Galgos del Sol

Galgos del Sol (GDS) was founded by Tina Solera, who moved from the UK to Murcia in 2007 and began by rescuing a single galgo (Spanish greyhound). Galgos and podencos are widely used for hunting in Spain and are frequently abandoned at the end of the season, and Murcia is a region with intensive hunting activity. GDS rescues these dogs, along with other abandoned dogs, gives them veterinary care and rehabilitation, and finds them permanent homes. Thousands have been rehomed since it began.

After years spread across three sites, all of its more than 200 resident dogs now live at a single, legally approved rescue centre in Murcia. The centre has indoor and outdoor kennel blocks, a quarantine block, puppy housing and space for mothers with newborn litters, exercise and agility areas, a sensory walk, a veterinary clinic with a fully equipped surgical suite, a grooming room and a covered swimming pool used all year for rehabilitation. Full-time and short-term volunteers live on site and help with cleaning, feeding, walking, grooming and vet runs. Visits are by arrangement only; the charity cannot accept walk-ins or short-notice requests.

GDS rehomes dogs only where it has established transport, supervision and post-adoption support: Spain, the United Kingdom, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, parts of western Germany, Denmark and southern Sweden, Finland (galgos only), Italy, Quebec, and parts of the north-eastern and mid-western United States. You can apply through its Adoptables pages, sponsor a hound monthly, volunteer at the centre or donate.

The organisation is registered in Spain as Galgos del Sol Sociedad Protectora de Animales (NIF G30856736). Galgos del Sol UK, registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales since October 2014 (No. 1158983), raises funds for the Spanish charity, and Galgos del Sol USA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit (EIN 46-3856985) that can also receive cheques by post. Donations can be made by PayPal (separate UK, US and EU accounts) or by bank transfer through the official website.