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Volunteering on the Camino with a dog

Markst144

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Donating Member
Time of past OR future Camino
Francais in 2021, now starting the Norte
Greetings,

Apologies for the unusual posting. I have walked a number of Caminos over the years and had to just short my Camino last week due to dog care issues back in Budapest. I was looking to return to the Camino (with my dog) to volunteer as a hospitilera ( or anything) but am seeking guidance on finding a place, specifically one that would allow a small friendly, but elderly dog. Any advice would be most appreciated. Regards, Mark
 
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Thats a tough one, but not impossible I wouldn't think. I think in the absence of anyone knowing anywhere on here you will just need to start contacting the Albergues direct - maybe use something like the Buen Camino app that shows pet friendly ones as a starting point.

Specific Albergues I remember off the top of my head from my Camino were the magical St Anton and I think Albergue Verde in Hospital de Orbigo - they were both staffed by volunteers and had dogs wandering around the place. I'm sure there are more but those are the first to spring to mind.
 
Camino Way markers in Bronze
The one from Galicia (the round) and the one from Castilla & Leon. Individually numbered and made by the same people that make the ones you see on your walk.
I would caution you about San Anton because there are feral dogs that like in the adjacent house. They are poorly cared for and sleep in the trees at night.
 
You might try dog friendly albergues. Someone here has a list, but no sites where we are volunteers accept pets.
 
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The Federation of Camino Associations has a list of local Associations which might provide a starting point. Find an area and introduce yourself.

Camino de Santiago

Bienvenido a la Web de la Federación Española de Asociaciones de Amigos del Camino de Santiago. Todo sobre el Camino de Santiago, información, guías, descripción, planos, consejos, albergues, hospitaleros, noticias, Asociaciones de Amigos del Camino.
www.caminosantiago.org
 
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I've volunteered for HOSVOL (see links above) six times but not in recent years as I now have a dog and they are not allowed in HOSVOL run albergues and per my contact with Reb several years ago also not in the FICS run albergues. Who knows, maybe in a private?

Good luck!
 
https://www.pilgrim.es/en/plan-your-way/the-way-with-pets/ says :-

Accommodations between Sarria and Santiago that admit pets​

It is very important to plan well the places where we are going to spend the night, since not everyone admits our four-legged companions.

List of accommodations​

  • Sarria: At the beginning of the Camino we have these accommodations available:
  • Portomarín: At the end of the first stage we could sleep at the hostel El Caminante.
  • Palas de Rei: After the second stage we could enjoy a nice night at guesthouse Maite.
  • Arzúa: Pilgrims’ hostel Milky Way.
  • O Pedrouzo: Relax at the guesthouse Codesal.
  • Santiago de Compostela: After finishing the Camino we are sure that they will need to rest more than ever, and we believe that the Hotel A Tafona do Peregrino is the best option
It is an orientation that is open to availability of accommodation and modification of prices by seasons, if you want help booking accommodation do not hesitate to contact us through our email info@pilgrim.es
 
A big thanks to everyone for your quick responses and helpful information. I will keep trying with some of the private albergues and hopefully find a way to still stay on the Camino. Everything is possible on the Camino!

Please let me know if anyone has any other ideas or good directions for me to pursue!

Buen Camino
 
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Join Camino Cleanup: Logroño to Burgos May 2025 and Astorga to O'Cebreiro in June.
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