Hidden behind the gates of the Funchal Public Kennel are more than 200 animals waiting for a second chance.
Every single day, the staff and volunteers work tirelessly to care for dogs and cats that have often experienced abandonment, neglect, fear, or loneliness. There is always something to do: cleaning kennels, preparing food, brushing coats, giving medication, rescuing animals, organising adoptions, answering emergencies, and somehow still finding time to make sure the animals receive affection, playtime, and walks.
It is hard work. Emotional work. Exhausting work. But one thing that is never missing there is love.
And that is exactly what makes this place so special. For many volunteers, what starts as “just helping for a day” quickly becomes something much deeper.
Volunteer Natacha Ampe shared her experience after first visiting the shelter:
“One day, I stopped by to see if I could help by walking the dogs or doing some volunteering, and before I knew it, I found myself going back whenever I had some free time.”
She describes arriving at the kennel and being welcomed by excited dogs running towards her, desperate not just for walks, but for connection, affection, and attention.
“One of the most beautiful moments is arriving there and being welcomed by around fifteen dogs waiting for me, jumping around excitedly just to come inside, hug me, and cover me with licks. That feeling is impossible to describe.”
And perhaps that is the part many people do not realise.
Sometimes volunteering is not about doing something huge. Sometimes it is simply about giving an animal one good moment in their day.
A walk. A cuddle. A little attention. A reminder that humans can still be kind. For the dogs, those moments mean everything.
The reality is that shelters everywhere are overwhelmed, and the Funchal Public Kennel is no exception. With more than 200 animals currently in their care, they need support from the community more than ever, not only financially, but emotionally and physically too.
They need people willing to walk dogs. People willing to spend time with shy animals. People willing to play with cats. People willing to help socialise animals so they have a better chance at adoption.
And most importantly, they need visibility.
Because many people still do not know what incredible work is happening there every single day.
Behind every clean kennel, every rescued dog, every successful adoption, and every wagging tail is a team of people giving their energy, patience, and hearts to animals who have already been let down once before.
The shelter is not just a place that houses animals.
It is a place that rebuilds trust.
A place where scared dogs slowly gain confidence again.
A place where abandoned animals learn love again.
A place where small acts of kindness completely change lives.
As Natacha beautifully said:
“It reminds me that sometimes, giving a little bit of your time and love can truly change something in a dog’s life.”
And maybe that is the message worth sharing most.
If you have ever thought about volunteering, this is your sign to do it.
Even one hour can make a difference 🤍
If you would like to help the Funchal Public Kennel through volunteering, dog walking, donations, or simply by sharing their work and helping create awareness, please reach out to us.