Thailand Animal Welfare Volunteers
Help cats and dogs in need in Thailand
Book now for £49
Was £1,049
£899
899Group Size: Varies
Trip code: TAWV
Duration: 2 weeks or longer
Make a real difference to the lives of stray animals, while exploring one of Asia's must-visit destinations, on our amazing animal rescue programme. The project offers unmatched, hands-on animal care experience, including walking dogs on the beach, bathing puppies, running health checks, feeding animals in our care, educating locals about animal welfare, and giving the resident dogs and cats lots of love! If you’re studying or considering a career with animals, it's an amazing opportunity to gain some invaluable practical experience. Stay from two weeks to three months (you decide), exploring the gorgeous surrounding area in your free time and making friends from all over the world in the volunteer house.
Trip Highlights
- Learn first-hand how to care for animals in need
- Build your CV by gaining valuable experience in animal care
- Stay in our volunteer house in Khao Tao, just 150 metres from beautiful Sai Noi beach
- Explore beaches, temples and authentic Thai towns during your free time
- Join weekend excursions including cooking classes, Kui Buri National Park, and Sam Rai Yot Cave Temple (stays over 28 days only)
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About the programme
Thailand faces a growing problem with stray animals living in terrible conditions on the streets. This amazing not-for-profit project aims to improve the well-being of street animals in the province, to reduce the overpopulation of dogs and cats and to create a healthy relationship between local human and animal communities.
Project facilities include 12 kennels, a clinic and a play area for dogs. All sterilisations, vaccinations, parasite treatment, veterinary care and rehabilitation are coordinated from here. The project also does outreach work in surrounding villages, delivering care to around 800 street dogs, and educating local people on animal care.
About the location
You’ll be based in our volunteer house in the authentic Thai village of Khao Tao near Hua Hin on the east coast of mainland Thailand. You're just 150m from the golden sands of beautiful Sai Noi, and close to a number of beach bars and eateries. The clinic and kennel facilities are just 5- 10 minutes away, on the grounds of Khao Tao Temple, a Buddhist site with beautiful views over the Gulf of Thailand.
What are the working hours?
Monday to Friday (830am – 430pm) with free time weekends and evenings. We ask for a minimum stay of 2 weeks. Many volunteers stay up to 3 months (with an option of further extension). To get the most out of the experience, we'd recommend you spend at least a month on the project.
What will you do on the programme?
This is a really hands-on project and you’ll have loads of opportunities to get involved with the amazing work we do in the area, both in the clinic and kennels, and as part of our outreach programme with up to 800 stray dogs around the area.
- Clinic and kennel work: Cleaning kennels, feeding, dog walks to the beach, grooming, rehabilitation of injured animals and giving lots of love!
- Outreach work: Befriending packs of dogs, administering vaccinations, providing wound care, recording new puppies and pregnant females, identifying dogs to be sterilised.
- Promoting awareness: Educating local communities about animal care, updating social media and promoting awareness of the project's work locally.
If you’re a qualified professional, studying animal care or veterinary science, or considering a career with animals, this is an amazing opportunity to gain some invaluable practical experience.
Weekend excursions & free time
If you’re staying for 28 days or more, we’ve included some awesome weekend excursions from a guided meditation with a local monk and a Thai cooking class to a visit to Sam Rai Yot Cave Temple and Kui Buri National Park (one of the best places in Thailand to see wild elephants).
With beautiful beaches, jungle hikes and golden temples within easy striking distance, you’re spoilt for choice during your free time.
For those staying for 28 days or more, some exciting excursions will be included to nearby attractions too! Download the trip notes for more information.
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Online booking is unavailable for this trip
Online booking isn't currently available but if you'd like to enquire please use the form below. Alternatively if you'd like to discuss alternate trips or if you have any other questions please don't hesitate to contact us.Arrive in Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) before 2pm on the start date of your trip (which is usually a Monday). We recommend arriving in as early as possible as the included airport pick up and transfer from Bangkok airport to the project is around 3.5 hours. Please note that you may have to wait up to maximum of 2 hours at Bangkok airport if another volunteer is arriving on a similar timed flight so they transfers can be combined. There are plenty of shops, cafes and restaurants at the airport to relax in.
A return airport transfer is also included. Please book your return flight no earlier than 1pm on your departure date, to allow plenty of time to arrive at the airport.
Accommodation
All accommodation is included on this trip. You’ll be staying in our volunteer house in Khao Tao in Hua Hin province, just 150 metres walk from beautiful Sai Noi Beach. One of the loveliest beaches in the area, Sai Noi has fine white sand and the backdrop of a large golden Buddha statue that looks out over the sea.
The house features hot showers (not a given in Thailand!), Western style toilets, fans, laundry facilities, a shared kitchen and outdoor gas cooker. Depending on the number of volunteers on the programme, you may be sharing your room with another person of the same sex. There are private rooms available on request at a local guest house, if you wish to upgrade to a private room, please contact a travel advisor.
Meals
Meals are not included with this programme but eating out in Thailand is cheap and delicious, and you can use the shared kitchen if you would prefer to prepare your own food.
This volunteer program is open to people from all walks of life, be it trained animal care specialists, those without any experience or anyone seeking a meaningful travel experience – our only prerequisite is an enthusiastic passion for animals! Eligibility requirements are:
- Must care about animals
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Must provide be in good mental and physical health
- Must provide a clean criminal record check
- Must provide proof of rabies vaccination before arrival
British citizens can get a free 60 day entry stamp upon arrival. Travellers may be required to show proof of onward travel out of Thailand in order to gain entry. Passports should be valid for at least 6 months after your trip ends. Visa rules are subject to change and you should check the latest information with the embassy before you travel.
Please note, enhanced DBS (criminal record) checks can take 6-8 weeks to come back, so please ensure your start date allows enough time for your DBS check to be completed.
Want to check who's booked on your start date? Request the demographics here >