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Volunteer Abroad Thailand: Ko Lanta Animal Welfare

Thailand 4 to 8 weeks From 550 € Enquire now

Join this project to make an active contribution to animal conservation by caring for stray dogs and cats on the island district of Ko Lanta in Southern Thailand. Several of the animals were left behind by workers who helped to rebuild the island after the devastating tsunami in 2004. This project is dedicated to providing safety and care for needy dogs and cats. Become part of a team of volunteers and get ready for enriching experiences as you take care of animals every day.

Your trip at a glance

Highlights

Join a dedicated animal welfare project in Southeast Asia
Become involved in protecting stray cats and dogs on Thailand’s beautiful island of Ko Lanta
Work together with volunteers from all over the world
Experience unforgettable moments in the daily animal care
Witness Ko Lanta’s untouched beauty

Locations

Ko Lanta

Plan your trip

Included in the programme fee
- Placement in the programme
- Assistance with travel arrangements
- Assistance with selecting travel insurance
- Assistance with booking flights
- Accommodation during the programme
- Monday through Friday: breakfast and lunch
- English-speaking support by long-term experienced staff
- Thai cooking class
- 24/7 support throughout the programme

- Flights
- Travel insurance
- Visa fees
- Airport pick up and drop off
- Meals in the evening and at the weekend
- Personal expenses and optional excursions
- Further beverages (e.g. liquors, soft drinks, bottled water)

Write An Email

Chrissy, your travel agent for Thailand

You are interested in joining this adventure? I am happy to help you! From the first steps until the end of the trip – I answer all of your questions and support you throughout your time abroad.

Looking over a blue lagoon in Thailand: The ocean on the left; the coastline and sandy beaches on the right

Voluntary animal welfare helpers are taking the dogs for a walk on Ko Lanta beach

Looking over a beach in Thailand at sunset

Volunteering in Thailand: A sleeping dog in our animal welfare project on Ko Lanta

A cat in our animal welfare project in Thailand is resting on a volunteers lap

Animal welfare in Thailand: A dog in our animal rescue project on Ko Lanta

A sea shell on a sandy beach in Thailand; the ocean in the backround

Animal welfare volunteering in Thailand

As a volunteer in this programme you get the chance to become actively involved in animal welfare on Thailand’s beautiful island of Ko Lanta and to dedicate yourself to protecting street dogs and cats in need.

Arrival and orientation on Ko Lanta

To get to Ko Lanta, you need to book a flight to Bangkok, then take a connecting flight to Krabi, Trang or Phuket, which you can probably book so that it leaves just a few hours after you have arrived in Bangkok. When the plane arrives in Krabi you can either continue by bus to Ko Lanta or the project management will organise a private taxi for you. Within two hours you will be in Ko Lanta, during which time you will have made two ferry crossings. Alternatively you can fly to Trang or Phuket and continue from there by bus and ferry to Ko Lanta. You should reckon on at least five hours for this part of the journey. After your arrival you can meet the team and learn more about the project, its aim and the upcoming tasks.

Freiwilligenarbeit in Suedostasien: Eine Tierschutz-Voluntaerin mit Hund in Thailand

Volunteer activities during the animal welfare project

Doing voluntary service in the animal protection project on Ko Lanta is an exciting experience: no two days are the same and the international participants fulfil a wide range of duties. You will take the dogs for walks on the beach, play with kittens and wash the animals.
You will soon have a good relationship with them as you will also feed them and administer medication. Other typical tasks involve cleaning the centre and scouring the island for more animals in need. The animal welfare centre also has a veterinary practice which works on a charitable basis. If you are a prospective or trained vet, then you can help here too.
You work on six days a week with different shifts. Once per week you have a night shift between 7pm and 7am. Your typical day shifts vary between a very early one and a late one (7am until 1pm and 1pm until 7pm).

Volunteering in Southeast Asia: A cat in our animal welfare project in Thailand

Accommodation as a volunteer in Southeast Asia

The aid programme in Ko Lanta provides you with accommodation which you will share with someone else of the same sex. A much appreciated refreshment in the Thai heat are the cold showers in the accommodation. The room is equipped with a ventilator. Bed linen is provided but you must take your own towels. The very basic accommodation is directly on site and has a WLAN connection. During the project you'll be provided with breakfast and lunch in a nearby restaurant five days a week (Monday through Friday). At the weekend and in the evening you need to take care of your meals yourself.

