Dog and Cat Rescue

Set on the stunning island of Koh Lanta, the Dog and Cat Rescue project aims to provide an exceptionally high level of care to the animals whilst promoting awareness of the issues surrounding stray animals. In your first few days you will receive an introduction to your work. All the tasks will be explained in detail by staff and long term volunteers. There is a timetable in the main centre which runs through the daily tasks.

Each day will differ but volunteers’ tasks are based around the following shifts:

Morning shift

7am-1pm: taking dogs out into running areas, spending play time with animals, cleaning cages, cleaning up running and toilet area, cooking dog food, feeding dogs, giving medication & care when needed, filing animals’ nails, assisting the vet whenever needed, looking after animals in recovery cages before and after surgery.

Afternoon shift

1-7pm: cleaning cat houses & recovery cages, feeding cats & animals in recovery, giving medication & care when needed, washing animals towels, stock take of the store room, preparing sterilisation sets & sterilising, taking dogs out into running areas & for walks outside, tidying staff area, preparing gauzes, watering plants in running areas, cleaning the clinic for the following day, feeding cats and dogs.

Depending on the numbers of volunteers at the centre, it may be necessary for volunteers to do split shifts which is 7-10am and then 4-7pm. This is to cover the busiest times of the day.

Quarantine

Volunteers in charge of the quarantine that day do not have any contact with any other animals present at the kennel and clinic. Often the animals would spend most of the day in their cage and so this role consists of spending time with them as well cleaning, feeding and giving appropriate care.

Night shift at the centre

1 day per week, 7pm–7am. Volunteers sleep at the centre so that you can be on hand in case of an emergency.

Education day

The centre is open to the public 5 days a week. Volunteers take visitors on a tour of the centre providing them with an explanation of the situation on the island and the aims of the centre. Many visitors choose to donate to centre or even adopt one of the dogs or cats!

Volunteers who join the placement for 2-4 weeks may be asked to focus on either the cat house or the dog kennels, depending on the current requirements of the project.

Working days and hours

You will be asked to work 6 days per week for an average of 6 hours per day. There is also 1 night shift per week at the centre. Volunteers live on site, a short walk away from the animals. On your day off there are a variety of free time activities for you to get involved in.

Other volunteers

There are usually 6-10 volunteers with a maximum of 18 volunteers, but this varies considerably throughout the year.

Duke of Edinburgh’s (DofE) award

This placement has been approved by the DofE as meeting the requirements for the Residential section of the Gold Award.

Why are volunteers needed

With over 30 dogs and 70 cats there is always plenty of work that local team needs help with. The support from volunteers allows the centre to provide an exceptionally high level of care and extend their reach to more animals. By volunteering at the rescue centre, you will make a major contribution to the welfare of the animals on the island.

Since the project was established in 2005 they have sterilised and treated over 8,000 animals, substantially reducing the stray population on the island. Many people are aware of the problems of stray dog and poor veterinary treatment of animals in Thailand, but few get to make a difference; this project provides you with this opportunity.

“Volunteers help with the day to day running of the project; we literally couldn’t do it without them. Volunteers bring a lot of love and time to our animals and the fact that they are committed animals lovers willing to give time to this project is fantastic for the dogs and cats in our care.”
Tanya, Placement Manager

Volunteer reviews

Read about volunteer experiences and challenges in our Thailand dog and cat rescue reviews.

With over 30 dogs and 70 cats there is always plenty of work that local team needs help with. The support from volunteers allows the centre to provide an exceptionally high level of care and extend their reach to more animals. By volunteering at the rescue centre, you will make a major contribution to the welfare of the animals on the island.

The team at the Dog and Cat Rescue project aims to:

• provide animal care for those who are injured and abused
• provide education and promote awareness of animal care & respect
• prevent and control the overpopulation of dogs and cats on Koh Lanta in a humane way through sterlization programmes.

By doing this, the suffering through hunger, disease, abuse and injuries will be greatly reduced.

Since the project was established in 2005 they have sterilised and treated over 8,000 animals, substantially reducing the stray population on the island.

Many people are aware of the problems of stray dog and poor veterinary treatment of animals in Thailand, but few get to make a difference; this project provides you with this opportunity.

Thailand

Thailand is often referred to as the ‘land of smiles’, is a huge attraction for travellers from around the world due to its glorious beaches, tropical climate, great food and fascinating culture. The country is so diverse: from the tranquil mountains in the North and the idyllic beaches in the South as well as the bustling modern city of Bangkok, Thailand has something to offer everyone.

To find out more, see the Lonely Planet Thailand

Local area and free time

Koh Lanta is popular tourist destination, the island is known for long, sandy beaches and scuba diving. There are actually two main islands, the larger, more populated Koh Lanta Yai (commonly known as simply Koh Lanta) and the smaller Koh Lanta Noi, as well as several minor islands. The geography of the island is typically mangroves, coral rimmed beaches and rugged tree covered hills, and there are 9 sandy beaches to enjoy!

Koh Lanta has a natural and laid back feel to it. In your free time after work you can relax and enjoy the island and there is a lot to do on your day off, from exploring the many beaches to scuba diving to spending time in the national park as well as visiting a historic Chinese fishing village and enjoying the stunning mangroves and caves! These activities are best booked locally once you are at the project.

Koh Lanta is a cultural mix of Buddhists, Thai-Chinese, Muslims and even sea gypsies. The majority of the population in the rural areas is Muslim. The area however, does not suffer from any religious tension and the people live in peace and harmony. With this kind of mixture, Koh Lanta is always celebrating something, be it part of Thai Buddhist, Thai-Chinese or Thai-Islamic tradition.

Accommodation

Volunteers share a room at the centre with one other volunteer (couples or friends travelling together can request their own room). There are fans, electricity points and free WiFi at the centre. The bathroom facilities, including cold water showers, are shared and there are communal areas to relax, eat and socialise in.

Before you go:

• Carefully selected and vetted volunteer project
• Support from our friendly and highly experienced Pod UK team
• Single point of contact - Sarah is your dedicated Pod Volunteer Specialist
• In-depth volunteering and planning your trip guides on your volunteering placement
• Travel information - visa, health and safety advice
• Access to specialist travel insurance at exclusive rates
• Recommended travel agency for flights and tours
• Access to special deals and resources
• Fundraising guide and support
• Financial protection for monies paid to Pod

On your placement:

• Animal care volunteering placement
• Acommodation - a simple shared room
• 2 meals a day
• Induction and training
• Donation to the project
• Onsite support from local team
• Support from Pod UK office by phone and email
• 24/7 emergency back up
• Incident Management and Emergency Response Plans

On your return:

• Contact from your Pod Volunteer Specialist
• Feedback scheme
• Volunteering certificate (on request)
• References (on request)
• Member of the Pod community

Not included: Flights, travel insurance, visa (if required), evening meal, cost of pick up and transfers. Budgeting guidance is provided in our Volunteering Guide which we will email you when you apply.