FAQ
SALR stands for Save a Life Rescue Association. SALR is an animal rescue organisation, solely funded by donations.
We rely totally on fosterers to provide temporary homes for the dogs in our care.
Our primary mission is to help abandoned, abused, or neglected dogs and puppies in Competa and the surrounding villages. SALR rescues and re- homes animals in need.
SALR was set up in October 2023 by two friends Sarah and Tracy. They are supported by two further association members Della Cowlishaw Smith and Andrew Baker and number of fantastic volunteers, including local fosterers and sponsors.
They are a registered not for profit with the Junta de Andalucia and have the support of the local town hall. SALR are also delighted to collaborate with our local vets, Naturvets.
We are pleased that we have their support in helping to ensure any abandoned animals we rescue, where practical, will benefit from their experience and veterinary care.
Regularly dogs were being found neglected, homeless and in a poor state in Competa and the surrounding villages. Also it was a frequent occurrence that puppies were being found abandoned or dumped in local bins. Unfortunately the existing rescues in the Axarquia area were struggling to cope but these local dogs still needed help. So Sarah and Tracy decided to set up a local rescue to help local dogs and SALR was formed.
To adopt a dog, visit our website’s “Our Dogs” section, browse available dogs, and fill out a pre-adoption application.
Our team will guide you through the adoption process.
While our main focus is on local dogs, we will extend our rescue efforts to various animals, including cats, small mammals, and birds on a case by case basis.
We are always grateful for help and there are many ways you can volunteer.
One of the easiest ways to support our work is to share our posts and campaigns on Facebook to friends and family.
Also you can donate to our appeals and support our fundraisers. Alternatively if you live locally to Competa, you can offer to foster for us or you can adopt one of our dogs (even if you are not local).
By adopting one of our adorable dogs, you not only give them a forever home but also help us reduce the strain on our resources.
If you can't foster for us but could offer temporary respite help why not consider becoming a buddy. This is where you volunteer to help a fosterer by baby sitting their foster dog for a few hours or, a few days. The commitment depends on the need but is flexible and free. We cover all expenses.
We often need help with logistics. Transporting pups and dogs to their new homes, foster placements, vet visits etc.
If you drive and would be happy to give of your time we can cover fuel expenses.
Our fund raising events are friendly and fun but take some work both in the planning and on the day. Help with fund raising ideas, preparation for the event and extra hands on the day are all areas where you can help us. Depending on the fund raiser the help needed could be anything from manning stalls, baking cakes, helping with raffles and Tombola, donation of prizes, help serving tables, setting up and cleaning up etc. Many hands make light work as the saying goes.
Whilst some of these volunteering opportunities may only suit locally based Save a Life supporters, there are other ways you can help us save more lives.
A simple share on FB, donations of prizes, become a Teamer...it all makes a difference.
Yes, you can donate directly from our website (see below) or by contacting us and donating directly to our bank account.
Additionally, you can participate in fundraising events, Teaming https://www.teaming.net/savealiferescue-grupo or explore our sponsorship programmes to support our rescue initiatives.
Please note: all donations are non-refundable.
PLEASE DONATE, WHATEVER YOU CAN
Unlike some other charities, 100% of every donation goes directly to rescuing and caring for vulnerable dogs and then to re- homing them.
From providing food, to veterinary care and neutering, every single cent or penny goes to saving a life. SALR is solely funded by donations and everyone involved are volunteers and as such they do not receive a salary for their efforts.
Simply choose the amount you would like to donate and can afford and then click the DONATE button and THANK YOU!
Unlike charities like the UK’s RSPCA, 100% of every donation goes directly to rescuing and caring for vulnerable dogs and then to re- homing them. From providing food, to veterinary care and neutering, every single cent or penny goes to saving a life. SALR is solely funded by donations and everyone involved are volunteers and as such they do not receive a salary for their efforts.
Depending on the age of the animal, before adoption, dogs undergo spaying/ neutering, vaccinations, micro- chipping and comprehensive health checks to ensure they are healthy and ready for a new home.
