Why you volunteer?

Because

Why to become a ROLDA volunteer?

Because abused, homeless animals need us and all the help they can get to live better, safer and respected lives. We take action to solve emergency situations but also provide a holistic approach to help the next generation of animals.

We have ambitious goals but we need YOU to succeed!

Expand sterilisation campaigns throughout more areas of Romania

Refurbish and expand the shelters (includes Pawzup)

Run educational programmes

Expand adoption programmes

Guidelines to become a volunteer

Before you join us as a volunteer, please read this short guide.

Presentation guide online

Read about how volunteers can help us reach more animals in need.

Priorities 2030

We have bold ambitions and a plan but we can’t do it alone.

Ready to become a ROLDA volunteer?

Do you have any questions before applying?

Send us an email at volunteer@rolda.org to discuss with Gemma, our ROLDA Volunteer Coordinator.

What you will gain

New skills or developing the existent skills

Try something new

A sense of achievement

Give back to community

Develop personal skills

Grow self confidence

Specialized volunteers on fundraising, finance, team building, management, computer and administration can gain important experience working to help those who have no voice and no one to turn to for help.

How you can become a ROLDA Volunteer?

Explore jobs (there are 5 categories with differing jobs)
-> Select volunteer position (the flag near job title indicates the location where job is available)
-> Apply on the job page
-> Your application will be reviewed -> Attend an info session with Gemma
-> Receive a Volunteer Pack (the t-shirt “I volunteer for ROLDA What’s your superpower?”, an assorted tote bag) and access to a volunteer dedicated Facebook group.

Note! Once we have received your volunteer application, please be aware that a background check will be carried out before your volunteering status is confirmed.
If the application is approved, we will ask for a copy front and back of your identity card and driving license. If you live in Switzerland, Norway (Oslo area), Sweden, the UK (Manchester area), or Romania (Galati area) please contact us at volunteer@rolda.org to meet our staff in person.
ROLDA accepts no liability for any loss, harm or injury of any sort arising from, or in connection with, participation in the volunteer activity.

How you can become a ROLDA Volunteer?

Explore jobs (there are 5 categories with differing jobs) -> Select volunteer position (the flag near job title indicates the location where job is available) -> Apply on the job page -> Your application will be reviewed -> Attend an info session with Gemma -> Receive a Volunteer Pack (the t-shirt “I volunteer for ROLDA What’s your superpower?”, an assorted tote bag) and access to a volunteer dedicated Facebook group.

Note! Once we have received your volunteer application, please be aware that a background check will be carried out before your volunteering status is confirmed.
If application is approved, we will ask a copy front and back of your identity card and driving license. If you live in Switzerland, Norway (Oslo area), Sweden, the UK (Manchester area) or Romania (Galati area) please contact us at volunteer@rolda.org to meet our staff in person.
ROLDA accepts no liability for any loss, harm or injury of any sort arising from, or in connection with, participation in the volunteer activity.

Explore jobs

Choose your category and see what jobs we have and apply even if you have no experience.

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Adoptions coordinator

Sweden, Switzerland

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Contact shelters

UK

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Home checker

Switzerland

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Solve adoption issues

UK, Sweden

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Choose your category and see what jobs we have and apply even if you have no experience.

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Administrative online assistant

CA, USA, DE, DK, SE, CH, NL, RO

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Donor relations assistant

CA, USA, AU, UK, NZ, NW, DE, DK, SE, CH, NL

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Ambassadors manager

CA, USA, AU, NZ, NW, DE, DK, SE, CH, NL, FR, ES, IT, AT

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Volunteers manager

CA, USA, AU, NZ, NW, DE, DK, SE, CH, NL, FR, ES, IT, AT

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Sponsor a dog manager

CA, USA, AU, NZ, NW, DE, DK, SE, CH, NL, FR, ES, IT, AT

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Fundraising and donor stewardship manager

CA, USA, AU, NZ, UK

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CEO Assistant

CA, USA, AU, NZ, NW, DE, DK, SE, CH, NL

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Translator

NW, DE, DK, SE, CH, NL

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Grant writer (English)

CA, USA, AU, UK, NZ

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Bookkeeper

Switzerland

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Board member

RO, USA, AU, UK, SE, NW, NL, DK

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Choose your category and see what jobs we have and apply even if you have no experience.

