Your help matters – become a volunteer!

Would you like to help dogs in need?

At Dog Rescue Auktsjaur, you can actively contribute and become part of a dedicated team. We appreciate every helping hand – whether it is working with the dogs, caring for our house dogs, or assisting with tasks around the property. Your support truly makes a difference.

 

​

Especially interesting for Swiss interns

Volunteering with us is officially recognized in Switzerland as an internship for the FBA Animal Care qualification.

 

​

What you can do

Volunteering at a dog rescue involves more than just working directly with the dogs. It also includes various cleaning, maintenance, and housekeeping tasks. Cleanliness and hygiene are essential parts of daily rescue work and play an important role in the well-being of our dogs.

​

During your stay, you will mainly work in two areas:

 

Kennel Helper

You will work in our kennel buildings and outdoor runs. Tasks include daily cleaning, feeding, general care, and observing the dogs to monitor their well-being and behavior.

 

Care of the house dogs

Some of our dogs live as house dogs. These dogs are cared for as part of everyday life, including feeding, general care, and regular walks.

 

Depending on current needs and ongoing projects, there may also be opportunities to assist with construction, maintenance, or property-related work. These tasks are voluntary and not a permanent part of the volunteer role.

 

​

What We Expect From You

To ensure a successful collaboration, you should:

• Be at least 18 years old

• Be able to communicate in German and English

• Be reliable and responsible

• Have previous experience working with dogs

• Work carefully, hygienically, and responsibly, both with the dogs and in daily life

• Respect cleanliness and order in shared living spaces

Of course, you will receive an introduction and guidance upon arrival.

 

​

Working Hours & Daily Routine

Dog care is the main focus of the volunteer experience. This includes kennel work, caring for our house dogs, and the daily cleaning and maintenance tasks that are necessary to keep the rescue running smoothly.

 

Volunteers usually work approximately 6 hours per day.

 

Days off are arranged together in advance. Working hours may vary depending on the season, the number of dogs, current projects, and operational needs.

 

Many of our dogs come from difficult backgrounds. All interactions with the dogs follow clear safety and training guidelines. You will receive proper guidance and will never be left alone with tasks you do not feel comfortable with or have not been prepared for.

 

​

How to Join Our Team

Send us a short inquiry via our contact form, email, or WhatsApp.
Please include a brief description of your motivation for joining us.

 

As part of your application, we require a canine résumé (dog-related CV). This should include your previous experience with dogs, relevant training and education, practical work experience, and any other skills or qualifications related to dog care and handling.

​

The application process is simple:

• Send us your inquiry

• We will arrange a short online introduction meeting

• If everything is a good fit, you can plan your journey

• Travel dates and times must be agreed with us before booking, as we coordinate airport pickups and not every day is available

• You will receive an on-site introduction upon arrival

• Your volunteer experience begins

​

Requirements for Volunteering

Previous experience working with dogs is mandatory.

 

Unfortunately, we cannot consider applications from people without relevant experience.

 

​

Accommodation

During your stay, you will have access to a cozy one-room guest house.

 

It includes a combined living and dining area with a fully equipped kitchen, a sleeping alcove, and a private bathroom.

 

If you prefer to travel with your own camper van, there is plenty of space available on the property. We can discuss the details in advance.

 

From spring until autumn 2026, construction work will be taking place on the property. During this period, volunteers will be accommodated in a caravan located on-site.

 

​

Food & Meals

Your stay includes all standard groceries required for daily meals, such as:

• Bread

• Rice

• Pasta

• Vegetables

• Fruit

• Dairy products

• Water

• Coffee

• Tea

Lunch is also included.

 

Sweets, soft drinks, alcohol, and tobacco products are not included and must be purchased at your own expense.

 

Special vegan products are also not included and must be brought by the volunteer or purchased independently. We fully respect vegan lifestyles; however, for financial reasons, we are unable to provide vegan specialty products.

​

​

Travel

Travel costs are the responsibility of the volunteer. You are responsible for booking and paying for your own journey.

​

The exact travel date must be agreed upon with us in advance.

​

Arrival Airport

Arvidsjaur Airport (ARJ)

We will personally pick you up at the airport. The rescue is located approximately 25 minutes away by car.

 

Alternatively, it is also possible to travel by ferry and train.

​

​

Important Information

• Bringing Your Own Dog
  Unfortunately, volunteers cannot bring their own dogs.
  
  Many dogs with different backgrounds, needs, and personalities live on our property. For organizational, safety, and welfare reasons, we are unable to accommodate volunteers with their own dogs. We appreciate your understanding.
   

• Insurance
  A valid health and accident insurance policy is required and remains the responsibility of each volunteer.
  
  Participation is entirely at your own risk.
   

• Travel Bookings and Cancellations
  Volunteers are responsible for organizing and paying for their own travel arrangements.
  
  We cannot cover any costs resulting from flight changes, delays, rebookings, cancellations, or other travel-related expenses. Therefore, we strongly recommend booking flights only after your travel dates have been confirmed by us.
   

• Clothing
  As we are located in the far north of Sweden, weatherproof and durable outdoor clothing is essential.
  
  You will receive a detailed packing list before your arrival.
   

• Ending a Volunteer Stay
  A volunteer placement is based on mutual trust, respect, and good cooperation.
  
  Both the volunteer and Dog Rescue Auktsjaur reserve the right to end the stay at any time if it becomes clear that the situation is not suitable for the dogs, the team, or the volunteer themselves.
  
  Our goal is for everyone involved to feel comfortable, respected, and able to communicate openly throughout the stay.

 

Length of Stay

The minimum stay is 3 weeks.

 

Longer stays are highly appreciated, as the onboarding process takes several days and longer commitments allow volunteers to make a more meaningful and lasting contribution.

 

​

Recognized Internship for FBA Animal Care (Switzerland)

Volunteer work at Dog Rescue Auktsjaur is officially recognized in Switzerland as an internship for the FBA Animal Care Qualification (Fachausbildung Betreuung von Tieren).

​

If you would like to combine your internship requirement with meaningful animal welfare work, we would be especially happy to hear from you.

 

​

Our Thank You to You – Free Webinar

As a small token of our appreciation, every volunteer receives a free 4-hour evening webinar from Hundezentrum Ammann after completing their stay.

 

A variety of topics are available, including:

• Dog behavior

• Canine health

• Animal welfare

• Everyday life with dogs

• And many other dog-related subjects

Participation is completely online and can be attended from anywhere.

 

This is our way of saying thank you for your support while providing you with valuable knowledge for your future journey with dogs.