Volunteer in Koh Lanta | Animal Welfare

Volunteer with Dogs & Cats on Koh Lanta (Thailand)

South East Asia, Thailand

This non-profit animal welfare charity is based on the beautiful island of Koh Lanta in southwest Thailand. The centre provides care for around 40 dogs and cats, while also running regular sterilisation and vaccination programmes to help control the local animal population and reduce the spread of disease.

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The charity welcomes friendly, responsible and motivated volunteers who genuinely care about animals and are prepared to work hard. Previous experience with animals is essential, and volunteers must be at least 25 years old. A minimum commitment of one month is required.

Volunteering here is a rewarding experience, but it also comes with responsibility. The animals depend on the team every day, so volunteers need to be reliable, punctual and fully committed to their shifts.

Tasks & Roles

Volunteers work from 7.00am to 1.00pm or from 1.00pm to 7.00pm, usually for six days each week with one day off. Some shifts start at 7.00am, so volunteers should be comfortable with early mornings.

Daily duties include preparing and feeding meals, walking dogs, cleaning animal areas and the clinic, doing laundry and spending time socialising with the animals. Volunteers may also help with grooming, bathing, extra walks and playtime, as well as other general tasks needed to keep the centre running smoothly.

Each volunteer is also expected to complete a night shift during their stay. This involves remaining at the shelter overnight, responding to emergencies, contacting the on-call vet when needed and helping to keep the animals calm if they become distressed.

Those who enjoy meeting people and feel comfortable speaking with the public may also have the opportunity to help as a host. This can involve introducing visitors to the charity’s work, promoting animal adoption and encouraging sponsorship.

Living & Getting There

Volunteers stay onsite in shared twin-room accommodation. Each room has twin beds and a private bathroom with a shower and toilet. The cost is €9 per person per day.

Two meals are provided each weekday, with breakfast also available at weekends. Breakfast is simple and includes items such as toast, cereal, eggs, coffee, tea, butter, jam and peanut butter. Lunch is a homemade, vegan-friendly meal prepared with local ingredients and served in the volunteer kitchen.

The nearest airport is Krabi International Airport (KBV). From the airport, volunteers can travel to Koh Lanta by minibus or private taxi. A shared minibus costs around 400 baht, including the ferry crossing, and the journey usually takes three to four hours depending on waiting times and stops.

A private transfer is also available and costs around 2,500 baht. The journey takes approximately two hours, and volunteers should arrange this a couple of days in advance.

What else

This is a hands-on volunteering opportunity where the welfare of the animals must always be the priority. It is not suited to someone looking for a relaxed placement with plenty of free time, as the centre relies on volunteers to provide consistent daily care.

In return, volunteers can become part of an international team, meet people from around the world and experience life on Koh Lanta. For those who are committed to animal welfare and enjoy working with cats and dogs, it can be a highly rewarding experience.

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