Nestled in the scenic Costa Blanca region of Spain, this equine rescue centre shines as a beacon of hope. The mission is clear and heartfelt: rescue, rehabilitate, and re-home abused, neglected and abandoned horses, ponies, and donkeys. They are dedicated to improving the treatment of animals across Spain, providing each rescued creature with a safe, loving sanctuary, either at the facility or through thoughtfully arranged re-homing. From humble beginnings in 2008, the centre has flourished, now offering refuge to over 120 horses, ponies, and donkeys, as well as a delightful variety of other rescued animals, including dogs, cats, parrots, chickens, geese, peacocks, and pigs. It is now Spain’s only officially registered horse rescue foundation.
The centre is not just a sanctuary but a powerful advocate for change. They actively campaign for enhanced animal welfare laws in Spain and engage with authorities to ensure justice for abused animals. Thanks to their relentless efforts, animal welfare in Spain has seen a pivotal shift, with rescues shedding light on cruelty cases, rallying community support, and commanding media attention that spurs police action. Working closely with local law enforcement, the centre assists in cruelty investigations and horse confiscations, embodying a true force for positive change.
Join as a volunteer and immerse yourself in the day-to-day care of the animals. Your contributions will range from feeding and watering to maintaining their living spaces. Take part in the morning and afternoon animal care activities, bond with the horses, ponies, and donkeys, and learn about their unique needs. Your tasks will also include cleaning fields, washing buckets, mucking stalls, grooming our equine friends, and tending to the pigs, chickens, peacocks, and cats. With daily activities running from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., including mealtime breaks, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to get involved and even explore additional projects by coordinating with the dedicated team.
This year-round program offers unparalleled flexibility, working with your availability so you can have a meaningful impact. When booking your flight, please plan to arrive between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. on your first day. Arriving on a weekday is recommended
Thinking of fundraising to cover your expenses? Many of our volunteers have found success in their fundraising endeavours. Visit our fundraising page for inspiration and tips on making your experience a reality.
Expect comfort and tranquility in the volunteer accommodations on the premises. Rooms for up to three volunteers offer cozy furnishings, including a couch, table, and ample storage. Modern amenities such as a full western bathroom, shower, and laundry facilities are available, and all linen is provided. The picturesque patio area, adorned with tables, chairs, and a koi pond, serves as the perfect backdrop for meals in the company of the resident peacocks.
While meals aren’t covered in the volunteer fees, a full kitchen is available for your culinary explorations, and you will be taken into town to shop for groceries and supplies.
Enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi and the use of their bicycles; the nearest town is just a breezy 10-minute ride away, and for the more adventurous, the beach awaits at a 40-minute distance.
Your safety is our priority. Rest assured, we’re here to address all your safety inquiries right here.
Comfortable accommodation with a local family
Wifi
Comprehensive pre-departure & on-site training
A donation to our Placement Partner
AEI Travel Manual brimming with key travel insights including packing list, currency information and in-depth placement description
Premium Individual Travel Insurance (up to USD 500,000 in emergency medical coverage)
24/7 emergency support throughout your placement
One tree planted for every volunteer to help offset carbon emissions and create more livable ecosystems for wildlife
Enrolment with the Global Travel Academy to earn a certificate in International Volunteering
Please note: Meals are not included—you will be responsible for purchasing your own food and preparing your meals, so please budget accordingly.
This program does not include flights, entry visa costs, international and domestic airport taxes, meals, immunizations, and medications. Airport pickup is not included. Due to legislation in Spain, private pickups are not available, but volunteers can easily get a registered and safe taxi to the centre for €50.
Living alongside horses, donkeys, and ponies, you’ll dive deep into the world of equine care and become comfortable working with and around these animals. The experienced team will guide you through hands-on learning, from understanding special dietary and medical needs to observing veterinary visits. Feel free to engage with the farrier, a specialist in equine hoof care, during their regular visits to the centre to help with any foot or lower limb issues, trim and balance the hooves and place shoes if necessary. Volunteers take part in all aspects of husbandry from feeding the animals and cleaning the enclosures to making enrichment so the animals have a more rewarding and engaging life.
As a volunteer, you have the freedom to “choose your own adventure” helping as much as you like. There are many opportunities to interact with the horses, ponies and donkeys and you will quickly begin to appreciate their different personalities. You will also have lots of time to explore the local region, and experience rural Spanish life. There are bicycles available for volunteers to use – so plan a trip to the seaside where you can swim in the Mediterranean Sea during the warm months or have a meal or a drink on the promenade of this local resort town. Shop, dine and explore the village closest to the rescue centre or just enjoy strolling the country roads, lined with orange tree groves and rolling fields.
B Corps are certified by the non-profit B Lab to meet rigorous social and environmental performance standards, accountability, and transparency. We have been a B Corp since 2013, and since then, we have always been in the top 10% of quantifiable benefits to the environment and the communities in which we operate.
We acknowledge the traditional and contemporary custodians of the land on which Animal Experience International’s Barrie office is located. These people are the Ho-de-no-sau-nee-ga (Haudenosaunee), Anishinabewaki ᐊᓂᔑᓈᐯᐗᑭ, Mississauga, and Wendake-Nionwentsïo People and we recognize their continuing connection to the land, waters, and culture. We pay our respect to their Elders, past, present, and emerging.
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