My experience as an Animal Welfare Volunteer

My experience as an Animal Welfare Volunteer

Alex, Instituto Hemingway Intern

This week, we had the opportunity to work as an Animal Welfare Volunteer at both a dog shelter and an animal conservation park. Throughout the week, we met many incredible animals and learned how much care and effort goes into protecting and rehabilitating them. Many of the animals we worked with had experienced injury or abandonment, making the work of these organisations especially important. Volunteering with them was a rewarding experience and allowed me to make a small but meaningful difference in the lives of animals in need.

We spent two days volunteering with ASPACÁN, an amazing refuge centre that shelters and cares for dogs without homes. Located in Laredo, Cantabria, it was only an hour bus ride from Bilbao, giving us the chance to enjoy beautiful coastal views along the way. During our time there, we were paired with a five-month-old puppy named Sudi, who was full of energy and loved to play. We spent several hours walking Sudi along a stunning beach and through the small, peaceful town nearby. We thoroughly enjoyed my experience with ASPACÁN, as it was a great opportunity to explore a new place, have fun caring for a dog, and enjoy the sunny sea breeze. Most importantly, it was inspiring to see the dedication and hard work of the shelter staff, who provide food, housing, and genuine care for every dog they help.

We also visited Basondo National Park, located just outside the historic town of Guernica and, once again, around an hour’s train ride from Bilbao. The conservation park is surrounded by beautiful countryside and traditional Basque caseríos, or rural stone cottages. However, the beauty didn’t stop with the scenery. Basondo is home to a wide range of animals, many of which are native to the Basque Country.During our visit, we saw wild boars, Iberian red foxes, and various sheep, goats, and rams. There were also more unexpected animals, including bearded dragons, snakes, an alpaca, and even an emu. We learned that many of these animals had been found injured and rescued from the surrounding countryside and mountains, while others are endangered in their native habitats. While at the park, we helped the groundskeeper by trimming hedges, placing hay in the sheep and goat pens, and feeding the animals. It was truly heartwarming to know that these animals now have a safe and caring environment in which to live.

We would highly recommend this experience to anyone who appreciates breathtaking scenery, the chance to visit historic and charming towns, and, most importantly, has a passion for animals and their conservation, all while making new friends and improving their Spanish skills.