#GiveHope to animals that have no one else
Volunteers
Bring your essential soft skills like communication, creativity, and teamwork to life by becoming a ROLDA Volunteer!
Get started by choosing a ROLDA role below:
Ambassadors
Spread awareness online by amplifying ROLDA’s mission and inspiring others to join the cause!
Champions
Be the driving force behind our fundraising efforts! Using passion and creativity, turn your compassion into action through online fundraising and in-person events to support animals in need.
What happens next?
A ROLDA Volunteer Coordinator will review your application and reach out within 5-7 business days with the next steps!
Do you have questions before applying?
Send us an email at volunteer@rolda.org to discuss with our ROLDA Volunteer Coordinator.
Get inspired by other volunteer experiences or useful advices on how to fundraise effectively for ROLDA UK. Our blog is your go-to place for updates on our latest projects and tips on how you can make a difference from wherever you are.
Blog
January 30, 2025
Love Unleashed: Heartwarming Rescue Stories for Valentine’s Day.
This Valentine’s Day, let’s celebrate the purest form of love—unconditional, loyal, and life-changing. At ROLDA UK, every rescue is a story of second chances, resilience, and deep bonds that blossom between animals and their caregivers. Here are some heartwarming rescue stories that remind us how powerful love can be. Bridge from Ukraine – A Survivor’s ... ROLDA UK
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7 minutes read
January 1, 2025
Why Adopt a Dog from ROLDA?
Are you ready to open your heart and home to a new furry friend? Adopting a dog is a life-changing decision for you and the animal you bring home. Here at ROLDA, dozens of lovable dogs are waiting for a second chance. If you’re considering adoption, here are some powerful reasons why a ROLDA dog ... ROLDA UK
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4 minutes read
Stories Hub
Explore our gallery to see the strays we've rescued and supported in Romania and Ukraine
Pino, left to fend for himself
Pino was cruelly abandoned in the midst of freezing winter, left to fend for himself as a helpless 6 months-old kitten. Luckily his cries for help were heard by his friends from the Great Catsby Association and he soon became part of our family of rescued babies. Pino was started on FIP treatment as soon as he was diagnosed and a few long and difficult months are ahead of us. Two months later, Pino, the brave FIP warrior is feeling much better. His ultrasound reveals that his lymph nodes are perfectly normal now and his bloodwork is good as well. At the moment he is enjoying life in his foster home, sleeping most of the day in cosy fluffy cat beds.
Sancho, poor blind dog hit by a car
Irina had just finished cleaning the shelter when she got a call from the police about Sancho, a dog hit by a car. She rushed to the scene and found him lying on the road with severe paw injuries. The police helped transport him to a clinic, where doctors discovered he was also completely blind. Blood tests revealed his condition was worse than expected, requiring extensive treatment. Irina promised to do everything to help him and now asks for your support. Sancho is showing signs of improvement, but he still needs ongoing care
Crystal, thrown out of the window, in critical condition
Crystal was rescued after being thrown from a building and found in critical condition. Despite the odds, she pulled through and underwent surgery for a severe infection and painful dental issues. Sadly, she was later diagnosed with chronic kidney and liver failure, meaning full recovery was impossible. With only palliative care as an option, she was given love, safety, and comfort in her final months. Though she never fully trusted people again, she slowly realized no one would hurt her anymore. She no longer hid or ran away, instead finding peace, good food, and kindness in her remaining days.
Stepashka, a paralysed dog living for 8 years in Irina’s care
Stepashka, a defenseless little puppy, was brought to Irina’s shelter in Ukraine, eight years ago with a broken spine and a bladder prolapse. The injuries were severe, and the odds of him walking again were slim. Nevertheless, the shelter took him in and provided him with the necessary medical attention and care. Although he never regained his mobility, the shelter was able to address his issues and provide him with a comfortable and wholesome life. It is worth noting that it is often difficult for such animals with special needs to find a home that can cater to their needs.
