#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 about volunteering with ROLDA?
Reach out to us at volunteer@rolda.org to speak with a ROLDA Volunteer Coordinator.
FAQs
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.