This registered animal welfare charity is located in rural Khon Kaen, Thailand, where it provides a safe haven for more than 300 dogs and 26 cats. Many of the animals have been rescued from the streets, the meat trade, abuse, neglect or serious injuries. The sanctuary provides shelter, food, medical treatment and care while working towards finding permanent homes for as many animals as possible.
The charity is looking for caring, hardworking and motivated volunteers who are willing to get involved and take on whatever tasks are needed. Working at the sanctuary can sometimes be emotionally difficult, particularly when caring for animals with challenging backgrounds, but it is also a very rewarding experience.
Tasks & Roles
Volunteers spend most of their time working directly with the animals. Daily duties include some cleaning and feeding, but the main focus is walking, socialising, brushing and playing with the dogs. Volunteers can also take part in the sanctuary’s shy dog programme, helping nervous animals become more comfortable around people and better prepared for adoption.
There are opportunities to work with disabled dogs, including helping them exercise in wheelchairs and taking part in hydrotherapy and physiotherapy sessions. These activities give volunteers the chance to learn more about caring for animals with additional needs.
A typical day begins at around 8.30am with some cleaning, followed by walks, socialising and playtime before feeding the dogs. Lunch is usually taken from 12.00pm to 2.00pm, followed by more walks, brushing and socialising from 2.00pm to 4.00pm.
The charity also welcomes help with practical projects, including building maintenance and general handyman work. Volunteers with administrative, photography or videography skills can also contribute by helping maintain the animal database or creating content to raise awareness of the sanctuary and its work.
Living & Getting There
The sanctuary is around 45 km outside Khon Kaen, surrounded by rice fields, farms and distant mountains. Its rural setting provides an opportunity to experience a quieter side of Thailand and become immersed in local life. The nearest airport is Khon Kaen Airport (KKC), and volunteers can usually reach the sanctuary from the city by Grab. Khon Kaen can be reached by air, bus or train.
Volunteers stay in a dedicated volunteer house with three bedrooms. Rooms contain two or three single beds, with two shared bathrooms and showers. There is also a kitchenette for making drinks and snacks.
A communal kitchen and dining area is available for breakfast and dinner. Basic ingredients such as fresh fruit and vegetables, yoghurt, cereal, eggs, bread, pasta, rice and noodles are provided, along with tea and coffee. Lunch is freshly prepared and served buffet-style each day. Food is generally vegetarian, although volunteers can buy meat if they wish to cook it themselves, and vegan diets can be accommodated.
The volunteer contribution is €15 per person per day. Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and a swimming pool are available onsite. Volunteers are responsible for their own laundry detergent. Bicycles are also provided for exploring the surrounding area.
What else
Volunteers normally work six days a week, leaving time to explore the local area during their free day and evenings. The sanctuary is close to a national park, scenic lakes and small villages, while shops and cafés are within walking distance. A large Sunday market in the area is another popular place to visit.
The charity has a predominantly Thai team, with around 95% of staff being Thai, giving volunteers plenty of opportunities to experience local culture and pick up some Thai words along the way. Day trips to Khon Kaen can also be arranged, and the team is happy to help volunteers make the most of their free time.
The placement offers a chance to contribute to meaningful animal welfare work while experiencing rural Thailand away from the usual tourist routes. Volunteers who are ready to get involved, work with animals and embrace a different way of life can expect a memorable and rewarding stay.
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