No, previous experience is not necessary. You just need to be in good physical and mental condition and be able to tolerate a hot, humid climate. You also need a positive and practical attitude toward animal welfare and conservation and must be able to speak English. Our volunteers are also expected to respect the local culture and traditions.

• The minimum age is 18 years old.

Yes, safety is our top priority. We enforce a strict no-physical contact policy with all animals for your safety and theirs. You are never allowed to enter enclosures without supervision. Staff provide full on-site support and will assist you with any questions or concerns.

Volunteers engage in three main areas:

• Animal Husbandry & Enrichment: Feeding, cleaning, and preparing diets for rescued and long-term resident animals, as well as creating mental/physical stimulation activities (enrichment).

• Construction: Building and renovating enclosures, swimming pools, shelters, and climbing towers.

• Rehabilitation: Supporting the preparation of animals for release back into the wild.

Veterinary volunteers will assist the resident veterinarian with their daily workload, which is immensely varied.

Volunteers work six days a week, generally from 07:00 to 16:00. A typical day includes morning rounds (feeding/cleaning), construction projects, a hot lunch break, afternoon enrichment, and evening feed-out.

Volunteers enjoy unlimited infinity pool access and discounted ziplining at the neighbouring eco-resort. Located in rural Ban Xiengletha, the center offers bicycles for exploring and weekly staff-led market runs. Evenings and weekends include karaoke at local bars, waterfall visits, market tours, and traditional drum-making workshops.

The Laos center combats illegal wildlife trade via 24/7 rescues and government partnerships. Key outcomes include rehabilitating wildlife for release into protected areas or providing lifelong sanctuary. As a non-profit, the project monitors zoonotic diseases and empowers communities through education, school outreach, and a world-class interpretive center to ensure the long-term protection of Laos’s biodiversity.

Your fee is divided into two parts. One part covers supervision, training, on-site accommodation, three meals per day, pick-up and drop-off to Vientiane, a volunteer t-shirt, and unlimited access to the nearby eco-resort’s infinity pool.

The other part directly funds animal care, including the vet clinic, food, enclosures, and dedicated animal care staff.

The centre is based in rural Laos in a village called Ban Xiengletha, approximately 60 km north of the capital city, Vientiane. It is situated directly next to Phou Khao Khouay National Park and the Nam Pien Yorla Pa ecotourism site.

Volunteers must have travel insurance to safeguard against accident, sickness, loss of money, flight delay/cancellation or lost baggage.

Feel free to message us for further advice.

You only need a tourist visa. If you stay longer than 30 days, you will need to extend your visa at the immigration office in Vientiane or perform a “visa-run” by crossing the border into Thailand and re-entering

It is strongly recommended to see a travel doctor at least three months before your trip. We recommend being up-to-date on DTP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Polio), Hepatitis A & B, and Rabies vaccinations .

Multiple staff members are trained in basic first aid. For serious issues, staff will drive volunteers to a 24-hour international clinic in Vientiane.

Coordinators pick up volunteers from their hotel or the airport in Vientiane every Sunday morning between 10:00 and 11:00 am. You must email your arrival details 48 hours in advance.

You’ll stay in comfortable bungalows for up to two people. There are separate single-sex blocks with Western-style toilets and hot water showers.

Two vegetarian hot meals are provided daily, while volunteers prepare their own breakfast using the provided groceries. Clean drinking water is available. Please bring your own refillable water bottle.

For the best signal in our area, we recommend using a Lao Telecom SIM card. Free Wi-Fi is also provided in the volunteer community center and the Wildlife Hospital.

The village of Ban Xiengletha offers an authentic Lao experience with local amenities including a nail salon, small market stalls for snacks and drinks, and bars featuring traditional karaoke. Adjacent to the center, you’ll find the Nam Pien Yorla Pa ecotourism attraction and Phou Khao Khouay National Park. To explore the area, volunteers have access to bicycles and weekly staff-led vehicle trips to larger local markets.

Volunteers can refer to the project’s volunteer guide which includes a list of recommended kit that they should bring. Volunteer guides are provided at the time of booking your volunteer placement.

Of course! We are very proud of our friendly and talented team, who are happy to help throughout your stay. Our dedicated on-site Volunteer Coordinators are always available to help with scheduling, animal care, or personal issues. They will also provide a full orientation upon your arrival, including a tour, health and safety instructions, and a deep dive into our mission. If you have any questions or concerns before your trip, then please reach out via contact us.

Pricing for wildlife husbandry and veterinary volunteering:

• 1 week:   £595 p. person
• 2 weeks: £895 p. person

• Discounts: Interns receive a discount of at least 15% depending on duration, from 8 weeks on.

• Available Tracks: Internship opportunities are available in veterinary, professional, or academic fields.

• Requirements: Applicants must be enrolled in, or have completed, relevant studies or possess direct experience.

You can use the “Book Now” links on the webpage or enquire via contact us.

All arrivals are on Sunday, and departures are on Sunday. Volunteers are accepted all year round.

We are always happy to help you with any enquiries. Feel free to contact us.