Why This Project Matters
Sri Lanka is home to an estimated three million street dogs, many of them injured, sick, or simply overlooked. Awareness of their situation remains limited among much of the local population, leaving thousands of animals without care or shelter. A local non-profit organization works to change this, running the largest dog sanctuary in Asia, where more than 2,500 dogs and around 40 cats are fed, treated, and given a second chance.
Volunteers are part of this daily effort, supporting the local team in caring for the animals, from routine feeding and grooming to the individual attention that many of these dogs have never received before.
Your Project: Dog Care and Rehabilitation in Sri Lanka
This project combines everyday animal care with rehabilitation work at the sanctuary, with a strong focus on the wellbeing of each dog. What matters most here is energy and commitment, but also compassion, reliability, and a genuine love for animals. No previous experience is required, though the project is equally suited to veterinary students and professionals looking for practical experience.
Animal Care: You'll help feed the dogs, prepare their meals, and support grooming such as brushing, cleaning ears, and trimming nails. Socialising the animals is just as important, which means plenty of playing and cuddling, particularly with dogs that are shy or recovering.
Rehabilitation: Alongside daily care, you'll support the treatment of sick and injured dogs, including administering medication under guidance. You may also assist with rehabilitation measures such as hydrotherapy sessions and wheelchairs for dogs with physical disabilities, care for puppies when needed, and help build small aids for the dogs' everyday life.
Location: The project is based near Galle, on Sri Lanka's south coast. The project runs year round, with short breaks from 13 to 15 April and 24 to 26 December.
Who You Will Be Working With
You'll work alongside the local sanctuary team, who remain responsible for the animals at all times and guide your work day to day. Some of the dogs live with health conditions or physical disabilities and need special care; the team introduces you to everything before you begin. Your main local contacts, Falik and Rishad, are both native Sri Lankans who speak good English and support you throughout your stay. You will not be working alone: other wayers volunteers live with you at the exclusive wayers Home and are shuttled to and from the project together with you.
What We Expect From You
No previous experience or formal qualification is required. What matters is compassion and initiative: getting involved, taking on tasks rather than waiting to be assigned them, and treating the animals and the local team with care and respect. Reliability and punctuality are essential, as the dogs depend on consistent daily care. As with all our animal projects, our animal welfare guidelines apply throughout.
Working conditions and standards may differ from what you are used to at home, and tasks can vary with the season, so not every activity can be guaranteed. An open, patient attitude toward these differences will help you get the most out of your time here.
What You Can Expect From Us
Before departure, we prepare you through an online seminar, access to the wayers Lounge, and the opportunity to connect with fellow participants. On arrival, you receive a thorough introduction covering your project, the local context, safety, and everyday practicalities.
Throughout your stay, a designated contact person at the project is available for any questions regarding your work there, while our wayers team supports you locally and is reachable at any time. Daily transport to and from your placement, accommodation, and meals are all organized for you. In addition, a 24 hour emergency line staffed in Germany and in Sri Lanka remains available for the entire duration of your stay.
Life at the wayers Home
You'll live at the wayers Home, set among palm trees directly by the sea, with a swimming pool and a rooftop terrace overlooking the ocean. You'll share the house with other international volunteers, and once a week a yoga session on the rooftop terrace is included. Three meals a day are provided, from traditional Sri Lankan curries and tropical fruit to western dishes such as pasta or pancakes, with Ceylon tea and fruit smoothies among the local favourites.
Surroundings: The historic old town of Galle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is about 15 minutes away by tuk tuk, with its narrow lanes, restaurants, and sunset views from the fort walls. The beach is a five minute walk from the house, ideal for a swim or for learning to surf.
Travel with Confidence
As a German tour operator with over 22 years of experience and more than 70,000 participants sent abroad, wayers supports you with visa guidance, insurance information, and a personal welcome on arrival, backed by a 24/7 emergency line in Germany and on the ground.
