Animal SOS

Volunteer Tourism

Founded in 2021, the SOS Animal Sanctuary is a pioneering project in Portugal, spanning 27 hectares in the municipality of Santarém. This unique space houses around 100 animals from more than 12 species, ensuring their well-being, respect, and dignity. The sanctuary is also a safe haven for hundreds of wild species, providing food, shelter, and breeding opportunities. In addition, it restores natural ecosystems, creating habitats that strengthen biodiversity.

What is our objective?

In addition to this project aiming to provide a safe shelter for several species of
animals, our objective is to reforest the space and restore the ecosystem with species
of native trees and shrubs, in order to promote the biodiversity of local flora and fauna.

SOS Animal Sanctuary:

Given that SOS Animal does not receive any state support,
we rely on the help of volunteers to carry out this project.

Our volunteer program is aimed at people over 20 years old, in good condition
physical and mental condition, who share SOS Animal’s values and who
have the desire to contribute to this unique project in Portugal.

  • Cleaning the territories of resident animals;
  • Implementation of environmental enrichment adaptation to resident species;
  • Socialization of resident animals;
  • Cleaning and removing invasive species from the property’s water lines;
  • Tree planting;
  • Treatment of beds;
  • Maintenance of the property’s infrastructures and buildings;
  • Cleaning the drainage system;
  • Deforestation;
  • Forestry maintenance;
  • If you have knowledge: electrical, plumbing or other work;
  • Other works not mentioned according to the organization's needs.

Volunteers can collaborate with our project in two ways:

Volunteers without overnight stay

We request a minimum commitment of once a week, and you must indicate your availability each month. Preparing volunteers for the tasks to be carried out in a project like this requires an initial investment of time on the part of the team.

For this reason, we ask that potential volunteers reflect on whether they intend to remain as volunteers in the long term, as only in this way will it be possible to truly benefit from your help.

Volunteers staying overnight

Volunteers will be accommodated in facilities at the sanctuary.

For this type of volunteering, we require a minimum stay of 14 nights, with the start and end dates of the volunteering period set by SOS Animal.

Volunteers will work around 5 hours per day, with two days off per week.

The volunteers' work will be supervised by the team, but it is assumed that, after some time, they will have the ability to be autonomous in carrying out tasks, being able to work alone.

Tasks are chosen according to the needs of the moment, the number of volunteers available, the season and weather conditions.

All volunteers must speak fluent Portuguese and/or English.

Volunteer Code of Conduct

  • Do not feed the animals without instructions from the team;
  • Do not disturb the animals;
  • Respect the instructions of team members;
  • Contribute ideas, suggestions and constructive criticism;
  • Be able to accept constructive criticism regarding your work;
  • Treat team members, as well as other volunteers, with respect and empathy;
  • Use the sanctuary’s tools and infrastructures with zeal and care;
  • No smoking in the sanctuary except in the designated area;
  • It is prohibited to consume drugs;
  • It is prohibited to consume alcohol during working hours. Outside working hours, alcohol consumption should be moderate.
  • It is not permitted to light fires throughout the sanctuary area;
  • Volunteers must be vaccinated against tetanus.

Failure to comply with the rules of the code of conduct will result in withdrawal from the SOS Animal volunteer program.

Volunteers can collect images/sounds in the sanctuary, however, these must be for personal use only, and their dissemination (social networks, blogs, etc.) is not permitted.

If you intend to publish the images/sounds, you must request authorization from SOS Animal.

Volunteers will have to sign a liability waiver with this information before beginning their collaboration with our association.

Volunteer Program with Accommodation

The SOS Animal Volunteer Program is a unique opportunity to contribute to animal welfare while living an immersive experience at our sanctuary. Volunteers staying at our sanctuary will have access to a comfortable and equipped house located within our space and will actively participate in our daily activities.

Volunteer Accommodation"

  • Capacity: House with the capacity to accommodate up to 12 people, without gender separation in the rooms;
  • Shared spaces: Kitchen, bathroom, and living room are shared by everyone;
  • Available equipment: Refrigerator, stove, oven, microwave, coffee machine, and washing machine;
  • Bedding and towels: Provided weekly.

