Your help matters – become a volunteer!

Would you like to help dogs in need?
At Dog Rescue Auktsjaur, you can actively lend a hand and become part of a dedicated team. We are grateful for every helping hand – whether in daily work with the dogs, caring for our house dogs, or assisting with tasks around the property. Your contribution truly makes a difference.

 

Especially interesting for Swiss interns

Working with us is officially recognised in Switzerland as an internship for FBA Animal Care.

 

What you can do

During your stay, you will be assigned to two fixed areas:

 

Kennel Helper

You will work in our dog houses with outdoor runs. Your tasks include daily cleaning, feeding, care, and observing the dogs.

 

Care of the house dogs

Some of our dogs live as house dogs. They are cared for in everyday life, looked after, and taken for regular walks.

 

In addition, depending on the phase and current needs, support with construction or maintenance work on the property may be required. These tasks are voluntary and not permanently expected.

​

What you should bring with you

To ensure good cooperation, you should:

• be at least 18 years old

• be able to communicate in German and English

• be reliable

• have experience handling dogs

• work carefully, hygienically, and responsibly – both when dealing with the dogs and in everyday life

• respect order and cleanliness in shared living spaces

You will of course receive an introduction on site.

​

Working hours & daily routine

The tasks as a kennel helper and the care of the house dogs are part of every volunteer stay and form the core of the daily work.

​

The working time is usually around 6 hours per day.
There are days off, which we plan together in advance. Exact working hours may vary depending on the area of work, season, and current needs.

​

Our dogs often come from difficult backgrounds. All handling follows clear safety and training guidelines. You will never be left alone with tasks you do not feel confident performing.

 

How to become part of our team

Send us a short enquiry via the contact form, by email, or via WhatsApp
(please also briefly describe your motivation for staying with us).

​

To apply as a volunteer, we require a canine (kynological) CV.
This should describe your previous experience with dogs, education and further training, practical work, and relevant knowledge in handling dogs.

• We will then contact you for a short (online) meeting.

• If everything fits, you can plan your journey.
  Travel dates and times must be agreed with us before booking, as we organise pick-up and not every day is suitable.

• You will receive an introduction directly on site.

• After that, your assignment can begin.
   

Requirement for a volunteer assignment

Experience in handling dogs is mandatory.
Unfortunately, we cannot consider applications without relevant prior experience.

 

Accommodation

For your stay, a cosy guest house is available.
It includes a large living and dining area with a fully equipped kitchen, a separate bedroom, and a small bathroom.

 

If you prefer to arrive with your own camper, there is sufficient space on the property – we will simply clarify this in advance.

​

In spring and summer 2026, construction work will take place. During this period, volunteers will be accommodated in a caravan on the property.

​

Meals

All standard food for daily meals is included during your stay
(e.g. bread, rice, pasta, vegetables, fruit, dairy products, as well as water, coffee, and tea).
Lunch is also included.

​

Sweets, soft drinks, as well as alcohol and tobacco are not included and must be paid for by yourself.

 

Vegan specialty products are also not included and must be brought or paid for by yourself. We fully respect vegan diets but are unfortunately unable to cover them for financial reasons.

​

Travel

Travel costs are at your own expense – you book and pay for your journey yourself.
The exact travel date will be agreed upon together in advance.

​

Destination airport: Arvidsjaur (ARJ)
You will be personally picked up there – the shelter is about a 25-minute drive away.

​

Alternatively, arrival by ferry and train is also possible.

​

Important information

Valid health and accident insurance is required and is the responsibility of the volunteer.
The stay is at your own responsibility.

 

As we work in the far north, weatherproof and robust clothing is essential. A detailed packing list will be provided before arrival.

​

The volunteer assignment is unpaid and based on mutual trust and respect.

​

Length of stay

The minimum stay is 3 weeks.
Longer stays are explicitly welcome, as the induction period takes several days and your support becomes more sustainable over time.