11/09/2026
LONG-TERM VOLUNTEERS NEEDED 🐾
As some of you may have seen, I (Nicole) have made the incredibly tough decision to head home.
I first arrived in Ukraine in June 2022, planning to stay for 3 months (but it ended up being 18). I returned again in June 2024, and I have now reached the point where I am beyond exhausted and know that it is time for me to step away.
I haven’t made this decision lightly, and one of my biggest worries is the animals I won’t be able to find homes for before I leave. But as much as it breaks my heart to say it, if I stay when I am this exhausted, the animals currently in our care won’t be getting the best version of me either. And they deserve that.
So, WOW is looking for long-term volunteers who can step into my role and help keep everything running. ❤️
The days are long, the work can be challenging and Ukrainian winters certainly aren’t for the faint-hearted. Ideally, we are looking for at least two people or couples who can rotate their time living on site, so that the responsibility is shared and there is some much-needed downtime.
Shelter experience would be helpful, but it is not essential. I am more than happy to teach you everything you need to know and spend time working alongside you before I leave.
What we need from you:
🐾 Be adaptable. Things don’t always go to plan at a shelter. Routines sometimes need changing, and occasionally the dynamics within our current packs need adjusting if something isn’t working.
🐾 Be confident working with a multitude of personalities, both dogs and cats. They are all individuals, and understanding them is a huge part of the job.
🐾 Be able to drive into town for vet appointments and other shelter errands.
🐾 Administer medication when required.
🐾 Stay on top of vaccinations and parasite treatments as they become due, including keeping records and making sure nothing gets missed.
🐾 Be comfortable weighing the dogs and handling the more substantial members of our shelter family. Some are a little on the chunky side, so a reasonable level of physical fitness is definitely helpful! 😂
🐾 Get to know the animals. Understanding their personalities, needs and quirks is essential, as is continuing to help them find the perfect homes. I will always be available remotely to help and advise when needed.
🐾 Create engaging content for social media. Telling their stories and helping them get noticed is a huge part of finding them homes.
🐾 Oversee our local staff. They are incredibly competent and know the animals well, but you will need to be able to step into their roles when they have a day off.
And finally…
Having the title of “Manager” does not mean you are exempt from the dirty jobs. 😂
Picking up p**p, cleaning kennels, washing bowls, dealing with the never-ending laundry and everything else that comes with shelter life are all part of the job.
It has always been very much a team effort here, and I have always tried to lead by example. I would hope that continues long after I am gone.
This is a huge role, but it is also incredibly rewarding. You will get to know some truly amazing animals, watch them come out of their shells, help them find their families and, quite possibly, have your heart stolen by a few along the way.
If you think this could be you, or you know someone who might be interested, please get in touch. ❤️🐾