Thank you for wanting to be part of the SOS Animal family.

Room Price List – 2026

Marias Room

  • 1 person (Double Room with Private Bathroom): €57,75
  • 2 people (Double Room with Private Bathroom): €73,50

Pedros Room

  • 1 person (Per bed): €36,75
  • 4 people (Double Room): €147,00

Parents' Room

  • 1 person (Single Room): €47,25
  • 2 people (Double Room): €63,00

Interior Room

  • 1 person (Single Room): €42,00

Almond Room

  • 1 person (Single Room): €57,75
  • 2 people (Double Room): €73,50

Games Room (Triple)

  • Full Room (3 people): €110,25
  • Per Bed: €36,75

Quarto Charme (Triplo)

  • Full Room (3 people): €110,25
  • Per Bed: €36,75

 

Payment Information

  • Initial Deposit: 50% of the total stay amount (non-refundable), to be paid at the time of registration.
  • Remaining Amount: Paid upon arrival, in cash or by bank transfer.

Meals

  • The stay does not include meals.
  • Consumption of meat and fish is not allowed in the sanctuary.
  • Food Options:
    • Volunteers can order food from online supermarkets, with delivery to the sanctuary.
    • It is recommended to bring enough food for the first day, as delivery may take some time.
    • One day after arrival, transportation will be provided by the sanctuary so that volunteers can do their weekly shopping.

Cleaning Rules

  • Daily Responsibility: Volunteers must keep the house clean and tidy.
  • General Cleaning: Carried out weekly by the team.

Dates and Schedules

  • The program runs from January to December, with arrival and departure dates set by SOS Animal.
  • Volunteers must arrive at the sanctuary on the first day of the program by 2:00 PM.
  • The meeting point will be at the entrance of the property, with the address provided after the booking is confirmed.

How to Participate

Become part of the SOS Animal family and experience a transformative journey, contributing to the protection and care of our animals.

Booking Information

  • For reservations, send an email to: santuario@sosanimal.com
  • Minimum stay: 14 nights (15 days)
  • Datas de entrada e saída disponíveis 2026:
    • December 31 to January 14
    • January 14 to January 28
    • January 28 to February 11
    • February 11 to February 25
    • February 25 to March 11
    • March 11 to March 25
    • March 25 to April 8
    • April 8 to April 22
    • April 22 to May 6
    • May 6 to May 20
    • May 20 and June 3
    • June 3 to June 17
    • June 17 to July 1
    • July 1 to July 15
    • July 15 to July 29
    • July 29 to August 12
    • August 12 to August 26
    • August 26 to September 9
    • September 9 to September 23
    • September 23 to October 7
    • October 7 to October 21
    • October 21 to November 4
    • November 4 to November 18
    • November 18 to December 2
    • December 2 to December 16
    • December 16 to December 30

Reservation periods may be extended up to 1 year, subject to availability.

 

At the time of registration, a payment of 50% of the total cost of the stay (non-refundable) will be requested. The remaining amount will be paid when the volunteer arrives at the sanctuary (in cash or by bank transfer).

The overnight stay does not include meals. The consumption of meat and fish is not allowed in the sanctuary. Volunteers can order food from an online supermarket and it will be delivered to the sanctuary. Upon arrival, you should bring food for about 3 days, as delivery may not be immediate. Volunteers must keep the house clean and tidy on a daily basis. The house will be cleaned once a week.
The night volunteer program runs from January to November, and arrival and departure dates are defined by SOS Animal.
Volunteers must arrive at the sanctuary on the first day of their participation by 2:00 pm. The meeting point will be at the entrance to our property. The address will be sent after confirming the appointment.

Our recommendations

If you are not Portuguese, but reside in the European Union, you must bring your European Health Insurance Card.

All volunteers must have personal insurance that covers personal accidents and medical emergencies.

We also suggest that you bring:

  • Flashlight;
  • Reusable water bottle (note that the water in the sanctuary is not suitable for consumption);
  • Plug adapter, if they are not the same as those in Portugal;
  • If you have the possibility, bring your own transport.