The Equine Sanctuary Project in Valencia offers a unique opportunity to support the recovery and well-being of rescued horses in a peaceful, rural environment. This project is dedicated to the protection, rehabilitation, and care of horses that have suffered abuse, abandonment, or neglect. As a volunteer, you will assist with daily tasks such as feeding, grooming, cleaning stables, maintaining the facilities, and supporting veterinary care when needed. You will also help promote animal welfare and raise awareness about responsible treatment of animals. Beyond the hands-on work, the project provides a meaningful connection with nature and animals, creating a therapeutic and enriching experience for both the horses and the volunteers. Surrounded by beautiful landscapes, you will learn about equine behavior and care while contributing to a cause that truly makes a difference in the lives of these noble animals.

Volunteers will be working closely with the sanctuary's staff, which includes experienced horse trainers, caretakers, and animal welfare professionals. Volunteers will also be working with other volunteers from diverse backgrounds who share a passion for animal care. The main focus will be on the horses themselves, with volunteers directly interacting with them during daily care activities.

We expect volunteers to be dedicated, responsible, and compassionate. They should have a love for animals and a willingness to learn. Volunteers should be comfortable working outdoors in various weather conditions and be prepared for physical tasks. The work may sometimes be challenging, but it is also deeply rewarding. Patience, respect for the horses, and teamwork are essential qualities we expect from all volunteers.

In return, volunteers can expect support, guidance, and training throughout their stay. We will provide volunteers with the necessary tools and equipment for their tasks. Additionally, they will have the opportunity to work alongside knowledgeable professionals and learn more about animal welfare, rehabilitation practices, and horse care. Volunteers will also experience the beautiful surroundings of the Valencia region, including local attractions and a peaceful countryside atmosphere.

📄 IMPORTANT – READ THIS BEFORE APPLYING TO THE ANIMAL PROJECT IN VALENCIA

This project is not for people who simply “want to be around animals.”
The sanctuary is a space of intense, humble, and deeply committed work, focused on animal welfare and respectful coexistence.

✅ MANDATORY PROFILE:

• Minimum age: 25 years
  
  

• Minimum commitment: 4 weeks
  
  

• Families are not accepted
  
  

• Volunteers must be independent, responsible, hard-working, and fully adaptable
  
  

• You will share living space with 3 others in a simple environment. Participation in cleaning, mutual respect, and maintaining a good atmosphere are essential
  
  

• The team reserves the right to cancel the participation of anyone not complying with the rules, without exception or refund
  
  

⚙️ GENERAL CONDITIONS:

• Arrival: Fridays between 2:30 PM and 3:00 PM at Carcaixent train station
  
  

• 30–35 working hours per week, with 2 days off (mainly weekdays; weekends if needed by the sanctuary)
  
  

• Schedule varies by season and sunlight hours, at the discretion of the staff
  
  

• Flexible timetable, but you must be available — weekends are the busiest days
  
  

• Shared room (4 people), simple kitchen and bathroom
  
  

• Very hot in summer, with lots of mosquitos
  
  

• Some mountain areas have feeding zones for wild cats — you cannot walk there during feeding times to avoid stressing the animals
  
  

• Meals are not included, but you can cook. Group grocery shopping usually happens on Friday (arrival day), sometimes Saturday
  
  

• Hot water only at night
  
  

• Volunteers are responsible for regular cleaning (personal and shared areas)
  
  

• WiFi available
  
  

• All dietary lifestyles are respected
  
  

• No horseback riding
  
  

• Do not open animal enclosures under any circumstances
  
  

• No photos of animals or facilities may be shared without permission or outside the ethical context of the sanctuary
  
  

• If you share space with the hosts’ child, you are expected to help supervise when asked
  
  

• Cleaning animal waste (horses, goats, dogs, cats, chickens…)
  
  

• Distributing food (heavy bags)
  
  

• Basic animal care and support for sick/injured animals
  
  

• Water containers, hay packages
  
  

• Cleaning and organizing common areas
  
  

• Horses (not for riding)
  
  

• Goats, chickens, dogs, cats (TNR colony)
  
  

• Other rescued animals
  
  

🌱 PHILOSOPHY OF THE PLACE

A life without animal exploitation.
This is not a rural accommodation or tourist destination — it’s an activist space, where animals always come first.

If you don’t fully agree with this vision, this is not your place.