The Goldra Dog Sanctuary (Canigoldra)

The Goldra Dog Sanctuary, registered as Associacao Canigoldra, is an animal charity based in the hills above Goldra, near Loule, caring for abandoned and stray dogs and cats from across the Algarve. It shelters more than 120 animals at any one time, taking in dogs found straying or surrendered by owners who can no longer care for them, and working to find them new homes. The sanctuary's small team, supported by volunteers, handles adoptions and fostering, sponsorship of individual dogs, and the day-to-day care of the animals on site. Dogs can be adopted locally or sent abroad to new homes in the UK, the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany, and the sanctuary keeps a public list of dogs currently available for adoption or sponsorship on its website. Residents can get involved by adopting or fostering a dog, sponsoring a dog from anywhere in the world, volunteering at the sanctuary, or donating goods or funds to help with the animals' care. The sanctuary can be reached by email, with directions to the site published on its website for those arranging a visit.