from 830€

Excellent 4.8rating (13)

Wildlife Veterinary Assistant

location
1 - 24 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Excellent 4.8  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Excellent response rate

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 200 animals across ~30 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 two (2) veterinary volunteers at any one time, allowing our volunteers the best opportunity to learn and gain experience.
  • Experience high standards of veterinary care in a wildlife rescue center with a well educated team.
  • Our volunteer bungalows, replete with hammocks, are perfect for relaxing after a hard day's work. Waking up to the gibbons singing never gets old on our grounds.

Especially good for

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Groups
50+

About the program

Are you veterinarian, vet nurse/technician, or veterinary student looking to gain more experience in wildlife medicine? Join our team and gain vital, unique experience!

Lao Conservation Trust for Wildlife (LCTW) is a non-profit wildlife rescue, conservation and education center.  Our mission is to spread awareness of the illegal wildlife trade crisis in Laos and stimulate conservation action within Laos. When possible, our rescues are rehabilitated and released ...

About the program

Lao Conservation Trust for Wildlife (LCTW) is a non-profit wildlife rescue, conservation and education center.  Our mission is to spread awareness of the illegal wildlife trade crisis in Laos and stimulate conservation action within Laos. When possible, our rescues are rehabilitated and released back into the wild where they belong. 

This program was designed to give veterinary students, nurses/technicians, or veterinarians the experience needed to work with wildlife in the future.

This is a learning experience. You will be taught all aspects of wildlife veterinary care 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 vets and our vet team is more than willing to answer your questions along the way. 

At Lao Conservation Trust for Wildlife we maintain high standards of husbandry and vet care, through a well educated and experienced team of wildlife professionals. This is a unique opportunity to follow our veterinary team through all aspects of their work, externs who show competency and good knowledge of cases and species could be given the chance for extra responsibilities. Some extra responsibilities could include: assisting in surgery, animal intake/discharge, pathology/lab work, routine check ups/exams, wildlife dentals, administering medicine and much more.

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.

 



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 ...

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 200 animals that are based at our wildlife sanctuary. 

A typical day for our vet team and their volunteers goes like this:

  • AM medications will be administered to patients across the center
  • Veterinary volunteers 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 center to monitor animals and recovery of former patients
  • Emergency/planned procedures
  • Lab work
  • Necropsies
  • Preparation of surgical equipment
  • Supporting administrative and operational duties of a non-profit rescue wildlife hospital, such as inventory, cleaning, organizing
And much more...


Free-time activities

Close to the Center, there is a hotel pool which volunteers can use for approximately $1.50. Staff can drive you to/from the hotel. 

In our village we have markets with food, basic clothing and amenities. Additionally, within a 30-40 min walk are a couple of larger music venues where live bands ...

Free-time activities

Close to the Center, there is a hotel pool which volunteers can use for approximately $1.50. Staff can drive you to/from the hotel. 

In our village we have markets with food, basic clothing and amenities. Additionally, within a 30-40 min walk are a couple of larger music venues where live bands sometimes play and the music is always on! Many restaurants nearby offer karaoke if you enjoy that!

 

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 also many bars and restaurants in Vientiane with western/local food and drink.

 

Lao PDR is a fast developing nation but travel around the country can be slow, but it is certainly worth the effort. Those who enjoy swimming, hiking and climbing in the outdoors will love spending time in Lao PDR!


Requirements

Requirements

Minimum Age: 18 years

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.

Language Skills

You need to speak English (intermediate level)

Education Requirements

Veterinary Medicine at University student/graduate level

Nationality Restrictions

No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

Other Skills

The most important skill you can bring on your trip is a positive attitude and patience.

Time Commitment

Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 08:00 - 17:00

What's Included

What's Included

Services by LCTW (Wildlife Rescue Center)

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, laundry facilities and soap, access to kitchen and refrigerator, t-shirt, and 24 hr on site security and 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 300 animals across 59 different species including: crocodiles, bears, primates, and turtles. 
  • 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.

