SARA Animal Shelter

For many visitors, Lanzarote is all about sunshine, beaches and relaxing by the pool. But if you’re looking for something a little different that will genuinely make a difference, spending an hour at SARA Animal Shelter in Tahíche could become one of the most rewarding experiences of your holiday.

SARA has been caring for abandoned and neglected dogs and cats on the island for decades. The charity relies heavily on the kindness of volunteers, members and donations to continue its incredible work, providing shelter, veterinary care and, ultimately, loving new homes for hundreds of animals every year

We have visited SARA many times, our latest being this past week, to spend some time walking some of the shelter’s dogs.

On our first walk, we were paired with Lola, a beautiful 12-year-old Podenco who has been at the shelter since May 2024, and Cado, a gentle 10-year-old male Podenco who has sadly been waiting for a home since September 2019.

After enjoying a lovely 45-minute walk with them, we returned to the shelter and were introduced to another pair – Morena, aged 11, and Chica, aged 9. Both only arrived at SARA in May this year, but they have already won the hearts of everyone caring for them.

Every one of these dogs was affectionate, gentle and simply delighted to spend some time outside the shelter. They all deserve the chance to find a loving family and a place they can finally call home.

One thing that stands out when visiting SARA is the large number of Podenco dogs.

The Podenco is a traditional hunting breed used throughout the Canary Islands. Sadly, when hunting seasons end, some dogs are abandoned or discarded when they are no longer considered useful. Many of those unfortunate animals eventually find their way into shelters like SARA, where volunteers work tirelessly to give them the second chance they deserve.

We know first-hand just how wonderful these dogs can be. Last year, we adopted our own Podenco, Ziggy, from SARA, and he has brought a loving craziness to our home that can´t be matched by any other breed.

Whether you live in Lanzarote or you’re simply here on holiday, there are many ways you can support SARA.

You can:

• Adopt a dog or cat.
• Sponsor an individual animal.
• Become a member, with memberships starting from just €6 per month.
• Volunteer your time.
• Make a financial donation.
• Donate unwanted items that SARA can sell to raise funds.
• Donate much-needed supplies including dog food, cat food, blankets, towels, cat litter and cleaning products.
• Simply visit and walk the dogs.

Dog walking is one of the biggest ways volunteers can help. With so many dogs in their care, it’s impossible for the staff to give every dog the daily exercise and attention they deserve. Even taking one dog for a 30 to 45-minute walk makes a huge difference to their day. Volunteers who wish to walk dogs are asked to take out the shelter’s annual insurance, which costs just €4

If you’re visiting Lanzarote and fancy doing something meaningful away from the beach for a morning, why not spend some time at SARA?

Not only will you enjoy exploring the countryside around the shelter with a grateful four-legged companion, but you’ll also be giving a rescue dog some much-needed exercise, stimulation and affection.

It’s an experience that stays with you long after your holiday ends

SARA Animal Shelter is located in Tahíche and welcomes visitors:

• Monday to Saturday: 10:30am – 1:00pm
• Tuesday evenings: 5:00pm – 7:00pm (summer months).

If you’re considering adopting, volunteering, becoming a member or making a donation, the team will be happy to explain how you can help.

Every Walk Matters

Watching the excitement on a shelter dog’s face as they realise they’re going out for a walk is something that’s difficult to describe.

For us, spending just a couple of hours with Lola, Cado, Morena and Chica was the highlight of our day. We hope each of them finds the loving home they so richly deserve.

If you’re in Lanzarote and have a little spare time, consider paying SARA a visit. It won’t just brighten a dog’s day—it may well brighten yours too.