Two puppies in our animal rescue project in Thailand are playing with the hand of a volunteer

Leisure time during your stay abroad in Thailand

Ko Lanta’s long, white, sandy beaches are waiting to be discovered and the turquoise blue water is predestined for swimming. You can go snorkelling in the crystal-clear sea and marvel at the diversity of the underwater world. Equally as exciting are the typical long tail boat excursions through the mangrove forests. A historic fishermen’s village gives an insight into local culture, while the many bars and discos provide a perfect end to the evenings. When the project is over, volunteers frequently decide to explore other popular destinations in Thailand together, including Krabi, the Phi Phi islands and Phuket.

Arrival

Arrival in Thailand

To get to Ko Lanta, you need to book a flight to Krabi via Bangkok. We recommend arriving in Krabi no later than noon. When the plane arrives in Krabi you can either continue by bus to Ko Lanta or by a private taxi (in exchange for a fee). About two hours (and two ferry crossings) later you will arrive in Ko Lanta. Upon arrival in the animal welfare centre, you will be welcomed by the centre team and shown around. You can use the day of arrival to acclimatize and settle into your accommodation before being given a better insight into the project the following day.
Project

Your stay in the animal welfare project: A typical volunteer day

Your regular day shifts vary between an early shift (7:00 AM to 1:00 PM) and a late shift (1:00 PM to 7:00 PM). Each week you will also support a night shift between 7:00 PM and 7:00 AM. During your time in the project you support the team with feeding and washing the animals, taking the dogs for a walk, cleaning cages and enclosures and maybe even with scouring the island for more animals in need. You can receive breakfast and lunch from Monday through Friday in a near-by restaurant while you need to take care for your yourself in the evening and on the weekend.

Work at the project is tough, physically as well as mentally. This should not be underestimated especially together with the different culture and climate. Therefore, the first week can be hard and challenging! But after a couple of days you will get used to the new circumstances and the wagging tails and purring cats make up for all the hard work.”
Departure

Last day in the volunteer project and departure

Learn what others say about their Natucate adventure.

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Review Photos Volunteering Thailand – Maylin

Maylin went to Thailand with us to take part in our volunteer project dedicated to protecting stray cats and dogs on the island of Koh Lanta. Here you find some impressions of her four-week stay in Southeast Asia.

Freiwilligenarbeit: Eine freiwillige Helferin mit einem Hund im Tierheim

Review Volunteering Thailand – Anneliese

“The two months I spent at the center have affected me in a positive way and I will never ever forget my adventure on the island.”

Tierschutz: Ein Volunteer kuemmert sich um einen Hund

Review Volunteering Thailand – Dana

“So I killed two birds with one stone: cuddling time for the dog and for me.”

Gap Year Thailand: Zwei Katzen liegen auf einer Bank und eine sitzt auf dem Boden

Eine kleine Katze sitzt mit Volunteeren auf einer Treppe

Review Volunteering Thailand – Anne

“We got to know so many interesting people and different cultures, not only from the other volunteers but also from the locals.”

1. Ko Lanta

The beautiful double island of Ko Lanta lies in the southwest of the southern region of Thailand. It consists of the larger island Ko Lanta Yai and the smaller, quieter island Ko Lanta Noi.

Compared to nearby Phuket or the Koh Phi Phi Islands, Ko Lanta is characterized by tranquillity and relaxation. It is one of the most picturesque islands in the country and impresses with its fantastic beaches, turquoise waters and idyllic bays. Ko Lanta radiates a very special magic and will certainly make the heart of every visitor beat faster.

Learn more

The beautiful double island of Ko Lanta lies in the southwest of the southern region of Thailand. It consists of the larger island Ko Lanta Yai and the smaller, quieter island Ko Lanta Noi.

Compared to nearby Phuket or the Koh Phi Phi Islands, Ko Lanta is characterized by tranquillity and relaxation. It is one of the most picturesque islands in the country and impresses with its fantastic beaches, turquoise waters and idyllic bays. Ko Lanta radiates a very special magic and will certainly make the heart of every visitor beat faster.

