Thai Island Dog & Cat Shelter

The Project

The project started in 2005 when it became apparent that dog and cat populations were spiralling out of control and cruelty to these animals was prevalent. One factor was that after the Tsunami during the Thai construction boom, construction workers came to the island with their dogs but left them behind when the buildings were completed. The number of tourists visiting the island and feeding these dogs increased which resulted in their survival and reproduction rates causing overpopulation.

The centre’s primary objectives are to control the population of stray animals on Koh Lanta Yai in a humane way through sterilization programs and to provide medical attention to sick and injured animals. To date, over 8,000 animals have been sterilised and treated.

The centre also aims to promote awareness and educate the local community on the importance of animal care and respect to local dog and cat populations. This assists in helping to reduce the local issues of abuse and overpopulation.

The Location

The centre operates on the beautiful island of Koh Lanta Yai, the largest of the island group on the west coast of southern Thailand. While home to many resorts, bars and restaurants, the atmosphere remains relaxed and tranquil compared to other more developed Thailand destinations.

The island itself is comprised of several stunning beaches, a large protected national park, a historic Chinese fishing village, mangroves and caves. Eating is relatively affordable and there are options for every culinary appetite. Nightlife varies from relaxed bars on the beach to occasional dance parties and live reggae music concerts. Tour operators provide easy and affordable island-hopping and diving/snorkelling trips.

While Koh Lanta Yai is home to a large melting pot of Buddhists, Thai-Chinese, Muslims and sea gypsies, this island folk live in peace and harmony with one another. With this kind of mix, Koh Lanta Yai is always celebrating an event of some kind, be it part of Thai Buddhist, Thai-Chinese or Thai-Islamic tradition.

Our Volunteers

MINIMUM AGE TO VOLUNTEER IS 25. MINIMUM LENGTH OF STAY is 1 MONTH (4 weeks)

Due to a lack of funding and support, the centre relies heavily on donations and the work of volunteers to keep it operational.

You will help care for and enrich the lives of the homeless animals at the centre while educating the local community about the importance of the humane treatment of animals.

You will make a positive difference to the lives of dogs and cats, work with a dedicated and enthusiastic team and be given the opportunity to converse with the local people on this important issue.

Conditions Onsite

It can be very emotional work treating and caring for sick and abused animals so you should try to be prepared for this. Be rest assured that you are amongst like-minded people who are experiencing the same feelings and emotions as you and will be there to support you.

There is no maximum age, however, you will need to be able to stand for long periods of time, work in humidity or wet conditions, travel to and from the project and perform basic manual labour tasks. Things may be organised differently from back home and things might not always make sense. You should be open-minded, patient, willing to accept new things and be prepared to get stuck in.

The staff will do their best to inform you on what's going on and what is expected of you; however, there will be times when you must act independently and use your own initiative as there can sometimes be a lack of resources at the centre. 

The work can be physically demanding as you are on your feet for most of the time and depending upon the time of year, it can be hot and humid.

Thailand has rich, biological diversity. However, sadly increasingly, human pressures such as overexploitation, habitat loss and habitat degradation, are pushing many of Thailand creatures to the brink of extinction. In Thailand, as in every country in the world, animals are abused and exploited for profit and human gratification. There are many examples of animal exploitation for the tourist industry, such as animals performing in degrading shows and elephant riding camps. There is also a thriving illegal trade in wild animals for pets.  O2E ask that volunteers do not engage in activities that involve animal exploitation. 

Please Note

The second instalment of your project fees is due within 1 week after you paid the deposit on Volunteer World. This is a total of $495 AUD and comes off your balance. The balance is due 90 days prior to travel. For all further information about the fees, please scroll down to the section "Program Fees“.

The island of Ko Lanta Yai has 9 gorgeous white sandy beaches, splendid scenery and coastlines boasting more than 70 small islands with forests, coral reefs and underwater life.

Most people spend one day of their holiday in Koh Lanta Yai driving around the island on a rented motorbike or car. You can simply take a map and drive. Being an island, it's hard to get lost, but if you do, it will be an experience in itself. Inland, you'll find small villages that seem completely undisturbed by tourists, beaches used only by fishing boats, lush landscapes of rice paddies and plantations and great viewpoints on the way to the fascinating Old Town in the south east.

Some of the many things to do include

• Cave exploring
  
• Diving, snorkelling and kayaking
  
• Visiting beaches 
  
• Visit the National Park and Klong Jak waterfall
  
• Thai language classes
  
• Thai cookery classes 
  
• Spa treatments and massage
  
• Eating out
  
• Enjoying the nightlife
  
• Visit the surrounding islands
  

Renting a scooter is an easy and convenient way to get around the quiet roads on the island. The cost is about 150 THB (US$4) a day or 2500-3000 THB (US$70-90) a month. O2E strongly supports the use of helmets and long protective clothing while riding scooters to avoid serious injury. 

Please note: Thailand offers many activities that include animals. O2E recommends that volunteers refrain from riding an elephant, having your picture taken with an animal or visiting a zoo or animal entertainment venue. These activities exploit, abuse and overwork animals and many are considered illegal by the Thai Government. 

Any tour, activity or show that involves the use of animals in Thailand falls outside the O2E Policy for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.

Thailand offers many opportunities to see wildlife roam free in their natural habitat.