Hi there!

I would like to volunteer some time and help with dogs, possibly in the area of Lugano (but other options in Canton Tessin can be considered as well). Do you know of any shelters or other places/groups/individuals that could use some help in particular to look after dogs, walk them, administer meds or even just some loving and company?

Also, do I need any special qualifications or certificates here in Switzerland to do that?

I'm experienced with dogs (especially medium and large-sized dogs) but I have no formal training. I've simply been around dogs since I was a child (my own dog and my parents' dog died a few years ago, both of old age) and have volunteered with rescue groups/shelters/vets for many years as well as been a dog-sitter when I was younger.

Any suggestions/ideas of where/how I could be of help here in Switzerland? Thanks in advance.

I only know of one place near Taverne, but I'm sure there are others.

Do you speak Italian?

Tom

www.spald.ch

but only in Italian....!!

Yes, I forgot to mention it - I'm fluent in Italian and (more or less) understand the dialect, so the language is not an issue.

Thanks for the suggestions, I'll look into them. More suggestions are welcome as well.