Volunteer with us

Volunteers petting dog in healing centre

An experience to remember
We need volunteers all year and we DON'T charge you

Want to leave the beaten track and have a unique and rewarding travelling experience in Thailand? We’re waiting for you! This once in a lifetime opportunity will allow you to step away from the typical tourist path in Thailand and become part of a team dedicated to improving the lives of abused and neglected dogs in Bangsaphan’s vast district.

Volunteering with us is about living in the present, surrounded by the affection of wagging tails, and leaving behind personal worries. Giving your time and effort without expecting anything in return can lead to a sense of fulfillment and happiness. You’ll never forget the joy of working tirelessly to improve the lives of stray and rescued dogs who will show their gratitude with endless licks and smiles.

We are a Thai and UK husband and wife team with 17 years of experience in animal welfare willing to give volunteers the fulfilling opportunity to engage in hands-on work. Specialized animal care skills are also valued, as you can contribute to the care of special needs dogs. We always express our gratitude to volunteers who choose to sponsor one of their favorite dogs.

We’re only a few meters away from the unspoiled beaches of Bangsaphan, providing a beautiful tropical setting of palm trees and deep blue seas. What’s even better is that you’ll have the opportunity to soak in these magical settings with few other tourists around. Volunteering with us offers a fulfilling and different kind of travel experience while actively supporting animal welfare.

Read what our volunteers say

Morning Feed

A typical cleaning morning at the healing centre

Please fill in the application form below

We look forward to hearing from you.

Your Arrival

As you approach the rescue center, you will hear a loud chorus of barking dogs. You'll be met by a joyous group of tail-wagging dogs eagerly awaiting your arrival. Step inside, find a spot on the nearest doggy bed where they will all gather around and happily join you.

Krista one of our volunteers stroking the dogs

Getting to know our Dogs

Some of our shyer dogs might require a bit more time to build their confidence and approach you, which is perfectly normal. In these cases, we encourage you to be patient and take it slow. During your first couple of days, we ask you to take time to get to know the dogs and allowing them to become familiar with you. Given the hands-on nature of the work, forging strong bonds with our four-legged friends is paramount.

Daily Care

Our daily routine starts at 8:30 am with morning cleaning tasks like washing pens, sweeping, and cleaning water bowls, followed by feeding the animals at 10 am. Then you'll help with skin treatments, grooming, minor wound care, and therapeutic shampooing until lunchtime at midday - 1 pm. In the afternoon you'll assist our paraplegic dogs in their wheelchairs, walk dogs to the beach, participate in afternoon feeding, and settle the dogs for the evening before leaving at 3:30.

volunteers bring gifts for the rescue dogs at the healing center

No less than 14 days

We cannot accept volunteers for less than 14 days with two days off. This is because we invest a lot of time in helping you to get to know our dogs and teaching you our daily routine. There is a lot of hands-on work with the dogs and they must feel confident with new volunteers.

you will undoubtedly feel proud of your accomplishments with our dogs after experiencing the many facets of animal care you have given them.

Besides, you wouldn't want to leave before you have got to know all our beautiful dogs, would you?

How To Get To Us

Bang Saphan is at the beginning of the South of Thailand. From the north the best form of transport is by train. Thai trains rarely run on schedule so bear this in mind! Find train times online 2024. We recommend planning a daytime arrival as transportation late at night can be challenging. Bangsaphan has no taxi service late at night.

If you want to come by bus the journey is quite arduous and not advisable. The Southern bus terminal is far out of central Bangkok and taxis can be expensive. The arrival time in Bang Saphan is often very late and the bus does not take you into the town which is about 15 km from the dropping-off point. There may be motorbike taxis still around but this is not ideal if you have heavy luggage, and you may have difficulty finding a place to stay for the night.

Matilda and Poppy showing what is suitable to wear at the healing centre

What To Wear

We ask volunteers to wear suitable dog-proof clothes that protect you against scratches when they jump up for a cuddle.

No skimpy shorts and tops please, that attire is for the beach. Strong shoes and in the rainy season you will need a pair of boots. These can be bought in the local market.

A must is a hat to protect you from the sun. Please keep your nails shortish so you don’t scratch the dogs and only essential jewellery.

Where our Volunteers Stay

We are happy to advise you of bungalows of where past volunteers have stayed. There are a number of beach bungalows in the 'Suan Luang' area and a few beach bars and restaurants. Prices for an air conditioned bungalow start at 500bht or £10 per night.

These bungalows are located about a 30-minute walk along the beach or a short motorbike journey to our Healing Centre. We recommend renting a motorbike as there are no taxis in the area and walking back in the midday heat after a morning volunteering can be challenging. You can rent a motorbike at the bungalow or Why Not Beach bar.

YOUNG / SOLO VOLUNTEERS PLEASE NOTE

Bang Saphan is a beautiful paradise but it is not a tourist town and is extremely quiet with mostly retiree ex-pats. We strongly recommend younger volunteers come with a friend for company.