Airport Pickup at Wattay International Airport

We pick up volunteers in Vientiane (the capital of Lao PDR), on Sunday mornings between 10:30am and 11:30am. 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. 

Depending on the needs of the team or vet clinic, you may get to accompany us on Center errands such as dropping blood for analysis or picking up supplies or shipments for animal care. 

At the end of your stay on Sunday, we will also drop you off at the airport or in the city of Vientiane. We are happy to give travel advice should you continue your adventure!

Accommodation

Our volunteers will stay in our bungalows (two volunteers max 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! Each bungalow also has two adjustable fans for your comfort. In the rainy season, your bed is outfitted with a mosquito net. 

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. 

Food & Beverages

We will provide breakfast supplies (e.g. eggs, bread, margarine, jam), hot lunch and dinner. 

Food is vegetarian and Lao style. You will be able to 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!

Internet Access

Limited access at the project site

What's NOT included?

What's NOT included?

Flight Tickets

The nearest airport is Wattay International Airport (VTE) in Vientiane. We assist you to find cheap flights to Laos. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

Travel Insurance

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. GET A QUOTE

Vaccines

If you are intending to volunteer in Laos you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Laos. VACCINE CHECKER

Details on arrival

We pick up volunteers in Vientiane (the capital of Lao PDR), on Sunday mornings between 10:30am and 11:30am. If your flight does not arrive until the afternoon then we encourage volunteers to arrive on the Saturday before 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. Often, volunteers have their own private accommodation, but this is cannot be guaranteed as it depends on current number of volunteers. 

We will arrange pickup from your hotel or the airport in Vientiane before taking you to LCTW.  Before taking you to the Center, we can stop at a western style supermarket for you to pick up some snacks/treats that you won't find in our village. 

We recommend that upon arrival in Laos, you get a SIM card for your phone. You will be added to a Whatsapp group chat so that you are apprised of what is going on and have ability to communicate with Staff and the team at any time. The two major carriers, Unitel and Lao Telecom are both sold at the airport. Data and SIM cards are very reasonably priced. As of 2023/2024, the cost is between $5 and $10 USD for SIM and 40GB of data.  

We also recommend exchanging cash at the airport because where we are located is a small rural village. Stores accept cash and do not accept cards. The cash allows you to buy any souvenirs, ice creams, soda/soft drinks, beer, etc. 

After we pick you up and arrive to the center, we will have an induction to our program which includes settling you into your bunglaow and facilities tour, a tour of our center, an introduction to our Rescue Team and the animals you may be working with. You are then free to spend your Sunday afternoon relaxing at the bungalow, visiting our village, or perhaps going back to see more of the animals. 

In our village you will find a pharmacy, market for clothes/food and convenience stores. There are also ATMs in the nearby villages; one of our staff can drive you there if you need to withdraw cash. There is even a hotel pool nearby that volunteers can go to on their day off. 

On Monday morning, you get started straight away in the clinic onboarding and becoming familiar with clinic operations! Our coordinator will meet you and explain the general schedule for the day and begin your training. 

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 after your stay with us. 


(The currency in Lao is the KIP, some hotels/stores will accept US dollars if the notes are in good condition, but it is better to use the local currency. Lao KIP is also a closed currency so you will not be able to get it until you enter the country)

 

Availability
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Program fees

1 week (min. stay) 830€
2 weeks 1,186€
3 weeks 1,542€
4 weeks 1,897€
5 weeks 2,253€
6 weeks 2,608€
7 weeks 2,965€
8 weeks 3,319€
9 weeks 3,675€
10 weeks 4,031€
11 weeks 4,387€
12 weeks 4,742€
13 weeks 5,098€
14 weeks 5,453€
15 weeks 5,809€
16 weeks 6,165€
24 weeks (max. stay) 9,247€
Average fees 608€/week

Program fees

608€ per week 1 - 24 weeks Age 18 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES


Duration

1 - 24 weeks

Deposit

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.


