Help to care for the dogs and cats (and a few other animals!) at a nursing clinic and animal care centre on Koh Phangan in Southern Thailand, while living an amazing lifestyle on this beautiful tropical island.

Very sadly, due to a fire at the centre in August 08, this placement is currently on hold.

About the Centre and the animals

Until the founding of the Centre, there was no veterinary care or advice on the island, no vaccination, and no population control measures except for yearly poisoning. The result of this was a life of pain and misery for many animals. Sick animals suffered a prolonged and often excruciating death, while uncontrolled breeding resulted in overpopulation, causing aggression (to humans as well as dogs) and rapid disease transmission - the most serious being rabies, and the most obvious being skin infestations.

The Centre was founded in 2001 as a non-profit nursing clinic. Although it is the sole provider of veterinary care for the animals of Koh Phangan, no animal has been denied treatment since the opening of the clinic.

The Centre's mission is to:

• implement a vaccination programme to control rabies
• encourage and perform sterilisation of breeding females
• improve the quality of life of a multitude of stray animals
• provide emergency relief and nursing care for all major illnesses and injuries.

The Centre deals primarily with dogs and cats, but it also treats any animal in need. This can be anything from a turtle to a buffalo!

A typical week

So what will you be doing every week? You will work with the team at the Centre which includes an Administrator and two veterinary nurses. The Centre takes 1-2 volunteers at a time and you will either work 5 half days (mornings) or 3 full days + 1 half day, depending on the number of volunteers.

There is an opportunity to get involved in a variety of work including the daily running of the Centre, cleaning, feeding and washing animals, walking the dogs, and assisting with animal treatment.

Lifestyle

You will have your own Thai beach bungalow right on the beach, with restaurants and other facilities nearby. 

When not working, you will be free to explore the island or, if you fancy a change, take a ferry over to one of the other islands. As well as stunning beaches, there is great snorkelling and diving, and jungle and temples to explore inland. The island is a popular traveller destination and there is a lively social scene with many bars and restaurants and of course the infamous full moon party!

What our volunteers say

"Brilliant! Loved every minute. If you love animals, dogs especially, and want to work in an environment where you can be with them all day - this is the place to be. Staff were so friendly and knowledgeable...THIS IS THE BEST THING I HAVE EVER DONE!!" - Tina

For more views from past volunteers please see our testimonials.

What's included

• A comprehensive information booklet
• Travel advice and assistance pre-departure
• Being met on arrival at Koh Samui airport or a overnight train ticket from Bangkok
• Introductions to the area and the Centre
• Animal training and supervision
• Accommodation for the first month (your own beach bungalow with en-suite bathroom) with option to extend on
• Ongoing support from our local representative
• A donation to the Centre.

What's not included

The following estimates are given as a guide for your budgeting: flights (£450-£600), visa (£45), travel insurance, general living costs (£200-£250 per month), accommodation after the first month (£120+ per month).

At the end of the first month volunteers are welcome to stay in the accommodation we arrange or free to move somewhere else.

Benefits

By volunteering at the Centre you will make a major contribution to the welfare of dogs, cats and other animals on Koh Phangan.

On a personal level you will have the satisfaction of helping to make a positive difference to the lives of these animals and, in the process, gain new skills and knowledge, working with a young and enthusiastic team.

Challenges and requirements

There is a minimum age of 21 for this placement. No specific skills are required other than enthusiasm and a strong stomach!

Next steps and how to apply

Please contact us if you would like to discuss the placement, or go to the how to apply section where you can apply online or download an application form.

You might also be interested in....

Our other animal placements in Asia and around the world:

* Wildlife Rescue in Thailand

* Elephant Care in Thailand

* Belize Zoo in Belize

* Bear Sanctuary in Cambodia

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