Volunteer Abroad Thailand: Ko Lanta Animal Welfare

In order to apply for this project, you need to be 25 or older and have sufficient English skills to follow the instructions. Special skills or experience are not required, as you will be instructed in your tasks. However, a fast learning ability is definitely helpful. Volunteers should be physically fit, as they sometimes walk 20,000 steps in one day with the dogs on the beach in high heat and humidity.

Furthermore, you might need a visa for your volunteering work. Depending on the duration of your stay and your destination, the requirements might vary. You might check out the foreign department’s website for the visa standards, or ask the Natucate team directly.

We will arrange and organise your spot in the project on Ko Lanta and help you with any kind of problems and questions during your preparation and during the project. You will be supported by an experienced supervisor on site in Thailand. Accommodation is included. Meals are not included, but there are plenty of restaurants or markets where you can buy food for little money. Travel health insurance and/or other insurances, flights, accommodation and board before/after the project as well as the transfer to and from the project site are not included.

You will need travel health insurance to start your volunteering work with Natucate. We can provide you with all the necessary information. In general you need to talk to your doctor and make sure you are vaccinated against Morbilli, Mumps and Rubella. In case of injuries it is also advised to be vaccinated against Tetanus. For current information and warnings regarding your destination you should check out the homepage of the foreign department and inform yourself beforehand about possible risks.

Furthermore, you should know that tap water in Thailand is not drinkable. Raw fish or meat may lead to stomach problems.

You don’t need special clothing for the work, but you should pack clothes which can get dirty and are not your favourite because they may get damaged while you are working with the animals. Bring some long sleeved clothes and long pants, but also shorts and tops for your free time. Remember that the weather is generally hot and humid, so light clothing is recommended. For the rainy season a poncho might be useful and for shoes we recommend trainers but also sandals. You will receive a detailed packing list before your departure.

We will support you during your organisation and planning process, but you will have to book the flights on your own. Due to the time shift, the new climate and therefore the required adjustment period, we ask you to arrive in Thailand two to three days before the project starts. Accommodation for these nights needs to be organised by you, but the Natucate team is happy to help.

You can either fly to Krabi, Phuket or Trang. We recommend flying to Krabi. Usually the flight to Krabi is via Bangkok. After your arrival in Krabi you can stay here for some night, or you immediately travel to Ko Lanta to stay on the island before the project starts. At Krabi Airport, you can choose between a private transfer or public transportation that will take you to Ko Lanta. The last bus or taxi leaves Krabi at around 5 p.m. If you would like to book a private transfer from the airport to the project, just let us know. The transfer from the airport to the project and back is not included. Calculate two hours for the transfer from the airport in Krabi to the project on Ko Lanta.

Another option is to stay in Bangkok for the first couple nights and then make your way to Krabi and further to Ko Lanta on the day the project starts.

We will help you organise your transport. The project team can arrange your pickup from Krabi airport if you want them to. After your arrival (preferably before 5 pm), you will be greeted by the whole team, and they will introduce you to your new home and surroundings. Furthermore, you will be introduced to safety and health precautions.

During the project, you will mainly be working with the animals. Since you will be working voluntarily, there won’t be any kind of payment.

As a volunteer, your task will include feeding the animals and providing them attention. You will also clean the animal’s housing and the station. Sometimes you might go on nice long walks with the dogs and enjoy some play and cuddle time. You will be introduced to all of your tasks properly before executing them on your own.

Usually the team consists of three up to 10 volunteers at the same time. Volunteers come from all around the world, but there are also local volunteers who visit the station occasionally.

Your housing will be simple. You will have one room and your own bathroom with a cold water shower. There will be a fan and two sets of bedding and towels. There will be Wi-Fi at the site and you can use the kitchen as well. The rooms are only shared by participants travelling together. If you are travelling alone, you will have your own room.

It is possible to get placed with your friend. But it always depends on the current occupancy.

You need to buy your own food at the local market or the nearby supermarkets. You can prepare your food in the kitchen or enjoy a meal in the restaurants. There will be water, tea and coffee provided by the project at all times.

You can order vegetarian meals in the restaurants and when you buy your own food there are plenty of choices for vegetarian meals.

You will be working five days a week. Every day has a different schedule and the volunteers take turn in working from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. You can spend your free time as you wish.

The long beach invites you for a nice long sunbathe or a relaxing nap. You can go for a swim or try out various water activities. There is also a nice historic village close by. You can discover the Mangrove forests by boat tour or go out for a drink in the small city. Ko Lanta is very well connected and you have the option to travel outside of Ko Lanta as well.

On site you will be working with a team of volunteers and project leaders. The supervisors will be responsible for you and may help you with your problems.

During your stay, you will only have to pay for your transport, optional leisure activities and food. In Thailand, you can generally eat out in a varied way and for a reasonable price (also in restaurants). A budget of around 2,000 baht (approx. 55 euros) per week should be sufficient to cover your meals.

In Thailand, you pay in Thai baht. You should check the current exchange rate before you leave. Locally, you can withdraw money with your credit card from local bank counters. You should bear in mind that, depending on the bank, charges may apply, and the withdrawal amount may be limited. Before your trip, you should remember to have your cards activated so that you can use them abroad.

There will be internet at the volunteers’ house and you can also visit some internet café to make international phone calls. Alternatively, you can get a local SIM card to avoid the high call costs with your own provider.

The weather is quite nice. Ko Lanta is located in the south of Thailand. There you will be confronted with hot, tropical climate with 30°C all year around. The months between April and November are the rainiest while December till March are drier than the hot and humid summer months.