The Goldra Dog Sanctuary (Canigoldra)

The Goldra Dog Sanctuary, registered as Associação Canigoldra, sits in the hills at Goldra near Loulé and cares for more than 70 abandoned dogs. The sanctuary is run by volunteers and funded by fundraising events, sponsors and donations, with Jan Henderson living on site and caring for the animals every day. Most of the dogs arrive abandoned, many needing medical attention, and are nursed back to health before looking for a new home. Most of the dogs are ready for adoption, and the sanctuary rehomes both locally and abroad, sending dogs to new families in the UK, Holland, Belgium and Germany. Dogs that are too old for adoption or that need specific support always keep their home at the sanctuary, backed by sponsors who can support an individual dog from anywhere in the world. There are plenty of ways to help: adopt or foster, sponsor a dog, volunteer at the sanctuary, donate funds or auction and shop items, or arrange a visit. Contact is by email, and full directions to the sanctuary are on the website.