Lohmatik, the cat with 9 lives
You won’t recognise Lohmatik today! The tomcat had a second chance to live because his rescuers didn’t give up on him. He was picked up on the street in a terrible state: his jaw was rotten, there were wounds all over his neck, his front paw was rotten (infection and hence inflammation), he had anemia. He was a very fluffy cat, but his fur was now very dirty and falling out. When he was sheared, they saw that the poor animal was all covered in wounds. The doctors did the impossible and now Lokhmatik is feeling much better!
Help Dusya walk and run again!
Dusya was a stray dog who roamed the streets of the city, always looking for food and shelter. One day, while crossing a busy road, she was hit by a car. She couldn’t move, and her bones were sticking out of her joint. For several days, Dusya lay there, in agony, with no one to help her. The volunteers took Dusya to a nearby animal clinic, where she was examined by a veterinarian. Her condition was critical, and she needed immediate surgery. The veterinarian operated on Dusya, installing a device that would hold her joint in place until it healed completely, which would take about two months.
Frequently asked questions
Why should I volunteer for ROLDA?
Millions of animals worldwide struggle to survive on the streets until they find safety and care in animal shelters. Some arrive after suffering neglect or abuse, while others simply have nowhere else to turn. From dogs and cats to donkeys, farm animals, and horses, these shelters give them a second chance at life.
Volunteering with ROLDA allows you to connect directly with the shelter community and rescue team, making a tangible impact on the lives of these animals.
ROLDA is proud to stand alongside charities worldwide dedicated to animal welfare. We’ve created a compassionate environment that fosters the ideals of family, friendship, and a shared bond between humans and animals. Together, we are a voice for the voiceless. Join us and become part of a unique movement driven by kindness and activism!
How is ROLDA different from other charities?
ROLDA is an international nonprofit dedicated to rescuing and caring for abused, neglected, and homeless animals. ROLDA also supports pet owners in Romania’s poorest regions who struggle to care for their pets responsibly.
Our ultimate vision is to eliminate animal homelessness. ROLDA’s efforts include ensuring every pet is microchipped, registered, and bound to their owner by legal responsibility. Achieving this goal may take decades, but we remain steadfast in our commitment. Until that day comes, we tirelessly work to improve the lives of the animals we rescue and those still living in the wild, using every resource at our disposal.
The heart of ROLDA lies with our incredible shelter and rescue staff. They rise to every challenge, no matter the hour, weather, or difficulty. Whether braving the sweltering summer heat or the freezing cold of winter, they’re always there to help animals who are starving, injured, or desperate for care.
When they’re not out in the field, our staff are busy maintaining our shelters and ensuring the animals in our care are well-fed, exercised, and given opportunities to play and socialize. We’re also fortunate to have a highly skilled veterinary team performing hundreds of life-saving and life-improving procedures yearly.
At ROLDA, compassion and a shared mission to give animals the lives they deserve drive every effort. Together, we’re building a brighter future—one rescue at a time.
How ROLDA Was Born – An Introduction to our Founder
Dana Costin, the Founder and CEO of ROLDA, has dedicated her life to rescuing and protecting animals in need. In her 20s, she witnessed a surge in Romania's stray dog population, including in her hometown of Galați. The increase in stray dogs led to a troubling rise in organized dog fights—events often ignored by authorities at the time. Although dog fighting is now illegal, it remains an ongoing issue in some areas.
Dana’s journey began with her first rescue, a German shepherd named Printz. She found him abandoned in a local park, injured, and likely a victim of a dogfight. Thanks to a compassionate local vet, Printz recovered, but his past left him aggressive toward other dogs and people. With patience and love, Dana earned his trust, and Printz became the first dog her parents allowed to live in their small apartment—a significant milestone for her family.
After Printz passed away in 2002, Dana knew her mission wasn’t over. At the time, she had no shelter or dedicated space for rescues, so she turned to friends and family, asking to use their gardens to care for the dogs she saved. Their support helped in the short term, but Dana dreamed of doing more. Her parents remained her most significant emotional and financial supporters even as ROLDA gained international recognition.
Thanks to Dana’s determination and resilience, ROLDA has become a beacon of hope for homeless animals in Romania and Ukraine. Despite facing societal indifference and constant fundraising challenges, Dana’s unwavering commitment has transformed countless lives. Creating a safe haven for animals through ROLDA has been her greatest joy—and she invites you to join her in making a difference.