Vet nurse/technician
Coordinator | Chloe
Coordinator | Chloe
Book with Flex Option!
Choose new departure dates or change to a different volunteer program at no extra costs.
Highlights
Be part of a team that takes care of rescued wildlife, some of which are on the brink of extinction. Level of experience and knowledge demonstrated will determine how hands on your externship will be.
Around 400 animals across 59 different species means a varied case load, externs will have the opportunity to see how different procedures are performed on different species.
We only accept 2 veterinary externs/vet technicians/vet nurses at any one time; this means you have plenty of opportunity to learn from our experienced vet team.
Experience high standards of vet care in a wildlife rescue center with a well educated team.
Our volunteer bungalows, with hammocks, are perfect for relaxing after a hard day's work or on your day off and, waking up to the gibbons singing never gets old.
Are you a vet nurse/technician graduate or student and are looking to gain more experience in wildlife medicine? Join our vet team and gain vital wildlife experience.
This volunteer program is especially suitable for:
Age 18+
Singles
Couples
50+
This program was designed to give vet nurse/technician students and graduates the relevant experience needed to work with wildlife in the future. Your voluntary work isn't just a learning experience, you will be part of team that is really trying to make a difference.
You will be asked to support our vet staff with a wide variety of tasks from pathology, geriatric care, trauma surgery, routine checkups to intake of new animals that were rescued from the illegal wildlife trade. You won't just receive instructions and tasks, the idea of this program is for you to shadow our vet team and learn how to treat wildlife correctly. We want to help you become great wildlife vet nurses/technicians and our vet team is more than willing to answer your questions along the way. Vet volunteers will also be encouraged to pursue research/personal projects around the centre, this is a unique opportunity to gain experience in different aspects of veterinary care and expand on your skill set.
Typical day
It is important to remember that working with wildlife can keep you on your toes. Our routine is subject to change at a moments notice and we appreciate our volunteers understanding with these abrupt changes in our daily schedule!
At any time we can receive a large confiscation of wildlife from the illegal wildlife trade, often animals confiscated have injuries from being captured/transported by poachers and require urgent medical care. Our vet team are kept busy caring for around 400 animals that are based at our wildlife sanctuary.
A typical day for our vet team and their externs/volunteers goes like this:
- AM medications will be administered to patients across the centre.
- Vet externs will be asked to assist with husbandry duties should the clinic have any animals in recovery at the wildlife hospital.
- Preparation of medications for the afternoon and the following day.
- Daily rounds of the centre to monitor animals and recovery of former patients.
- Emergency/planned procedures.
- Necropsies.
- Preparation of surgical equipment.
And much more...
Free-time activities
Close to our project there is a hotel pool which volunteers can use for $1.50. Staff can drive you to/from the hotel.
In our village, we have markets with food, basic clothing and amenities.
We are situated close to Phou Khao Khouay National Protected Area. Access is quite difficult without your own transport, but it is possible to walk to the lower foothills after a short taxi ride.
Vientiane (the capital city) can be accessed by regular public transport from our village, in the capital you can visit various cultural and tourism sites. There are many bars and restaurants with western/local food and drink located in Vientiane.
Lao PDR is a fast developing nation, but travel around the country can be slow. However, it is certainly worth the effort. Those who enjoy swimming, hiking and climbing in the outdoors will love spending time in Lao PDR!
Climbing
Concert/
Music
Music
Hiking
Museum/
Opera
Opera
Safari/
Zoo
Zoo
Shopping/
Souvenirs
Souvenirs
Sightseeing
Sports
Swimming
Water Sports
Yoga/
Meditation
Meditation
Requirements
In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.
You need to speak English (basic level)
Vet nurse/technician qualifications at Student/Graduate level
No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.
Your helping hand will be required on
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday
from
07:00
- 16:00
What's Included
The cost of coming to volunteer helps us to continue our work fighting the illegal wildlife trade. The fee covers your accommodation, wifi, meals, transport to and from Vientiane for pickup and dropoff, t-shirt, and 24 hr staff support. The remainder of your donation supports:
- Rescues and releases - Our team travels all over Lao PDR in order to rescue and release animals. We must be ready to go at a moment's notice.
- Investment in conservation and education - Rescuing animals will not put an end to the illegal wildlife trade. We must campaign for change through education and workshops.
- Enclosure construction - We have worked hard to give our animals the space they need but there is much more work to be done. The money helps us buy materials and labor costs for construction.
- Feeding the animals - We have a lot of mouths to feed, with almost 400 animals across 59 different species including: crocodiles, bears, primates, turtles and an elephant.
