Volunteering and internships with animals in Ireland

Ireland has an above-average number of dogs, cats, and horses. More than two-thirds of all Irish households keep either a dog or a cat. In addition, Ireland's horse breeding is known all over the world: Not only do purebred racehorses come from Ireland, but also some of the best sport horses in the world. At first glance, both of these facts seem unproblematic. In reality, Ireland faces a significant stray dog problem, and due to the popularity of equestrian sport, horses have a real expiry date and then end up in a sanctuary. For this reason, there are facilities, largely supported by animal lovers, that address this problem. You too can get involved by volunteering there!

Dog and Cat Shelters

Ireland faces a major stray dog problem. Even though the Irish government is committed to responsible pet care and the number of stray dogs has been reduced by 50% since 2004, thousands of homeless dogs still end up in Ireland's animal shelters every year. We work with several dog shelters that take care of abandoned, abused, or neglected dogs, nurse them up, and try to find a new home for them. Some animal shelters also take in other animals such as cats.

Shelters for Horses, Donkeys, and Ponies

Ireland is known worldwide for its horse breeding. Horse riding is a popular hobby in Ireland. Many purebred and internationally known racing and sport horses also come from Ireland. At the end of their use as an amateur riding horse or professional racing and sport horse, however, the animals are often no longer needed. In many cases, the horses are then brought to sanctuaries, which are 'Old Age Homes' for horses, where they spend the last years of their lives and are thus saved from being euthanized. There are also animal shelters that specialize in horses, donkeys, and ponies, where animals confiscated by the authorities as a result of neglect or abuse are kept. The facilities are usually run by local unpaid volunteers and are financed through donations and membership fees. As a volunteer, you make an important contribution so that the irreplaceable work of the institutions can be continued.

Pet Shop and Dog Salon

Would you like to work with animals and gain professional experience at the same time? We arrange placements with an Irish pet shop chain where you would clean cages, aquariums, and terrariums, change water, feed the animals, and advise customers. The shops also have dog salons where you can assist and learn the craft of being a dog groomer. Other services offered include dog care such as treatment for fleas, ticks, and worms and nutritional advice for pets. During this assignment, you will not only learn how to deal professionally with animals and customers, but you can also improve your English skills at the same time!

Your tasks as a volunteer or intern with animals in Ireland

At the animal shelters and sanctuaries, you can volunteer in animal care or neglected, abandoned, or abused dogs, cats, donkeys, ponies, and horses. Your tasks would involve a variety of responsibilities, including feeding the animals, cleaning the stables and cages, and grooming. Walking the animals and providing human contact are crucial for their well-being: the dogs anticipate a long walk with you, and the horses, ponies, and donkeys also appreciate being moved and entertained. As a volunteer, you will provide the animals with what they need most: attention and love! Ideally, the animals should soon find new homes, so volunteers can guide interested visitors through the animal shelter, introducing them to the animals.

With a placement in the pet shop, you can gain work experience in various areas: you will assist customers, restock shelves with pet food and supplies, clean cages, aquariums, and terrariums, and care for the animals. In the dog salon, you can support the local team with grooming the animals and learn a lot about pet nutrition and care! 

Your Life as a Volunteer in Ireland

You will work five days a week for about 40-45 hours and have two days off per week. Since the animals need attention every day, your days off may not necessarily fall on weekends. If you work on weekends, you will have days off during the week instead.

The exact working hours depend on the facility and can vary, depending on the tasks and when the animals need to be looked after. Therefore, you should be flexible about the exact times.