Dogs & Cats Lovers Escape

Colombias best volunteer program for dog friends

Experience meaningful animal volunteering in Colombia while caring for rescued dogs and cats in the lush nature of Bucaramanga. At our unique Dog & Cat Program, you’ll support over 130 animals, enjoy optional Spanish classes, and explore one of Colombia’s most authentic regions. A perfect mix of purpose, travel, and cultural immersion.

Program Highlights:

Care for 130+ rescued dogs and cats
Enjoy valuable time in a natural sanctuary
Interact with local communities
Take daily Spanish classes in our Spanish School
Enjoy activities like coffee tours & canyon trips
Discover an authentic city and authentic barrios
Meet inspiring people
Heartwarming and unforgettable Memories!

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This volunteer program in a nutshell

Volunteer Activities & Spanish Classes

As a volunteer, you’ll spend your afternoons at a beautiful Dog & Cat Resort surrounded by nature. You will support daily activities such as feeding, grooming, washing, and playing with the animals, helping them regain trust and well-being. Each dog and cat has its own story, and your presence makes a real difference in their recovery. You’re also encouraged to bring your own ideas and create small projects to improve the animals’ lives. In the mornings, you can optionally join Spanish classes tailored to your level, allowing you to connect more deeply with the local culture. This combination creates a balanced and enriching daily routine.

Explore Bucaramanga & Santander

Beyond volunteering, you’ll discover one of Colombia’s hidden gems. Bucaramanga offers a perfect climate year-round and serves as a gateway to adventure. You can join activities such as coffee tours in the surrounding hills, where you’ll learn about Colombia’s coffee culture from local farmers. For thrill-seekers, paragliding over the Chicamocha Canyon is an unforgettable experience. Nature lovers can explore waterfalls, hiking trails, and national parks in the Santander region. Cultural experiences like city tours and local markets give you a deeper understanding of Colombian life. Your time here becomes more than volunteering—it becomes a full travel experience.

Feel like home in our beautiful hostel

During your stay, you’ll live in a welcoming and social hostel in Bucaramanga. The accommodation is designed to make you feel at home from the very beginning. You’ll share the space with other international volunteers and travelers, creating a vibrant and supportive community. Comfortable rooms, common areas, and a relaxed atmosphere allow you to recharge after your volunteering days. The hostel is centrally located, making it easy to explore the city, restaurants, and local hotspots. Our team is always available to support you and ensure your experience is smooth, safe, and enjoyable. You can choose between private or shared-room options.

Example Schedule of 2 weeks in Bucaramanga

This schedule is just an example. You can customize your trip with us individually and you can decide on the duration of your stay.

Day 1 - Arrival, Airport Pickup & Check-in

You will be picked up at the airport and will check-in to the hostel or the guest family. Get something to eat and settle in. Afterwards, we will give you an introduction about the program and show you around in the area, where you can have breakfast, the Spanish school, supermarkets and restaurants.

Days 2 & 3 - Spanish class & Volunteer with dogs & cats

A typical day starts with delicious breakfast, followed by a Spanish class. After a great lunch in a local restaurant, we will head to the Dog & Cat Resort in the early afternoon. You will get to know the furry friends and have some first exchanges and activities. Transport is arranged by us and you will be accompanied by a local person.

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Day 4 - Comuna Tour and Life in a Colombian Barrio

Dive into the real Colombian life with it's culture, arts, dancing and music. In this tour, local people will guide you through their neighborhood and tell you stories about daily life and history.

Day 5 - Canyon Day & Paragliding

The Chicamocha Canyon is south americas biggest and most beautiful canyon. Enjoy it's view on a daytrip and join a paragliding tandem flight if you are up to.

Days 6-7 - Spanish classes & Volunteer with Cats & Dogs

More Spanish classes to become fluent and volunteering with the furry friends in the afternoon. Washing, playing and feeding the dogs and cats.