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Social media manager

CA, US, UK, AU, NW, DE, DK, SE, CH, NL

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Social media specialist

RO, Worldwide

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Social Media Content Manager

CA, US, AU, UK, NZ

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Graphic designer web and social media content

RO, Worldwide

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Newsletter creative designer

RO, Worldwide

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Digital marketing analyst

RO, Worldwide

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Video creator ROLDA

RO, Worldwide

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Video-game creator-programmer

RO, Worldwide

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Public Affairs Manager

USA, AU, NZ, RO

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Education and Community Officer

USA, AU, UK, RO

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Planned Giving Officer

USA, AU, UK, CH

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Copywriter

CH, FR

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Social Media Moderator

Switzerland, UK

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Choose your category and see what jobs we have and apply even if you have no experience.

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Painter

RO

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Sculptor

RO

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Items Artizan

RO

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Items seller

RO, Worldwide

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Seller Partnership

RO, Worldwide

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Fundraiser running marathon

RO, Worldwide

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Collect donated supplies

Worldwide

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Event stand/booth manager

RO, Worldwide

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Can’t find a job matching your skills? Please complete one of these applications (or send us an email to volunteer@rolda.org) and we’ll see what we can do!

Stories from volunteers

Michael

Michael

Ever since seeing those early television pictures of families crossing the Ukraine border with their pets I have wanted to donate something to your charity. I love all animals and wild life…in fact I have more respect for them than most people these days. It is wonderful that the world still has caring people,like yourselves to treat those creatures that are less fortunate.Keep up the good work!

Voyo

Voyo

In October 2023 I had the pleasure of volunteering at the ROLDA in Galati, Romania. I had been reading about various organizations that rescued animals from Ukraine because of the war. Since Galati is very close to the Ukraine border it seemed like a logical choice to visit and volunteer, and articles I had read indicated that ROLDA had an excellent reputation. As I entered the shelter I was immediately impressed with how clean and well kept the grounds were. New, very green grass had grown in and a new cat shelter had just been built. Small dogs and newborn puppies are housed in a clean, climate controlled building, away from the larger dogs. The back section of the shelter grounds is where the other dogs are. Again I was impressed with how clean this area and the cages were. The dogs are moved on a rotating basis to an outdoor area, which is fenced-in, where they are allowed to play while their cages are being cleaned and disinfected. This is done by 2 dedicated and hard-working women, Flori and Aurelia. They work tirelessly, and their love for all the animals at the shelter touched my heart! The dogs and cats at ROLDA Galati are very well taken care of. They are examined and treated by a veterinarian. Thank you to Flori and Aurelia for a wonderful experience!

Fernando

Fernando

My name is Fernando Diaz I’m one of the collaborators to make all this hard work go forward and help more and more dogs every day. In my case it is my very first time working with a charity association and the experience of seeing how my little sand granule makes a difference in the life and wellbeing of any pet that is struggling to survive is amazing. Plus the good feeling of being useful and doing something to change the life of the animals.

Karen

Karen

I joined ROLDA in July 2021 and my role is UK Adoption Manager. Everyone at ROLDA shares the same love and passion to help as many dogs as they can and bring happiness to the dogs and adopters equally. The team are amazing and have become my second family, great friends and are so supportive in every way. Our dogs are loved by all of us and we take huge pride in finding them the best homes possible. I myself have 7 dogs, all rescues from Romania, including one ROLDA dog.
If you are looking to volunteer for an amazing rescue or adopt a new member of your family I couldn’t recommend ROLDA highly enough ❤️

Heidi

Heidi

I volunteer because I have a deep love for all animals and want to help those who suffer – from direct human abuse, and from neglect and our destrution of their natural habitats. I love to read success stories, but it doesn’t discourage me to read also stories where help came too late. It is very interesting to be informed about how animals live and are treated in Romania – both domestic and wild animals.

Corinna

Corinna

To help the weakest of the weakest. To show thankfulness to the people who made it possible for us to adopt the best dog in the world. 2. I love to read about successful stories, and all about your pedagogical work with people in Romania, especially men. 3. no need to convince me – I will do it anyway, even when Honey is gone.

Jenka

Jenka

I volunteer because I went to Romania and saw how hard life was for all the street dogs. The first time I went there for vacation but felt I had to be part of the solution. On the website, I love to see happy endings. before and after pics and some extra attention to old dogs. To feel we do something that actually works and makes a difference. When I see pics of the dogs happy in their new homes gives me all my motivation.