- Animal healthcare - Our vet clinic relies on your donation for supplies and equipment. Animals can come to us in poor health and we must be ready to help them.
- Renovation & Enrichment - The constant improvement of our center means buying new material for enrichment. We use recycled materials where possible.
- Staff support - We currently employ over 60 Lao people and are the biggest employer in the area. With seven expats on site, we strive to continue our education and training to international standards.
We pick up volunteers in Vientiane (the capital of Lao PDR), on Sunday mornings between 9:30am and 10:30am. If your flight does not arrive until the afternoon, then we encourage volunteers to arrive on Saturday and stay overnight in a hotel/hostel in Vientiane.
We will arrange pickup from your hotel or the airport in Vientiane before taking you to the center, we can stop at a western style supermarket before we leave the city for you to pick up some snacks/treats that you won't find in our village.
We will also drop you off at the airport or in the city of Vientiane after your stay with us, we are happy to give travel advice should you continue your adventure!
Our volunteers will stay in our bungalows (two volunteers in each bungalow), each with singles beds and storage for your belongings.
Each bungalow has its own hammock and veranda, perfect for relaxing after a day's work or on your day off!
Behind the bungalows you will find toilets and hot/cold showers. Food is served at the staff accommodation only 50 meters away.
Should you need a member of staff, we are around 24/7.
To make your accommodation as comfortable as possible for you, please state in your application if you would prefer to share a room with the same gender, or if you have no preference. When not fully booked, we endeavor to give each volunteer their own bungalow.
We will provide breakfast supplies, hot lunch and dinner.
Food is vegetarian and Lao style. Please indicate if you have specific dietary requirements or allergies. After picking you up in Vientiane, we will stop at a western-style grocery store if you would like to pick up snacks or items.
There are also other local restaurants/bars that we will all go together and eat at, should you wish to join!
Limited access at the project site
Visa, flights, travel insurance or vaccinations are NOT included in the program fees.
The nearest airport is Wattay International Airport (VTE) in Vientiane. We assist you to find cheap flights to Laos.
Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Laos provides security and is a plus to have.
If you are intending to volunteer in Laos you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Laos.
Dates & Fees
NO CREDIT CARD FEES
Details on arrival
We pick up volunteers in Vientiane (the capital of Lao PDR), on Sunday mornings between 9:30am and 10:30am. If your flight does not arrive until the afternoon, then we encourage volunteers to arrive on Saturday and stay overnight in a hotel/hostel in Vientiane.
To make your accommodation as comfortable as possible for you, please state in your application if you would prefer to share a room with the same gender, or if you have no preference.
We will arrange pickup from your hotel or the airport in Vientiane before taking you to the center, we stop at a western style supermarket before we leave the city for you to pick up some snacks/treats that you won't find in our village.
We will also drop you off at the airport or in the city of Vientiane after your stay with us, we are happy to give travel advice should you continue your adventure!
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
1 - 24 weeks
Program fees
1 week
(min. stay)
$800
2 weeks
$1,150
3 weeks
$1,500
4 weeks
$1,850
5 weeks
$2,200
6 weeks
$2,550
7 weeks
$2,900
8 weeks
$3,250
9 weeks
$3,600
10 weeks
$3,950
11 weeks
$4,300
12 weeks
$4,650
13 weeks
$5,000
14 weeks
$5,350
15 weeks
$5,700
16 weeks
$6,050
17 weeks
$6,400
18 weeks
$6,750
19 weeks
$7,100
20 weeks
$7,450
21 weeks
$7,800
22 weeks
$8,150
23 weeks
$8,500
24 weeks
(max. stay)
$8,850
Average fees
$584
/week
Please note that the above shown program fees are estimated.
LCTW (Wildlife Rescue Center)
will let you know about the final price during your application process.
The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.
Your final payment will be agreed with LCTW (Wildlife Rescue Center) during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.
Why book with Volunteer World
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application process
- including all necessary payments. Planning your next meaningful trip with Volunteer World gives you free access to our:
Quality Assurance
High ethical standards & transparent social impact
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Change your reservation at no extra costs
Refund Guarantee
We refund your fees if LCTW (Wildlife Rescue Center) cancels your trip
Support & Mediation
We cover your back no matter what happens
Our services are free of charge!
All program fees are charged directly by LCTW (Wildlife Rescue Center).
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Vet nurse/technician
Are you a vet nurse/technician graduate or student and are looking to gain more experience in wildlife medicine? Join our vet team and gain vital wildlife experience.
$584/week
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