Dog Rescue
Thailand

Set on the stunning island of Phuket, the sanctuary was established to help street dogs and cats who had no-one else to care for them. It carries out an extensive spay & neuter programme and houses and looks after the medical needs of over 1,300 dogs and 400 cats who are too vulnerable to be returned to the community. Whenever possible new homes and families are found for the dogs and cats.

The primary role for volunteers is to socialise and walk the dogs. It is essential to teach the dogs to trust people and for them to learn how to walk on a lead so that they can be adopted. The dogs love to get some quality time outside, walking and playing!

The dogs live in large 'runs' of up to 25 dogs. You will take one dog out at a time out for a lead walk. There is a dog walking route within the grounds of the centre, an off-lead area where they can have fun chasing toys, and even a dog pool, where the dogs can have a splash and cool off!

The time the dogs get outside of their run is so valuable to them and a key factor in maintaining their wellbeing.

Dogs are the main focus of the volunteer role, but the cats also love attention and you are welcome to spend time socialising and playing with the adorable felines during your lunch break.

You don’t need any prior experience, just patience, enthusiasm and a passion for dogs! All of the animals at the centre are vaccinated against rabies so you are not at risk whilst volunteering.

Typical Day

On your first morning (Monday) you will receive an induction to volunteering and an orientation tour of the sanctuary. You will visit the the dog run which has been allocated to you and you will have some time getting to know each dog in your run. After lunch you will head out on your first dog walk! 

Volunteers work from Monday to Friday and days follow the same timetable:

• Pick up from your accommodation at 8.30am
• Transport to the sanctuary (about 20 minutes' drive) – settle in, order lunch and have a coffee
• Mornings (9am – 11.45am) – walking and spending time with the dogs in your dog run
• Lunch break – time to relax, recharge and cool off. You can also spend time playing with the cats (optional)
• Afternoons (1pm – 3.45pm) – walking and spending time with the dogs in your dog run
• Depart at 4pm on the transport back to your accommodation

You will be working fairly independently during the day but the local team are always on hand to provide assistance.

Weekends are days off and there are lots of great free time activities for you to get involved in.

Other volunteers

There are usually 10-30 volunteers (with a maximum of around 50) at the project, numbers vary throughout the year. Volunteers all work together but stay in different hostels, guest houses and apartments in the local area. 

Local support

The local team will oversee your volunteering work and be there to support you throughout your placement. There is a volunteer manager and a team of volunteer coordinators, including international and Thai staff.

“Almost all of the animals in our care are former street animals who need to learn to feel comfortable around people. Socialisation is vital for shy animals and for those who have been abused so that they can to be adopted, which is where our amazing volunteers help!” Chrissie, Manager

Volunteers have a private room at a friendly, clean and comfortable guesthouse which is a few minutes walk from a lovely beach, where there are restaurants, bars and shops to enjoy.

Each bedroom has an ensuite bathroom, hot shower, air conditioning, small fridge and free WIFI. 

Meals

Meals are not included in this placement.

For breakfast, you can make your own simple breakfast and have in your room (there is a fridge to store milk etc.) or buy food from local shops.

On working days (Monday-Friday), volunteers order lunch from a local Thai restaurant and it’s delivered to you at the centre. There are vegetarian and vegan options.

For lunch at weekends and for your evening meals, there are lots of restaurants within walking distance of your accommodation, giving you a good choice of Thai and international options. It's especially nice to eat on the beachfront!

Drinking water is provided at the centre, from a water dispenser where you can fill up your water bottle throughout the day. In the evenings and at weekends, you can buy water locally.

You will need to fly into Phuket Airport (HKT).

We will arrange for you to be met on arrival and transferred from the airport to your accommodation, which is a 10 minute drive away.

Location and free time

Phuket is an iconic tourist destination and the biggest island in Thailand, located in the South of Thailand alongside the Andaman sea. Phuket is best known for its beaches and you are spoilt for choice! Popular beaches include Rawai, Patong, Karon, Kamala, Kata Yai, Kata Noi, Naiyang and Mai Khao.

It’s also worth visiting Laem Phromthep viewpoint, a stunning sunset spot. For something a little more active, enjoy water sports, a day at the water park or learn to scuba dive.

Phuket has a large Chinese influence, so you will see many Chinese shrines and Chinese restaurants around Phuket Town and a famous vegetarian festival is held there every year.

Climate 

The island of Phuket has a tropical climate and is hot throughout the year, with temperatures generally between 25-33˚C. There can be tropical rain showers at any time of year but the main rainy season in Phuket is from May to October and the dry season runs from December to March.

Travelling in Thailand before or after your placement

Thailand is often referred to as the ‘land of smiles’ and is a huge attraction for travellers from around the world due to its glorious beaches, tropical climate, great food and fascinating culture. Thailand has something to offer everyone and popular activities include exploring the:

• Many colourful and ancient temples  
• Beautiful waterfalls, wildlife and limestone cliffs of Khao Sok National Park
• Tranquil lush mountains in the North and meeting ethnic hill tribes
• Bustling city of Bangkok, the Grand Palace and famous weekend market

For more information on Thailand and some of the things we loved when we visited there please see our Thailand country page. This also features all our other Thailand volunteering projects as you might like to consider combining this project with one of the others we offer to make a trip of a lifetime!

Scarlett and Toby

"We were both incredibly impressed by the facilities, the efficiency of the organisation and the passion of those who work there. The dogs and cats are so clearly in need of a little love, fun and affection, and helping the staff provide that to them every day was nothing short of joyous.Then there’s the social scene, we made some excellent friends and enjoyed plenty of post-volunteering dinners, drinks and dancing."

Angel

"The carers and staff look after the animals here like their children, and everyone here has so much love to share. The more time you spend here, you’ll see their character and realise how beautiful they are and how much love they are ready to give. You can never stop learning from animals, and all of them in the sanctuary are so deserving of a forever home."

Nawa

"I had the best experience spending time with the dogs. They’re adorable and friendly and give you positive energy. Some of them are shy which makes me like them even more. Some of them are energetic, and I’m so happy every time I walk them and when they allow me to pet them. They are all stray dogs who the sanctuary is protecting and helping to recover. All the staff here are so friendly too. If you need any support, they always help you. Do not hesitate to volunteer here, you will have the one of the best experiences and memories."

Axelle 

“It was a great experience, my first trip outside France, alone… These are not holidays! Even though there is the beach and the palm trees! But you heal, socialize, play, help all dogs and cats that you can in this centre! All the supervisors help you and give you all the support you need and that's great!

Chelsie

“My experience at the Dog Rescue project was honestly amazing. I had never travelled before and never on my own, so this was very daunting for me. However it was the best thing I have ever done. You meet amazing people, volunteers and supervisors, and the reason we are all there in the first place, the dogs and cats. These guys are what the centre is all about and everyone has a huge amount of love for these animals which is shown every single day. I would love to do this all over again!”