Current volunteers by country

UK

Celia

Job title

Sweden

Jenka

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Lisa

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Mathilda

Christian

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Norway

Corinna

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Hege

Job title

Heidi

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Marte

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Matilde

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Merethe

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Canada

Vojo

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USA

Shannon

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Karen

Randell

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Lauree and team from BDRR

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Romania

Anca

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Andreea

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Lorena

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Ovidiu

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Rafi

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Switzerland

Al

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Caroline

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Denis

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Lolita

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Martine

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Michele

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Nathalie

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Vanessa

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Netherlands

Sabine V

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Germany

Sabine G

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Laura

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F.A.Qs General Questions

For what type of activities do you need volunteers?

For what type of activities do you need volunteers?

Voluntary activities necessary at ROLDA are divided into 4 categories: Online skills, Dogs Abroad, Dogs related, Extra skills, Office skills and include jobs like secretary work; graphic creator; marketing & fundraising online/offline, hand over printed or hand-made materials. A description of each activity is present in the following pages.

What is the commitment required?

What is the commitment required?

The commitment to voluntary activities for ROLDA is occasional and subject to availability of each. ROLDA requires each volunteer only a minimum of monthly availability, which varies depending on the chosen activity.

What should I do to become volunteer for ROLDA?

What should I do to become volunteer for ROLDA?

Become a volunteer for ROLDA is simple:

Select volunteer position.

Submit online application (click either on Volunteer on site or Virtual Volunteer).

Attend an info session with Gemma

You will receive aVolunteer Pack (a t-shirt I volunteer for ROLDA What’s your superpower?, a tote bag and access to a dedicated group.

If you live in Switzerland, Norway (Oslo area), Sweden, the UK (Manchester area) or Romania (Galati area) please contact us at volunteer@rolda.org to meet our staff in person.

In which way you contact me when you need me as a volunteer?

In which way you contact me when you need me as a volunteer?

Whenever we need the help of volunteers, we send an email with all the useful details. You are available? Reply to e-mail. We will contact you if you are to carry out the task. You can not help us out for this activity? Simply do not respond to the email.

Who I can contact for more information?

Who I can contact for more information?

You can contact Gemma, the volunteer coordinator, by email: volunteer@rolda.org.

F.A.Qs Volunteer on site

As ROLDA volunteer on site, what I do?

As ROLDA volunteer on site, what I do?

walk the dogs

clean facilities

groom dogs

socialize dogs (build trust of dogs in people)

As a veterinary or nurse or 3rd + year vet student you are welcome to work with our vet collaborator at his clinic and follow his guidance.

How long I can volunteer?

How long I can volunteer?

You can volunteer for as little as one day.

On which days I can volunteer?

On which days I can volunteer?

From Monday to Friday, from 9am until 4pm
The routine starts with cleaning boxes and evaluating the general state of health of each dog.
Bowls are cleaned, fresh water replaced. Around 11am it’s feeding time. After that, dogs can be walked/groomed/trained while caretakers clean again all boxes and replace water.

Is there any age limitation to volunteer?

Is there any age limitation to volunteer?

Yes, you will need to be 16 or over and if you are under 18 we will request consent of your parents / guardian before you can volunteer.

What’s for lunch?

What’s for lunch?

Caretakers bring cooked food from home.
Alternatively, you can go to nearby shop located at nearest gas station or further away, at a food shop located along the main road, where you can find sandwiches. To avoid this, especially if you would be scared to meet packs of strays, you can bring a lunch box with you in the morning.

Hydration
Drinking bottle/s (0.5l) is complementary. Hydration is very important especially during hot summer days.

What should I wear?

What should I wear?

During the cold season (November to March) use footwear that will not get damaged by the wet.
If susceptible to sunburn, consider suitable clothing.
If you plan to play & socialize with dogs, wear long trousers to limit scratches.

Where would I stay?

Where would I stay?

Closest accommodation is Hostel Alexia.
There are a lot of accommodation options in Galati town and also nice restaurants along Danube river where you can have dinner. You can sleep in Galati and agree a meeting point with Flori (our caretaker who comes to the shelter from town) to come together in the morning.

Safety and security at ROLDA

Safety and security at ROLDA

In the event of an accident, basic first aid can be supplied on site. In cases requiring a greater level of medical treatment, ROLDA will provide transport to external medical services.
Volunteers should make sure they have obtained personal medical insurance to cover any medical costs.

Should I get my vaccines?

Should I get my vaccines?

All of #roldadogs are vaccinated against rabies so you are not at risk from contracting it within the shelter. However, the recommendation whilst travelling in Romania is that you should be vaccinated against rabies and tetanus. If you are bitten by an animal, you should seek medical aid from the local medical centre.