Learn more

Purpose of the animal welfare project in Thailand

Ko Lanta consists of two islands: the larger and livelier Ko Lanta Yai, and the calmer Ko Lanta Noi. Life here is still tranquil as the islands have not been affected by mass tourism.
The 2004 tsunami hit Ko Lanta hard, but major reconstruction work has removed any indication of the destruction. The only reminder of the rebuilding work is the large number of stray cats and dogs which were left here by workers. The increasing number of stray cats and dogs became more and more of a problem for the locals.
For this reason, the project was launched in 2010 to take up the cause of stray animals. The project tries to improve the situation for stray dogs and cats through an extensive sterilisation programme and in 2010 an Animal Sterilisation Centre was built. In this way, uncontrolled breeding can be prevented and the animals are no longer exposed to hunger, injury, disease and violent death. This animal welfare project also deals with sick and injured animals. A mobile clinic visits the neighbouring islands to sterilise and inoculate the animals there. At the same time, the initiative endeavours to make the locals aware of the strays’ predicament and respect them. To do this, the situation is explained to children in schools in order to create a better relationship between man and animal.

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Prior to departure to Thailand

In order to apply for this project you need to be over 18 and have sufficient English skills to follow the course contents. Work at the project is tough, physically as well as mentally. This should not be underestimated especially together with the different culture and climate. The heat and humidity in combination with the physical work are very challenging. Therefore, the first week can be hard! But after a couple of days you will get used to the new circumstances. At the project you are asked to work independently. We therefore need a doctor’s certificate confirming your state of health and physical fitness. Furthermore, you might need a visa for your volunteering work. Depending on the duration of your stay and your destination the requirements might vary. You might check out the foreign department’s website for the visa standards or ask the Natucate team directly.
We will arrange and organise your spot in the project on Ko Lanta and help you with any kind of problems and questions during your preparation and during the project. You will be supported by an experienced supervisor on site in Thailand. Accommodation and two meals a day from Monday till Friday are included. Meals on the weekend are not included as well as a third meal during the week. But there are plenty of restaurants or markets where you can buy food for little money. A travel health insurance or other insurances, flights and the transfer to and from the project are not included.
You will need travel health insurance to start your volunteering work with Natucate. We can provide you with all the necessary information. In general you need to talk to your doctor and make sure you are vaccinated against Morbilli, Mumps and Rubella. In case of injuries it is also advised to be vaccinated against Tetanus. For current information and warnings regarding your destination you should check out the homepage of the foreign department and inform yourself beforehand about possible risks.

Furthermore, you should know that tap water in Thailand is not drinkable. Raw fish or meat may lead to stomach problems.
You don’t need special clothing for the work, but you should pack clothes which can get dirty and are not your favourite because they may get damaged while you are working with the animals. Bring some long sleeved clothes and long pants, but also shorts and tops for your free time. Remember that the weather is generally hot and humid, so light clothing is recommended. For the rainy season a poncho might be useful and for shoes we recommend trainers but also sandals. You will receive a detailed packing list before your departure.

Arrival in Thailand

We will support you during your organisation and planning process, but you will have to book the flights on your own. You can either fly to Krabi, Phuket or Trang. We would recommend you fly to Krabi. From there you can choose between a private transfer or public transportation. Usually the flight to Krabi is via Bangkok. Calculate two hours for the transfer from the airport in Krabi to the project on Ko Lanta. The trip will take you another two hours. The last bus or taxi leaves Krabi at around 5 p.m. During the project you won’t need to cover long distances, since you will be spending most of the time at the site. If you would like to book a private transfer from the airport to the project just let us know. The transfer from the airport to the project and back is not included.
We will help you organize your transport. The project team can arrange your pickup from Krabi airport if you want them to. After your arrival you will be greeted by the whole team and they will introduce you to your new home and surroundings. Furthermore you will be introduced to safety and health precautions.

During the project in Thailand

As a volunteer your task will include feeding the animals and providing them with medical attention. You will also clean the animal’s housing and the station. Sometimes you might go on nice long walks with the dogs and enjoy some play and cuddle time. You will be introduced to all of your tasks properly before executing them on your own.

Life on site in Thailand

Your housing will be simple. You will have one room and your own bathroom with a cold water shower. There will be a fan and two sets of bedding. You will need to bring your own towels. There will be Wi-Fi at the site and you can use the kitchen as well. You will share dormitories with another volunteer of the same gender.
During the project you will be provided with breakfast and lunch from Monday through Friday. In the evening and on the weekends you need to buy your own food at the local market or the nearby supermarkets. You can prepare your food in the kitchen or enjoy a meal in the restaurants. There will be water, tea and coffee provided by the project at all times.
The long beach invites you for a nice long sunbathe or a relaxing nap. You can go for a swim or try out various water activities. There is also a nice historic village close by. You can discover the Mangrove forests by boat tour or go out for a drink in the small city. Ko Lanta is very well connected and you have the option to travel outside of Ko Lanta as well.