From Dream to Sanctuary: The Journey of ARA, Five Years On š¾
In 2020, we released a video that gave you a glimpse into the heart and soul of ARA ā Animal Rescue Algarve. It was a way to show the world how a dream became reality. But so much has happened since then. With every year that passes, our mission grows, our space expands, and the lives we touch ā both human and animal ā multiply.
Today, we invite you to rediscover ARA through our new video and see what five years of compassion, hard work, and community support have made possible.
š± It All Began with a Dream
āI have a dreamā¦ā These were the opening words of our founderās vision, born not from a grand gesture, but from the bond with a single rescue dog ā a retriever adopted from a shelter in the Algarve. That dog became a best friend. And that friendship sparked a life-changing decision: āWhy wait until Iām gone to build something meaningful? Letās do it now.ā
From a forested valley in Cabanita, we cleared land, laid foundations, and built one of Europeās most respected animal shelters ā an eco-friendly haven where love and dignity replace fear and abandonment.
Sid Richardson, Founder of ARA
š” A Shelter Built with Purpose
When we started, municipal shelters lacked the space, funding, and resources to properly care for Portugalās many abandoned animals. Many were euthanised after only 7 days. In response, ARA set a new standard. Here, dogs and cats are treated as family.
Spacious, insulated kennels
14 exercise parks with pools and shaded areas
Twice-daily walks
Daily socialisation to prepare for adoption
And weāre proud to say: around 25 animals find their forever homes every single month.
š Powered by People ā And Passion
ARA thrives thanks to our incredible volunteers, many of whom arrive through platforms like Workaway and stay for weeksāor monthsāhelping with everything from animal care to adoptions and awareness. Some even end up joining our team permanently.
With only 8 full-time staff, our 12ā20 volunteers are vital to daily operations. They help with training, social media, events, and more.
Their love and energy remind us that this isnāt just a shelterāitās a movement.
šļø WOOFF Charity Shops ā Fashion That Funds Compassion
Our WOOFF Charity Shops in Almancil, LoulĆ©, and TĆ“r are another pillar of support. Operated entirely by volunteers, these high-quality secondhand stores carry fashion, furniture, and household goods. Their success helps keep our shelter running and our animals cared forāevery purchase makes a difference.
Woof Charity Shops
š± More Than Dogs ā A Mission for All Animals
Beyond the shelter, ARA also runs a community cat program, providing food, sterilisation, and care for over 2,000 feral cats annually. Much of this work is done at our non-profit veterinary clinic in LoulĆ©, which weāre now opening up two days per week to help low-income families access affordable pet care.
š Educating the Future
We believe that change begins with the next generation. Thatās why weāve partnered with 14 local schools to host visits and give talks on animal welfare. The children leave inspiredāand so do we.
š ARA Today: A Beacon of Hope
From a dream in the Algarve to one of the best shelters in Europe, ARA is more than bricks and kennels. Itās a promise. A promise that every animal deserves love, respect, and a second chance.
We hope our new video touches your heart the way every rescue touches ours. Please watch, share, and continue supporting the journey for them. Always for them.
š¹ Watch the video: Click here
š Follow us:
Facebook: Animal Rescue Algarve
Instagram: @animalrescuealgarve