Volunteer at a Dog Rescue Shelter in Ella, Sri Lanka

Dogs of Ella is a small animal welfare organisation based in the beautiful hill country of Ella, Sri Lanka. We rescue and care for street dogs who need medical treatment, rehabilitation or a safe place to live.

Our work goes beyond rescue. We believe that every dog deserves individual care, affection, social interaction and the opportunity to recover at their own pace. Alongside our shelter work, we support long-term solutions through sterilisation, vaccination and community education.

Our shelter is home to around 35–40 dogs, each with their own personality, background and needs. Some are playful and energetic, others are shy or still learning to trust people.

As a volunteer, you'll become part of our daily routine, working alongside our local team and spending time with the dogs. You'll experience both the rewarding moments and the practical responsibilities involved in running an animal shelter.

We're looking for compassionate, reliable and open-minded people who genuinely enjoy being around dogs and are willing to get involved in everyday shelter life.

No previous animal rescue experience is required, but you should be comfortable working closely with dogs of different sizes, temperaments and backgrounds.

Please keep in mind that shelter work can be physically demanding, sometimes messy and takes place outdoors in changing weather conditions. Cleaning and feeding are just as important as walking and cuddling the dogs.

We welcome volunteers aged 21 and above, with a minimum stay of four weeks. Longer stays are especially appreciated, as they allow you to build relationships with the dogs and become familiar with our routines.

We provide accommodation in a shared volunteer house, located approximately 10 minutes by vehicle from Ella town and our shelter.

Each volunteer has their own private bedroom, while the bathroom and common living area are shared. Wi-Fi and a washing machine are also available.

Two plant-based meals featuring local Sri Lankan cuisine are provided daily. Transport related to shelter activities is also included.

Ella is a beautiful small town in Sri Lanka's hill country, surrounded by lush green mountains, tea plantations and breathtaking landscapes.

Both our shelter and volunteer accommodation are located about 10 minutes by vehicle from Ella's lively tourist centre, where you'll find cafés, restaurants, shops and opportunities to meet travellers from around the world.

The surrounding area is especially wonderful for nature lovers, with plenty of hiking trails, scenic viewpoints, waterfalls and peaceful places to explore.

Volunteering with us offers the opportunity to experience life in Sri Lanka's beautiful hill country, spend meaningful time with our rescue dogs and enjoy the natural surroundings during your free time.

For us, volunteering is about more than helping at the shelter. It's also about getting to know each other, sharing experiences and learning from different perspectives. You'll work alongside our local team, experience everyday life in Sri Lanka and learn more about the dogs and the challenges of animal welfare here.

We believe in kindness, respect and helping one another. Everyone brings something different, and we value working together, including everyone and learning from each other as we move towards a better future for the dogs and our community.

We hope volunteers leave with new experiences, a deeper understanding of responsible animal care and the feeling that, by working together, we can make a positive difference for the future.