Final Payment

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.


Meet your organization

LCTW (Wildlife Rescue Center)

Excellent 4.8 rating (13 reviews)

Non-profit - founded in 2018

Verified by Volunteer World

  Excellent response rate

Coordinated by

Amber

Spoken languages: English

About the project

Lao Conservation Trust for Wildlife (LCTW) works with authorities and individuals to rescue, rehabilitate and release as many animals as possible.

Meet your organization

 We are Lao PDR's first multi species rescue, conservation and education nonprofit; uniquely placed to address the crisis driving the rapid decline of many endangered species. Our mission is to eradicate the illegal wildlife trade and improve wildlife education and welfare in Lao PDR. 

Founded in 2018,  Lao Conservation Trust for Wildlife (LCTW) took over the national zoo and has begun turning it into a wildlife rescue center. 

We run a multi-species wildlife center in Asia's hotspot for trafficking, just north of Lao PDR's capital Vientiane. We work with authorities to investigate wildlife crime and rescue animals of any species, with an aim to rehabilitate and release wherever possible. 

Any animals deemed unsuitable for release are offered world-class care and refuge in our wildlife sanctuary. 

Our goal for all rescued animals is to rehabilitate and release them back into protected areas in Lao PDR. Many of the species that come to us are endangered and are on the of brink extinction, so every rescue counts. 

However, one of the tragic realities of the illegal wildlife trade is that the damage done to animals is often irreversible and the health or behavioural problems caused,  often mean the animals can never be released back into the wild. This is where our wildlife sanctuary and education projects come in. We work closely with our volunteers to support our mission and grow our impact, offering ethical no-animal-contact experiences, ensuring that wildlife stays wild in instinct. 

One of the most amazing things about LCTW is that our work is so multi-faceted, ranging from advocacy to on the ground rescue work and we want you to join us. 

13 reviews · rating4.8

Naqueasha Pope rating4.4

2024 at Wildlife Veterinary Assistant

I think my experience is Lao was once in a lifetime. I learned so much. I was only there for about 2 weeks I wish I would’ve booked a longer stay. Everyone was very nice and informative. Even if you’re an introvert like myself I think that LCTW really brung me out of my shell in some ways. I ...
Volunteering as vet student for an internship in early 2020. I volunteered at the Lao Conservation Trust for Wildlife for 2 months in early 2020 as part of my internships to complete my 11th semester studying veterinary medicine. All staff, especially the locals, were very friendly and I was able ...
Weronika Hildebrand rating5

2019 at Wildlife Veterinary Assistant

Almost two years ago I had a chance to become a part of LCTW team. During my time there I was able to learn about all the species presented at the Center, be involved in daily activities and realize my own projects. I cannot say a bad word about my time in Laos. As a vet externs we were able to take ...
Nadine rating4.6

2019 at Wildlife Veterinary Assistant

The LCTW is a non-profit organization and the only wildlife center in Laos. The LCTW operates on the site of the Lao Zoo, which is being transformed constantly to guarantee a better life for its old residents as well as the newcomers and will fully convert into a rehabilitaion center in the near ...
Silouane Vongkhamchanh rating5

2023 at Husbandry & Enrichment Experience

Je ne suis resté qu'une semaine à LCTW. C'était ma première expérience humanitaire en tant que volontaire. Une semaine m'a suffit pour apprécié les personnes et les animaux mais aussi à comprendre l'enjeux du centre et pourquoi notre aide est importante. La description de la mission que vous ...
Jaigar O'Neill rating5

2020 at Husbandry & Enrichment Experience

Hands down the best volunteering experience I’ve had! I spent three weeks with the LCTW team in early 2020 and I couldn’t recommend it more to anyone who’d like to meet like-minded people, learn about Lao wildlife and the threats they face, and contribute to LCTW’s conservation efforts. ..

Location

Asia > South East Asia > Laos > Vientiane

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Contact Amber
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