Hello!
I've just found this site and been avidly reading. I would REALLY appreciate some advice from those of you currently living in Spain (concerning the question "am I mad"?!). I don't want to bore you...but here's the background.

I'm 51, single, and have just taken early retirement. I absolutely adore the sun, hate British winters, and for many years have wanted to move to Spain. Now I feel I'm in a position to do that...but would appreciate honest responses from those of you who have done it.

I don't know Spain that well (apart from several holidays and also spent 4 months in Nerja a couple of years ago to escape the UK winter). But I want to live on or near the coast. I'm absolutely passionate about animals and have worked in rescue sanctuaries for 11+ years. I've been researching "good" rescue centres near the coast (by "good" I mean those with a humane non-destruction policy), and have found several that I'd like to do voluntary work with. My plan is to come over mid November, volunteer at a couple of them to see how we get on, and if I like them (and vice versa) move over full time ASAP.

I'd then rent somewhere long term, and do voluntary work at the sanctuary. I've got some savings and income from rental property, so don't plan on seeking paid employment.

I'd be really grateful for any comments, and answers to these questions:
1) Am I mad?!
2) Apart from monthly rental costs, can you advise roughly how much it will cost me to live each month? (Not car costs, but other living costs).
3) When doing a long term rental, are there other costs to consider (ie equivalent of UK council tax, water rates etc).
4) Although I've researched rescue centres on/near the coast, can anyone tell me of any they know (ie that may not have websites)?

In advance, thank you for taking the time to read this. It is a bit scary for me making this move but, the combination of helping animals and Spanish sun/way of life is just so appealing.
Thank you!
Caroline

No you are not mad!! as you have a pension and have no need of finding work.

What you must factor in is health costs, you will need private health insurance once the S1 form has expired, on a long term rental you should only have to pay utilities, even IBI, the Spanish equivalent of council tax may well be in with the rental. in fact with so many rental properties around I would suggest that you ONLY rent a place like that. As for living expenses, then it really is 'how long is a piece of string' as it will depend on your lifestyle, how often you want to eat out, where you buy your food from, do you buy clothes from Carrefour or an upmarket shop. Cost of living is about the same as the UK, but do remember that there are financial requirements now for people to settle in Spain, just as there are for people coming to the UK.
We lived on the Costa Blanca and there are many cat and dog rescue places there, some have actual places and others work by fostering animals until homes can be found. Even if you have no way of fostering you can always get involved in matching homes to animals available, which is what we did.

As Concierge for the Spanish section of BE I would like to say hello and welcome.

BE is a very large expat website, so if you have problems finding your way around we have concierges who will try to direct you. The moderators for the Spanish forums are Mitzyboy and Fred James, moderators are there to ensure that the site runs smoothly within the rules of BE. Problems and complaints should always be addressed to a moderador who will look into the matter and deal with it efficiently and fairly. Our members who post in the Spain Forums are friendly and helpful with a wealth of knowledge of the issues of living in Spain. At the top of the page you will find a quirkily named thread called Free Beer which is full of important and useful information. Hope you enjoy your time participating in the forums.

Please let me know if you need any further help.

Rosemary

Mike, many thanks. I'm a "low maintenance" sort of person, stay at home when not with the animals. Rarely eat out, strict veggie, new clothes? Never! So as you say, my "living expenses" should be similar to UK.

If you've got a minute to spare, please let me know which animal charities you helped with (just so I can make sure I've looked into them all). Will definitely be doing the hands on help at kennels as that's what I'm used to.

Thanks again

You should find living costs are much lower than the UK apart from electricity and internet. If you live somewhere within walking distance of a decent market and enjoy cooking, you will be in veggie heaven. You probably know already that eating out in Spain is not really an option for strict vegetarians, as the concept is pretty alien here still.

I hope you have a strong stomach as some of the things you will witness in animal rescue centres are not for the faint-hearted. Things are changing, particularly amongst younger Spanish people, but there is still a lot of ignorance about animal welfare. It is quite common to dump puppies and kittens in rubbish skips tied up in plastic bags.

If you like a challenge, join forces with a Spanish campaign group like PACMA - your support will be very welcome!

Thanks for your reply Pocaloca. I did 2 weeks voluntary at a Spanish rescue centre about 3 years back and yes, witnessed some appalling cruelty cases. Just by looking at the websites I can see that the abuse is generally far more common there than in the UK. Although, having said that, I've seen some horrendous examples of cruelty here too.
Thanks for the PACMA link as well; will look into that.

CAS in Nerja are always looking for help. www.casnerja.org

I've just looked via google, and the one we were involved with on the Costa Blanca either has closed, or has changed it's name, have a look at the online newspapers for the area, 'Roundtown news' or 'The Leader' there are usually adverts for them there.

You could try Gran Canaria with its all year sunshine..,€500 a month should get you somewere to live in comfort.. and look at...Animal Respect Association, Gran Canaria ...
www.tara-animales.org/

You're not mad, only slightly so, like the other million expats who have moved to Spain. As to being single, you're still joining tens of thousands of others like yourself.

I can't speak for Nerja, but the southern Costa Blanca, south of Alicante, has beaches instead of mountains and ten times as many British expats, as well as many other foreigners.

You probably won't find too much information on their websites, but we have animal charities everywhere, crying out for volunteers.

A decent house or flat in a safe area in the better parts of greater Torrevieja or Orihuela Costa, with a proper contract, furnished and with everything in place will cost no more than 400 Euros a month.

The rest is up to you.

In Benidorm, Alfaz del Pi, La Nucia, area there are:
http://www.aaa-alfaz.org/
http://www.doggieangels.org/ ·3 ladies that foster and arrange adoptions. Alfaz del Pi
http://www.apasa.eu/
https://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/429842950364245/
http://www.spapbenidorm.com/Engels/indexen.html
http://www.protectoradealcoy.com/eng...opcion_id=1687
http://www.sphoek.com/ this is a Dutch agency that has a dogs home in La Nucia

www.axarquiaanimalrescue.com are crying out for help and the Axarquia is (or at least used to be...!!) a bit of a hidden jewel - near the coast but beautiful inland scenery and a bit of campo escapism.

Many thanks to everyone who's helped out with advice. Have had replies from several sanctuaries so just planning the initial 2 week trip now to do voluntary at a couple of rescue places. Thanks again- what a great site.

Hola
My hubbie has worked for A.C.E animal charity in Mijas Costa which is so good. They find homes abroad for loadsa dogs and the owner is in love with all the dogs more than peeps. Web site ace-charity.org We have fostered a few dogs for them before going to permanent homes. Fabulous place.: thumbsup:

As a vegetarian as long as you're the kind of person who eats mainly seasonally you will find it's really cheap for you to live here. Eating out and socialising may cause problems though as to a Spaniard both Ham and Tuna are "vegetarian"
My husband is a veggie and has become a really good cook since we've moved here. I like his recipes so much I've slashed the amount of meat I eat too.
Sounds like you're the kind of person who's going to enjoy the adventure. So I'd go for it if I were you. Life's too short not to! Good luck.