What do volunteers need to bring or be aware of? 

Here is a suggested list of items to bring to the LCTW for your volunteer experience. Many of these items are available in Vientiane however, please make purchases before your pick up time.

We suggest:

- Closed toe slip-on clinic shoes (Croc style is very popular)

- Lightweight clinic or work clothes, you do not mind getting dirty or stained

- Sunhat, cap, or bandanna to protect you against the sun, along with plenty of sun cream

- Torch/flashlight and/or head-torch

- A device with an alarm clock

- Wash towels (they can be bought locally, but options are limited)

- Lightweight rainproof clothing (e.g. poncho - cheap quality ones can be bought locally)

- Ensure your mobile phone is unlocked if you wish to buy a Lao sim card for data

- Simple first aid kit with bandages, antiseptics, and medications (allergies, headache, stomach bugs, etc.)

- Power adaptor (2 straight pin or 2 round pin)

Optional Season Specific:

These items are not required for you to stay here, though may make your time here more comfortable.

- Rubber boots if coming in rainy season and a good supply of socks (rubber boots can also be bought locally). 

- Good supply of clothes, especially underwear (getting clothes dry is more challenging in wet and humid seasons)

- Warmer clothes for the evenings in the cool season (November-February)

POLICIES AND ETHICS:

Our Animal Policy:

Our animals' welfare, safety and needs, come first at all times. Our center rescues new animals frequently, so some schedules and rules will change to meet the specialized needs of our animals.

Please help to observe the animals at the rescue center so we can detect any problems as soon as possible. Always tell someone as soon you notice something to be out of the ordinary. For example, if you notice any wounds or behavior that is unusual for the animal, report this to a member of staff. These situations may involve an animal which is mostly cared for by our volunteer team and we need your help to ensure that all animals are happy and healthy while they are with us. We also ask that you notify staff if you see anything that is broken or needs to be replaced.

Also note that Laos has its own import regulations and some medicines that are routinely available in your home country for medical purposes, are not available here. Additionally, routine items that may be taken for granted in your home country are very difficult, if not impossible, to obtain here. We encourage questions and learning while granting understanding that operating a rescue center in a developing country with different constraints may be different than the clinic or school that you are familiar with.  That being said, we are always happy to accept donations of veterinary medical equipment and medicines that we cannot source here or are too expensive for our financial resources.  Please let us know if you'd like to see our wish list!

LCTW HAS A STRICT HANDS-OFF POLICY. We will ask volunteers to leave immediately if they touch the animals while not during veterinary care or directed by Staff. This is so we can ease the integration of wildlife with their own species, facilitate future releases back to the wild, as well as ensuring staff, volunteer and animal safety.

Unfortunately, most of our animals have already had too much contact with humans as most are victims of the illegal wildlife trade. Due to this some may look like they want attention and we ask volunteers not to touch them. Animals appearing to give social interaction are most likely NOT trying to be friendly. In the majority of cases, this behavior is a sign of significant stress and submission. Do not be drawn in by it.

For example, a Gibbon showing you his/her back is not a gesture of wanting a back scratch, it is a sign that the animal is submitting due to your presence.

Though it may be a nice experience for you to touch an animal, there is a very real risk of disease transmission, some with obvious symptoms (if you have a cold or cough) and some without. If you see something you are unsure about or do not agree with please talk directly to the Coordinators or Director. They can answer any questions you may have regarding the animals here at LCTW. We are open to new ideas and we are transforming this site into a world class rescue center. We would encourage you to share your creativity, ideas and opinions with your coordinators or the LCTW Director.

Cultural sensitivity and dress code: 

LAO CULTURE

Laos is such a friendly place that there are generally no major cultural issues, though to really settle in, here are a few pointers:

- When Lao people meet, they do not shake hands, they 'wai’. When meeting someone, put your hands into prayer formation thumbs pointing towards your nose and bow your head slightly. If they 'wai’ you first, you should 'wai’ back.

- Do not point the soles of your feet at anyone, or any images depicting Buddha. As feet are considered impure, make sure you are not putting your feet on tables, chairs or anywhere close to someone’s head or in line of their eyesight.

- Touching heads of Lao people or Buddhist statues is also an insult.

- Remove shoes when entering a temple, shops, houses, as well as your rooms. It’s a sign of respect (it also keeps your

room clean).

- Physical expressions of love (eg. hugging, kissing) is not very common and you are advised to avoid such actions in public.

- Smile and speak a little Lao and you will be loved by the locals. 'Sabaidee', pronounced 'Sab-ai-dee' is the standard Lao greeting, which you can use for all people. Do not take offence if they call you 'farang’, pronounced 'fa-lang' - this translates as foreigner and is often used to describe westerners.

- Lao people are very proud of their country, if you make a real effort to understand and respect the Lao culture, you will find this really enhances your experience of Laos.

Remember that cultural expectations may be different here than in your country. In order to be respectful of the culture here in Laos we do require the following dress codes:

• Volunteers should not display any midriff, cleavage, or large amounts of back.

• Tank tops/singlets with thick shoulder straps are preferable over 'spaghetti' straps. Though tops that cover your shoulders or even long sleeve are recommended as this will give you extra sun protection, protection against mosquitoes along with being culturally appropriate.

• Shorts should not be shorter than mid-thigh range.

• Must not walk around on-site in swim wear at any time

Sexual interactions or sexual relationships with the local or expat staff are prohibited.

Sexual relations with Lao people is illegal and carries heavy punishment in Laos. DO NOT engage in any sexually intimate behavior with a local person while you are volunteering with us. You will be asked to leave if this conduct takes place.

On site dress code:

Please do not wear any jewelry whilst working in the center. Many animals (especially primates) are very attracted to shiny objects and they can grab and pull, which could harm both you and the animal if they ingest it. This is most prudent with facial piercings such as nose rings and large ear rings. It is also possible to get jewelry stuck in cages or on tools when working.

Headphones are not be worn whilst working around the rescue center. Apart from the risk of being distracted if something is happening around you, it is also dangerous if you cannot hear any warnings being shouted out.

Ground based infections such as tetanus and a variety of parasites are not uncommon and can contaminate your feet if left unprotected. Toe, foot, and ankle injuries are common injuries when conducting physical work, which if you are in our husbandry and enrichment program this will make up much of the work you do. Therefore, footwear with good ankle support are recommended.

Take extra care after a rain or hosing cement the ground becomes very slippery.

LCTW has a ZERO TOLERANCE for drugs. If volunteers are found with illegal substances they will immediately be escorted off the premises and reported to the police. If the police find you on-site with drugs this will have serious consequences for our center. After 5:00pm on your working days (and days off) you can socialize with everyone in the living area and this includes the consumption of alcohol if you are of legal age. However, after 10:00pm please keep noise down and return to your accommodation. Remember other volunteers and staff who live in the house may not want to socialize and it is their house as they are here year round. Heavy drinking and drunken disruptive behavior will not be tolerated and could lead to you being asked to leave the center. 

Working with wild animals early in the morning when you are hungover is dangerous for yourself, other volunteers, staff and the animals. If we think you are hungover we have the right to ask you not to work. If you turn up to work drunk you will be asked to leave the center.