Yes! We rely on fosterers to provide temporary homes for the animals in our care. If you’re interested in fostering for us, please fill out our contact application, and we will be in touch. SALR will provide any necessary equipment and cover all vet bills.
Our adoption process includes a thorough assessment of a dog’s behaviour and needs. We then match them with potential adopters to ensure compatibility and a successful adoption. The adoption process includes a home check of the potential adopters living environment.
SALR want to find the right home for each animal in its care - the loving home it deserves. A home check is just our opportunity to make sure your living environment and lifestyle is suitable for the animal you want to adopt and to answer any concerns or questions you may have regarding adoption. Dependent on location a home check may be completed virtually using Whatsapp or similar. In most cases, a home check is just confirmation that your new pet will be safe, loved, and cared for as a member of your family.
We do normally ask for an adoption donation to enable us to continue helping animals in need. Whilst an animal is in our care all its vet fees, food, equipment (leads, toys, bedding, crates, no escape harnesses, tracker subscriptionsetc.) are paid by SALR, via the donations we receive.
Some of the animals in our care need more extensive vet treatment, surgery and even training. The amounts we ask for do not even cover basic costs (e.g. it can be as much as 140 euros to neuter a large female dog, and a puppy can cost us more than 190 euros in just food, vaccinations and microchipping from birth to 15 weeks of age).
However, the donations do enable us to continue our work. We ask for the donation to be paid prior to the adoption. In some cases we can arrange a payment plan to spread the cost. In certain circumstances, we also reserve the right to waive the adoption donation.
Yes, we consider applications from outside the local area, including overseas (within Europe) but there may be additional transport costs.
Contact us for more information.
No, all adoption enquiries are considered on a case by case basis. All we ask is that you are a minimum of 18 years of age.
Yes, if you are interested in a particular dog it is possible to arrange a meeting in person or by video call
Yes, we provide resources and guidance on basic dog training and behaviour to support new dog owners in building a positive relationship with their pets.
We provide post- adoption support and guidance to ensure a smooth transition. If any challenges arise, adopters can contact us for assistance and advice.
Rescue animals do take extra care. It can take them weeks, months or even years to settle, depending on the animal.
Many of our animals have suffered extreme stress prior to rescue and we can never guarantee how an animal will behave when they go to a new home. It is important you carefully consider adopting an animal. You will need time and patience to help the animal settle.
We are always a phone call away if you need to talk or need advice. Please remember an animal is for life and all donations are non-refundable. Therefore, please think carefully before adopting one of our animals.
We want to actively engage in educational initiatives to promote responsible dog ownership within the community. Keep an eye on our website for upcoming programmes.
If you find a stray dog please try to get the dog to a vet for a physical health check and to see if it has a microchip.
It may be a lost dog and the chip will locate the owner. If there is no microchip you can email info@savealiferescue.org
Please include basic information regarding the dog, size, breed, location found, physical health and a photograph if possible. If possible we will try to help.
This may be by offering a foster home, place of safety, posting found dog information on our Facebook and Instagram pages. If we are unable to offer a foster we will use our network of contacts to try and find a place of safety for the dog.
Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee support but we will endeavour to help wherever possible.
Contact SEPRONA animal welfare in the Guardia tel: 952 55 83 21 or report the cruelty via the ‘’Alert Cops’ app.
Unfortunately SALR is unable to help, without local Police involvement.
Yes, we actively collaborate with other local organisations to enhance our impact and collectively work towards the welfare of animals.
All of our fosterers undergo checks to make sure they can provide a safe and nurturing environment.
We also ensure our animals receive regular and prompt veterinary care, and engage in behaviour enrichment activities to support their overall well-being.
Unfortunately not as SALR does not have its own shelter.
However if you are facing challenges in caring for your dog, please contact us. We’ll assess the situation and provide guidance or assistance whenever possible.
We also actively encourage owners to make provisions for their animals in the event they are no longer able to care for them, for example in the event of ill health or death.
This can include designating a caregiver for their pets, setting up a pet trust, or making arrangements with a trusted friend or family member to take in their pets.