Day 8 - Coffee Tour with great views and tasting

Enjoy spectacular views from above and learn first hand about the Colombian Coffee culture. Enjoy a guided tour through a Coffee Plantation and Roastery and taste some delicious coffee.

Days 9 - 13 Spanish classes and volunteering

More Spanish classes and of course more volunteering. The furry friends will know you by now and yo might have already started your own projects at the farm and are actively involved in the daily activities.

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Day 14 - Authentic city tour with local people

Every stay in Bucaramanga includes an authentic tour through the city, led by local people.

Pricing

Package	Price per week	Includes
Basic Package	USD 350.00 (includes Donation)	Daily activities with foundation, hikes & city tours ,Airport transfer, Accommodation, Breakfast & Lunch All transports & Personal guidance
Spanish Add-on	USD 160.00	10 hours of Spanish per week Professional teachers Modern classrooms Small groups
Basic Accommodation	included	Ladies: 4-Bed Girls-Dorm with en-suite bathroom Guys: 4-6 Bed Mixed Dorm with bathroom close by
Private Room	USD 100.00	Private Room Queen-size bed Fan Shared bathroom
Superior Room	USD 170.00	Private Room En-suite bathroom Air Condition Queen-size bed & TV

It's more than Volunteering - it's an experience!

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Airport transfer

Accommodation

Breakfast & Lunch

Transportation

Volunteer Activities & Donation

Hikes & City Tours

Personal Guides & Translators

24/7 in-country support

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WHAT OUR TRAVELERS SAY

Ellie Fenn, United Kingdom, 2026 via Google

I spent my time in Spanish classes at Bucara Spanish academy and at the dog and cat sanctuary, and I would highly recommend both - I would even say if you can stay more than a week, do, as i would have loved more time in Bucaramanga. Laura and Simon have put together an amazing project and are so accommodating of all of your needs. We had the chances to go on beautiful day trips which they organised for us and they took us to a salsa club that was so fun. I would say if you are going to Colombia it is a must do, and if you are looking for any volunteer program to spend time with lovely animals, wonderful people in a great city, this would be the best option for you! I travelled solo and was nervous about this but it was one of the best experiences of my life.

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The impact you will make

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By joining this program, you directly contribute to improving the lives of rescued animals in Colombia. Many of the dogs and cats come from difficult backgrounds, including abandonment and neglect. Your care, attention, and affection help them rebuild trust in humans and prepare for potential adoption.

Daily tasks such as feeding, grooming, and social interaction are essential for their physical and emotional recovery. At the same time, your presence supports the local team in maintaining a sustainable and loving environment for all animals.

Beyond the animals, you also contribute to raising awareness about responsible pet care and animal welfare in the region. Your impact is visible, meaningful, and lasting.

Reviews from our Volunteers

Volunteering at the dog resort in more details

Voluntours Colombia - Dog and Cat lovers program - volunteer surrounded by many cats in Bu

Our Dog & Cat Volunteer Program in Bucaramanga is designed to offer a structured yet flexible experience. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be picked up at the airport and welcomed by our local team. After settling into the hostel, you’ll receive an introduction to the program and your volunteer placement.

Each weekday, you’ll typically spend your afternoons at the Dog & Cat Resort, located in a peaceful natural environment surrounded by cacao and lemon trees. Here, over 130 rescued animals are cared for in a safe and open space. Your tasks will vary depending on the needs of the day and may include feeding, cleaning, grooming, playing, and assisting with general maintenance.

Mornings are flexible—volunteers can relax, explore the city, or join optional Spanish classes. Weekends are usually free, giving you the chance to travel, join organized tours, or simply unwind. Popular excursions include canyon tours, hiking adventures, and cultural experiences in and around Bucaramanga.

We focus on creating a holistic volunteer experience, combining meaningful work, cultural exchange, and travel. No prior experience with animals is required—just motivation, compassion, and a willingness to contribute. Whether you stay for one week or several months, you’ll become part of a project that truly makes a difference.