Animal Care programme details

Thailand’s notable progress on animal welfare started in 2014 with the promulgation of the Cruelty Prevention and Welfare of Animals Act. Following this Act, the Department of Livestock Development (DLD) established the Division on Animal Welfare and Veterinary Service, dedicated to resolving animal welfare issues with DLD provincial offices around the country, as well as designing regulations and guidelines to improve welfare standards for specific animal species, such as elephants and livestock.

Animals protected by the law and owners are required by law to "raise, nurture and keep the animals in appropriate conditions with good health and sanitation and with sufficient food and water". Within the act, the term "owner" also means all family members, domestic help, and any friends assigned to take care of a pet.

Thailand does not tolerate any form of animal abuse. However, animal maltreatment could still be happening at any given time. Laws and mechanisms are in place to facilitate rapid reporting and legal procedures. Civil society organisations will demonstrate accountability and responsibility by stepping up to provide clues and facts about any allegations of animal abuse so that actions can be taken in accordance with the law, and any animal cruelty, finally put to an end.

Pet owners who dump unwanted dogs and cats at temples can now be charged with abandoning and endangering the animal. The displeasure of the large population of strays also grew over time on the part of the population: due to religious influences in certain regions and because of the fear of rabies infection, dogs can be brutally mistreated.

Unfortunately, the government's containment measures are not very sustainable as in certain regions, animals are caught and kept in animal shelters, while castration or vaccinations do not take place. Instead, people are encouraged to take injured or unwanted animals to animal welfare organizations and associations, who will raise the funds required or contact the authorities to manage the problem.

The life of stray dogs and cats is filled with suffering, so one of these reasons. Hunger, diseases, and infections are their constant companions. With every newborn stray animal, the suffering increases because the available resources - food and permanent habitats - are fought over. Many animals that have an owner are left to themselves and the dangers of life on the streets.

Our local partner hopes to change this through mobile clinics and working within the local communities to promote and encourage responsibility for animal care and welfare.

Volunteers will spend one night based at The Mirror Foundation, on their arrival day. Once volunteers have attended orientation (Tuesday), our local partner will collect them and take them to their premises for specific animal welfare orientation and training for their residential work placement.

Our partner has 2 bedrooms for up to 5 volunteers, a living area to relax and unwind after a busy day with a fully fitted kitchen, electric shower, and filtered water available. Lockers are also available to secure any valuables or personal belongings during the day and weekends.

Meals will be arranged and prepared by the staff, but volunteers will be able to use the facilities during the evening when the staff has vacated the premises. Volunteers are not accompanied overnight at the accommodation, but the programme leader and volunteer coordinator are contactable if or when necessary, in emergency situations.

We receive volunteer intakes on the Monday of the 1st and 3rd week each month, so work activities and hours differ to accommodate start date (Monday), orientation (Tuesday) and visits to the temple (Friday). The team works just as hard onsite as offsite, but offsite the accommodation is generally more basic as you are living with hilltribe communities.

Note of caution:

The dogs can be sensitive to new people and noise, disrupting their normal behavior or schedule.  They can become easily spooked, and territorial of their environment, leading to distress and excessive barking during the evenings. Try to keep any noises or disruption to a minimum, especially when planning any free-time activities or returning after your days off. The animal shelter is in a residential area, so excessive barking/noise could cause a nuisance to the neighboring families.  

Volunteers will be provided with additional training by our local partner, to assist them with their tasks, but also to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of both the animals and volunteers.

• Safe handling of animals
• Health and Safety whilst treating animals
• Grooming and bathing techniques
• Animal behavior and management

It’s not guaranteed. The homestay happens in the second week, which is an incentive to stay longer than a single week. We usually organise a one-night homestay at the home of a member of staff, but this isn't always possible.

Yes, if the programme is completed, and there are no problems. 

Please click the link here for full details about the awarding of certificates.

We welcome and appreciate everyone who comes to volunteer with us, and we understand that some people have limited time, funds, or are just unsure of whether the experience is for them or not.

The drawbacks of staying for a week include:

• you don't work on your first day - we use this day to pick up all new volunteers, settle in, rest after travelling here, and meet others
• your second day, in the morning, is your orientation session
• Animal Care volunteers spend the afternoon in a training and orientation workshop with our partner
• The programme ends on Friday – volunteers are dropped off in town after lunch
• we cannot guarantee a homestay
• the fee you pay is higher for the first week, as we have many overheads with new volunteers - a longer stay makes the fee more cost effective
• we therefore recommend registering for at least 2-3 weeks to get more from your time with us, if possible.

We will accept volunteers for a minimum of 1 week, up to a maximum of 12 weeks.
However, we encourage volunteers to stay for a minimum of 2-3 weeks to appreciate the work and gain more from the experience.

The main goals of the animal shelter are to protect the animals and provide them with medical treatment and companionship. They also aim to raise awareness around animal welfare, grooming, and vaccination by organizing events in which you may have the opportunity to partake in.

Daily tasks can include, but are not limited to:

• Feeding the dogs and cats (inc. strays)
• Playing and socializing with the animals
• Cleaning cages and kennels
• General maintenance of the garden
• Assisting with basic medical treatments, such as flea/tick drops and vaccinations.
• Animal bathing and grooming
• Case research, review, and transfer to vet for assessment/treatment
• Community working, including grooming and bathing clinics, applying flea and tick drops.
• Supporting vaccination and sterilization events
• Contributing to communication / marketing, and social media campaigns for events
• Contributing to fundraising campaigns for specific cases or events

Volunteers staying longer will go on at least one overnight homestay

Example of the first week for Animal Care volunteers

• 1 week:  21,275฿
• 2 weeks: 22,425฿
• 3 weeks: 23,575฿
• 4 weeks: 24,725฿
• 5 weeks: 28,175฿
• 6 weeks: 31,625฿
• 7 weeks: 35,075฿
• 8 weeks: 38,525฿
• 9 weeks: 41,975฿
• 10 weeks: 45,425฿
• 11 weeks: 48,875฿
• 12 weeks: 52,325฿

Notes

• Includes 5,000฿ registration fee
• Does not include Paypal admin fees (+6%)