Why is our program important?
In Spain there is no national or even regional organisation responsible for managing the welfare of companion animals, or for rescuing cats and dogs that are lost, abandoned, mistreated or living on the streets. It is the responsibility of the local town councils who are usually undermanned and underfunded to manage this. As a result this work is more often than not managed by private organisations like APROP. Although we receive some funding from the local council, it is a small fraction of the costs that we incur each year. As a result we are funded primarily by donations and our own fundraising activities and the organisation is run by volunteers with no additional help from the local authorities.
We take in cats and dogs that are lost, abandoned or mistreated. Our aim is to find every animal the right permanent home for them, whether that is returning them to their original owner, finding them a new adoptive home or putting them into suitable long term foster care.
What is the role of the volunteer?
As a charity we rely on volunteers to run APROP. The volunteers are mixed nationalities, some of whom visit Spain on a temporary basis, as well as local Spanish volunteers. The only qualification that is necessary is willingness and a love of cats and dogs and a desire to help them. There are various jobs and tasks that need doing on a daily or regular basis, including cleaning, feeding, tidying, organising, walking, cuddling, grooming and socialising. The volunteers can therefore choose whether to work with the cats or the dogs (or both) and what type of work they prefer to do according to the abilities and preferences.
When a dog or cat arrives at APROP we assess each animal’s individual needs when arrive so that we can ensure they receive the appropriate care and outcome. These will vary depending on the age, health and background of the animal.
Every animal is checked by one of our partner vets for their physical health and are tested for endemic diseases, vaccinated and sterilised if necessary.
Many of the dogs that arrive at APROP, particularly the hunting dogs, are in a poor state either physically and/or mentally. and every dog is assessed by a professional dog trainer and, if necessary, given appropriate training or behavioural therapy.
Cats are also assessed for their behaviour by experienced volunteers to determine their temperament and whether they are feral or domesticated, if they need any behavioural training and what the best outcome for them will be.
Every animal will have a personal outcome plan.
While the cats and dogs are at the shelter, it is the volunteers’ responsibility to ensure that their physical and mental needs are met in terms of their nutrition, medication, general care, exercise, stimulation and training. The goal for all of the animals is to get them in the best possible shape so that they can be permanently rehomed in a situation that suits them.
Supporting this activity we also have teams of volunteers that are responsible for adoptions, fostering, promotion, social media and fundraising.
Environment
The APROP shelter is located on the outskirts of Pego town in the middle of the orange groves, but accessible and within walking distance to the town which is about a 15-20 minute walk from the centre.
It is a beautiful and rural location that is great for walking APROP's dogs and also for the many feral cats in our shelter's colony.
Accommodation is offered at the house of one of our volunteers who lives in the centre of Pego town, which is a great location to experience the local town life and is obviously very convenient for local bars, restaurants and shops.
What do you need to bring with you?
We just need your enthusiasm and willingness to work as a member of our team and a desire to help the animals. No special equipment is required. We do, however, recommend that you ensure that your tetanus vaccination is up to date.
