Yes, our team includes members who speak English, German in addition to the native language Spanish.

Absolutely! We warmly welcome tourists who wish to visit or volunteer during their stay. For your first visit, a one-time registration is required. Please bring your mobile phone and a valid ID. To save time, you can pre-fill the registration form available on our "Get Involved" subpage under the section "Volunteer with Us." Once registered, you’re all set to start walking our dogs!

Dogs stay with us until they are adopted, regardless of how long it takes. We never give up on them. Some of our dogs have been with us for nearly their entire lives — over 14 years — simply because they were overlooked. These senior souls still have so much love to give and truly deserve to experience the warmth of a real home. If you open your heart to one of our senior dogs, we will continue to cover their veterinary costs as part of our foster program (this is reviewed individually and depends on factors such as the dog’s age & size, health condition, and expected care needs). Giving a long-stay dog a second chance is one of the most meaningful things you can do. And we promise — they’ll never stop thanking you for it. 🐾

We are a no-kill shelter; dogs remain under our care until they find a home.

Yes, all dogs are vaccinated, microchipped, and neutered before adoption. By law all dogs need to be castrated before they leave.

We currently care for around 80 dogs, including those in foster homes—a big step down from our peak of 380. This progress is thanks to improved microchipping, greater public awareness, and our ongoing efforts to promote adoption. Our goal is to see this number continue to decline, because every dog deserves the loving home it was meant for. Your support makes all the difference.

Yes, we accept both stray dogs and owner surrenders, depending on the situation and available space. On average, we collect over 300 stray dogs per year—many of whom are successfully reunited with their owners thanks to microchipping and our outreach efforts.

PPP stands for Perro Potencialmente Peligroso, or Potentially Dangerous Dog—a legal classification in Spain for certain breeds (like Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, etc.). These dogs often have wonderful temperaments and are just as loving and loyal as any other dog. If you're interested in adopting a PPP dog, there are a few extra steps required, such as obtaining a special license and meeting local legal requirements. These vary by country, so it’s important to check what applies in your home country before adopting. We’re here to help guide you through the process—and many adopters find it’s easier than they expected. PPP dogs are often truly special companions, and they deserve a chance at a loving home just like any other dog.

There are several ways to support us! You can donate via PayPal, bank transfer, or by joining our Teaming group. If you're local, you're also welcome to drop off a donation at our shelter or charity shop. For all the details, please visit the "Donate" section on our "Get Involved" page on the website. Every contribution—big or small—makes a difference for our dogs.

Yes, we accept donations of dog food (preferably Compy Adultos from Mercadona), blankets, towels, and toys. Please avoid the Tandy brand for tinned foods.

As a registered charity in Spain, donations to APASA may be tax-deductible.Please consult with a tax advisor for specifics.

If you'd like to walk our dogs, you’re very welcome! Please visit the shelter during opening hours with valid ID. For your first visit, you’ll need to complete a short registration form—this can be done on-site or pre-filled in advance. You’ll find the form under the “Get Involved” section on our website, in the “Volunteer with Us” area. Please note: for insurance reasons, dog walkers do not enter the main shelter building—only our trained shelter staff have access. We’re also regularly looking for volunteers to support our charity shop and to help us during events throughout the year. There are many ways to lend a hand and be part of the APASA family!

No prior experience is required to start volunteering with us. However, we do appreciate if you have some experience walking dogs. Based on your comfort level and experience—including your age—we’ll match you with dogs that are appropriate for you. Our team will provide all the guidance you need to get started safely and confidently.

We welcome both one-time volunteers and those who can commit regularly.

Yes, volunteers must be of legal age. To walk a dog, you must be at least 18 years old. If you're interested in helping at our charity shop and are under 18, you can still volunteer with written consent from a parent or guardian, in accordance with employment laws and regulations.

Fostering means giving a dog temporary care in your home—either to explore adoption or to offer a senior dog a peaceful and loving place to enjoy their final chapter. There are two types of fostering: Trial Foster (Intent to Adopt): A short-term option (up to one week) to see if the dog is a good match. A €50 deposit is required. If adoption goes ahead, it’s deducted from the €250 adoption fee. If not, the deposit is refunded. Long-Term Foster (Senior Dogs): For those who want to give a senior dog a real chance at comfort and dignity in their later years. A one-time, non-refundable fee of €80 applies to cover microchip transfer. APASA covers veterinary care via our approved vet, while daily expenses like food and transport are the foster family’s responsibility.

Absolutely. We’re always grateful for foster homes willing to care for senior dogs. These cases are reviewed individually, as factors like age, size, and health condition influence the level of care needed. In such cases, APASA covers veterinary costs, provided they are handled through our designated vet. If you're interested, we invite you to visit the shelter so our team can guide you through the process and help find a dog that fits your home and lifestyle. Opening your heart to a senior dog can be a beautiful way to give them comfort, love, and dignity in their final years.

In long-term fostering, you cover everyday needs like food and transport, while APASA takes care of all vet costs through our approved vet. In a trial foster (intent to adopt), APASA provides the essentials during the short foster period. You simply offer a caring, temporary home while you get to know the dog.

Yes, APASA covers all veterinary expenses for dogs in foster care, as long as the treatment is carried out by our approved vet.

To adopt a dog, simply visit our shelter during opening hours. Please note that opening hours may vary depending on the season, so we recommend checking our homepage for the most up-to-date information.

Prospective adopters must provide valid identification and demonstrate the ability to offer a safe, caring, and stable environment. Our team will discuss the dog’s specific needs with you to ensure a good match. You’ll be asked to complete an adoption or foster form, which will be sent to you once you express interest. As part of our commitment to the well-being of our dogs, we also ask adopters to agree to a follow-up check after the adoption.

Yes, an adoption fee of €250 applies. This covers castration/sterilization, microchipping, passport, and all required vaccinations. Please note that any additional costs related to international travel, such as vet approvals or transport arrangements, are the responsibility of the adopter.

We highly recommend visiting the shelter to spend time with the dog before making any reservations. This helps ensure a good match and gives you the chance to truly connect with the dog. To reserve a dog, a €50 refundable deposit is required. If you decide to adopt, this amount will be deducted from the adoption fee.

Yes, we regularly collaborate with trusted organizations like Animal Help España and Pluto Tierschutz to facilitate international adoptions—particularly to countries like Germany. Please note that if you're adopting from abroad, it is your responsibility to inform yourself about the specific legal and transport requirements in your country. This includes any special transport regulations or import laws. We're happy to support where we can, but the organization and compliance with travel laws lie with the adopter.

Our shelter is open daily from 10:00–13:00 and 17:00–20:00 during summer hours (starting June 1). Please note that opening times may change due to season and weather conditions, such as extreme heat or heavy rain. For the most up-to-date information, always check the homepage footer on our website.

No appointment is necessary. Just check our homepage footer for the latest opening hours.

Yes, children are welcome under supervision. If you wish to bring your dog, please ensure they are leashed and well-behaved. " you are fully responsible; you should be there for the dogs (for walk or to seek adoption), you should be capable not too many children/ own dogs where they are distracted"

We’re located at 27 Camí de les Sorts, 03730 Xàbia, Alicante, Spain. For directions, please see the footer of our website.