Animal Rescue Cyprus, one of the island’s largest shelters, is appealing for volunteers after their numbers fell to just 11, far short of what is needed to care for the 1,350 animals in its care.
The Paphos-based shelter houses dogs, cats, horses, donkeys and goats. It operates as a private, independent charity with no state funding and is facing one of its most difficult financial periods in recent years.
Sumani Ochse, the shelter’s fundraising officer, told philenews that the shelter currently has six permanent volunteers and around five temporary ones. “This is nowhere near enough for the number of animals we care for,” she said, adding that new rescue requests arrive daily.
Ochse said the shelter urgently needs as many volunteers as possible, particularly during the morning shift, from 8am to 11am, and the afternoon shift, from 4:30pm to 6pm, though help is welcome at any time. Asked about the tasks volunteers are needed for, she said daily work includes walking dogs, cleaning cages and enclosures, washing food and water bowls, feeding animals, grooming, cleaning play areas, removing waste, washing bedding and fabrics, basic maintenance work, socialising animals, fundraising and helping at events.
Experience is not required but is preferred, particularly for larger or frightened dogs. Due to limited staff and workload, the shelter does not have the resources for extensive individual training, although guidance is provided wherever possible.
Ochse described the situation at the shelter as extremely serious, with the drop in volunteers compared to previous years reaching 70 percent. She said this is mainly due to a decline in long-term volunteers, fewer so-called “workaway” programmes, financial pressures and lower tourist numbers, which have traditionally brought many volunteers to Cyprus.
Ochse said the impact is significant, as animals receive less exercise, engagement and attention than they deserve. Staff must prioritise feeding, cleaning and medical care, leaving little time for socialisation and training, she explained, adding that long periods in cages without adequate interaction can negatively affect animals’ physical and emotional wellbeing.
The shelter is going through one of its most difficult financial periods in recent years, according to Ochse, as donations have fallen significantly while the number of animals needing care continues to rise. Its biggest expenses relate to animal food, hay and feed, veterinary care, medication, vaccinations, cleaning products, utility bills, fuel and daily running costs.
Ochse said the shelter never stops responding to emergencies or feeding its animals but is constantly forced to prioritise spending and make the most of every donation. She said the shelter currently has the greatest need for monetary donations, as these allow it to respond immediately wherever help is most needed. There is also a need for dog and cat food, hay, animal feed, cleaning products, bleach, laundry detergent, bin bags, towels, blankets, bedding, puppy pads, cat litter, toys, treats and veterinary supplies.
Animal Rescue Cyprus is a private, independent registered charity that receives no state funding and relies entirely on public contributions and sponsorships from individuals and businesses. Those wishing to volunteer or donate can contact the shelter directly on 26 946461, through its website or via its Facebook and Instagram pages.
For volunteering to help walk dogs, interested parties can contact Charlotte by phone or WhatsApp on 99756877. For all other forms of volunteering, questions and donations, they can contact Sumani on 94539001.
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