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Date Published: 18/06/2025

Help hooves and heal hearts... volunteer with rescued donkeys in Murcia

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Andrea’s Animal Rescue & The Henrietta Foundation is looking for caring volunteers to help run its unique donkey sanctuary

Help hooves and heal hearts... volunteer with rescued donkeys in Murcia

If you fancy a break from the usual routine, are looking for a meaningful way to spend your time and love the idea of helping out some gentle, four-legged friends in a peaceful rural setting, this could be just the opportunity for you. Andrea’s Animal Rescue & The Henrietta Foundation, a dedicated donkey sanctuary in the Region of Murcia, is on the lookout for volunteers.

Founded in 2008 by UK couple Andrea and Kevin after they relocated to Spain, the charity has been rescuing, rehabilitating and caring for abandoned, sick and mistreated donkeys ever since. Today, they look after over 100 four-legged residents, offering them a safe space to recover and thrive.

This is much more than just a sanctuary. It’s a true haven for donkeys in need, a place where love, patience and dedication make a real difference. And now, they need an extra pair of hands... or two.

Set in peaceful, rural surroundings in Mazarrón, with beautiful landscapes in every direction, this volunteering opportunity is ideal for individuals or couples looking for a new adventure.

Volunteers will be responsible for the day-to-day care of the animals and upkeep of the centre, including:

Feeding and grooming the donkeys
Cleaning stables and enclosures
Helping with basic maintenance
Providing plenty of kindness and cuddles

You’ll need to be self-motivated, reliable and confident working under your own initiative. Previous equine experience is helpful but not essential, and a driving licence and car would be a bonus. Accommodation is provided on-site, along with water, electricity, WiFi and a food allowance. British nationals can volunteer for up to three months without additional paperwork.

Helping animals in need is hugely rewarding. By volunteering, you’ll be part of something meaningful, meet like-minded people and make a real impact on the lives of these gentle creatures.

And let’s face it, who wouldn't want to wake up to the sound of friendly brays and spend their mornings with a curious pair of ears peeking over a stable door?

If this sounds like your kind of adventure, contact Andrea at:

Andrea’s Animal Rescue & The Henrietta Foundation

C/ San Pedro, 13, 30870 Mazarrón, Murcia, Spain

Telephone: 0034 690 90 65 65

Email: andreasanimalrescuemurcia@hotmail.com

or to find out more visit their website or find them on Facebook.

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Address

Avenida de Constitucion 55, Mazarron (opposite the medical centre). Avenida de Murcia, Roldan.

Tel: Tel: 690 906 565 (Mobile)

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Andrea and her team help animals in distress

Andreas Animal Rescue Andrea's Animal Rescue was started in August 2008.

The charity was formed primarily to care for mal-treated Donkeys, as during this time, Henrietta, a female donkey with several tumours, was rescued. She was in fact their second donkey. Lola was the first.Lola had not been adequately cared for by her previous Spanish owner, so she came into their care. Henrietta however was found about two kilometers away from Andrea’s home. She had been abandoned by the side of the motorway. Her tumors were so severe that she had to have treatment in Murcia veterinary hospital with an estimated cost of 2500 euros for her operations. Andrea and her team commenced various types of fundraising and selling unwanted items at local car boot sales. This in turn paved the way to the opening of their charity shops. Sadly, due to her treatment and a blood disorder Henrietta died. They could not let her passing go unnoticed, so Andrea´s Animal rescue and the Henrietta Foundation was formed.

The charity will rescue any type of animal, wherever possible, however priority will always be given to Donkeys.

Charity Shops in Mazarrón and Roldán

There are two shops, one in Mazarrón Town and the other in Roldán, which are fully stocked with nearly new clothes, bric-a-brac, books, videos, DVD's, CD´s and furniture, all of which has been very kindly donated. Please go along and see them, you never know, they may just have that bargain you are searching for!

Charity Shop Mazarrón Town:
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 10am until 2pm (closed Sunday)

Charity Shop Roldán: Avenida de Murcia, Roldán (click here for map link)
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 10.30am - 2.30pm (Closed Sunday)

Every Monday between 11.30am and 1.30pm, the charity collects donations on Camposol B Sector car park opposite the petrol station.

The generosity of people is what makes the two shops work so well and, of course, keeps the customers flowing through the front doors. Without the help and support they just couldn’t continue, so please, when you are clearing out or moving house, think about AAR.

If you have large items please ring them, or pop in to either of the shops, to arrange collection.

They are always looking for foster homes so please contact them if you are interested in becoming a foster carer.This can be a very rewarding experience, particularly if you do not live in Spain permanently, but still desire a “waggy tail” and a wet nose around the place. They also have many animals looking for forever, loving homes, again, please contact them if you are looking to adopt.