviour around other animals and people, access to a veterinarian and what you should do in an emergency.

Also clarify how long the dogs can be left alone and whether the exchange limits your ability to travel away from the property during your stay.

You can explore more opportunities in the pet sitting section.

Dog welfare and responsible care

Dogs have individual behavioural, social, physical and medical needs. Before joining a project, consider how the animals are housed, exercised, fed and supervised and whether they have appropriate opportunities for rest and positive interaction.

Ask who is responsible for veterinary decisions and what happens if a dog becomes ill or injured. Veterinary diagnosis, invasive procedures, prescription medication and specialist behavioural work should remain with appropriately qualified or experienced people where required.

Never assume that every dog is comfortable being handled by unfamiliar people. Follow instructions concerning leads, gates, feeding, introductions between dogs and contact with animals that are fearful, reactive or recovering from trauma.

Safety and health

Working with dogs can involve bites, scratches, infectious diseases, heavy lifting, cleaning products, uneven ground and other physical risks. Shelter and rescue environments may require additional hygiene precautions because of the number and different backgrounds of the animals involved.

Health risks also vary between destinations. Ask whether specific vaccinations or precautions are recommended for people working with dogs and consult appropriate travel health advice, particularly in areas where rabies or other animal-related diseases are present.

Make sure your insurance covers the activities you expect to undertake, including volunteering and animal handling where applicable.

How to use this page

Open the opportunity that interests you and read the complete announcement. Check the publication date first, because older opportunities may no longer be accepting volunteers or their conditions may have changed.

Look for the contact details at the end of the listing. Some announcements provide the host or organisation’s website, email address, social media account or application procedure directly. In other cases, contact information may be protected and the listing will explain how to request it through Voluntouring.org.

Before applying, confirm:

• the exact activities involving dogs;
• how many animals you will help care for;
• whether previous experience is required;
• training and supervision;
• weekly hours and days off;
• accommodation and meals;
• minimum stay;
• transport and location;
• health or vaccination requirements;
• insurance requirements;
• any fees, deposits or other financial arrangements.

Some opportunities may provide food and accommodation in exchange for help, while others may offer only accommodation, request a contribution or operate under a different arrangement. Do not assume that every project tagged with dogs provides the same exchange conditions.

If a mandatory participant fee is required, ask for the exact amount, what it covers and the applicable payment, cancellation and refund conditions before making a commitment.

Voluntouring does not organise placements, select participants, arrange visas or mediate between volunteers and hosts. It does not process participant payments between travellers and host organisations. Publication on Voluntouring.org does not in itself constitute verification, endorsement or a recommendation of an opportunity.

For additional guidance, read Voluntouring’s information about safety and legality in volunteering and work exchanges.

Related opportunities

• Dog shelter volunteering opportunities
• Pet sitting opportunities
• Dog sledding opportunities
• Animal care volunteering opportunities
• Animal welfare volunteering opportunities

Important: animal-care arrangements, project availability, participant fees and volunteer requirements can change. Confirm current information directly with the host or organisation before making travel or financial commitments.

Last reviewed: September 2026.

Browse volunteer projects with dogs 🐕‍🦺

Browse the projects below and use the “Older Posts” navigation if available to continue exploring previous opportunities. Always check the publication date and current dog-care arrangements before applying.

Do you host a project where caring for dogs is a meaningful part of the volunteer experience? You can submit your opportunity to Voluntouring.org for editorial review.

Submit a volunteer opportunity with dogs