Bénévole dans un refuge pour chats ou chiens au Japon

You have the opportunity to volunteer at one of two animal shelters in Japan:

The dog shelter in Tokushima is a non-profit organization that temporarily takes in dogs and tries to find them a new, permanent home. Around 220 dogs and around 40 cats live in the shelter.

In Tokushima, you primarily help with the dogs' activities by taking them for walks, letting them play and run in nature, and playing with them. These tasks are suitable for you if you enjoy being outdoors in any weather, love dogs, and are physically fit. Feeding and cleaning are usually not among your core tasks, but can be integrated if you have experience in dog keeping or stay for a longer period. Construction and repair work on dog kennels is also possible if you are interested.

The Japan Cat Network (JCN) in Kyoto is a non-profit organization dedicated to the welfare of cats in Japan. JCN rescues stray, abandoned, and abused cats, provides them with medical care, socializes them, and places them with new owners. The organization also conducts spay/neuter initiatives and educates about animal rights.

As a volunteer you can flexibly choose your working schedule in coordination with the cat shelter. Participation can range from just a few hours on one day per week to up to 7 days a week and 40 hours, depending on your preference. It is important though that you then follow the agreed schedule, as the shelter plans work accordingly.

There are typically two shifts: a morning shift from 9 am to 1 pm and an afternoon shift usually from 3 pm to 7 pm. Tasks are the same in both shifts and mainly include cleaning the cat rooms, feeding the cats, and observing and documenting the cats’ behavior and condition.

Additional activities, such as repair and renovation work at the buildings, office-related support, creating online content, and participation in Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) initiatives, may also be possible depending on current needs. However, these additional tasks cannot be guaranteed and vary according to the shelter’s priorities at the time.

Both organizations are committed to the welfare of animals, whether by taking in surrendered or rescued animals or through educational work. A great opportunity to get to know the country and its people while contributing to animal welfare. The missions are unpaid, but you'll directly care for the well-being of the animals and gain unforgettable experiences.