You must be at least 18 years old, in good physical and mental condition, and 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 or Thai. Our volunteers are also expected to respect the local culture and traditions.

• The minimum age is 18 years old.

For families with children under the age of 18 years, we recommend the wildlife centre tour and a stay at the unique Ilovephants lodge which is the on-site accommodation allowing views over the elephant enclosure. For more information, contact us.

Yes, but 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.

Your tasks will include daily animal care (food preparation, cleaning enclosures), preparing and supplying behavioral enrichment, assisting with environmental enrichment, and general maintenance. You will work in teams with an experienced leader.

You will work alongside mahouts (traditional elephant keepers) and participate in daily elephant care, including feeding, washing, cleaning enclosures, walking elephants for natural foraging, creating enrichments, and harvesting food.

Volunteers work from 6:30 AM to around 5:00 PM, six days a week, with one day off. The work can be physically demanding, but we have a variety of tasks to suit different abilities. If you feel your workload is too much or too little, you can speak with a volunteer coordinator. In addition to daily tasks, volunteers will be asked to assist with house duties like “Doggie Duty” which involves caring for our resident dogs.

You get one day off per week and free time in the evenings and during breaks. You can use this time to relax at the center, visit the local village, or explore nearby tourist spots like Hua Hin and Cha-am. We also offer organised excursions to national parks and have weekly group activities like educational talks, sports, or trivia nights.

Thailand Animal Rescue is a trailblazing wildlife rescue centre located about 200 km south of Bangkok. Since 2001, we have been dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing wild animals from the tourist trade, illegal trafficking, and the pet industry.

Our mission is to rescue captive wild animals from abuse and exploitation. Ultimately, our goals are to rehabilitate and release these animals, if possible, which in turn helps protect Thailand’s ecosystems. Additionally, we provide lifelong care, campaign against the illegal animal trade, offer veterinary assistance, and educate the public on wildlife conservation.

Your fee is divided into two parts. One part covers your accommodation, meals, and on-site support staff. The other part directly funds animal care, including the vet clinic, food, enclosures, and dedicated animal care staff.

The centre is about 200 km south of Bangkok and a 40 km drive from the beaches of Hua Hin.

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.

A free Visa on Arrival is sufficient for stays up to 30 days. For longer stays, a 60-day tourist visa must be obtained before your trip. Your passport should be valid for at least six months from your date of entry.

DTP (Diphtheria/Tetanus/Polio) is mandatory. Hepatitis A/B and Rabies are highly recommended. Other vaccinations are optional. Malaria is not present in the area.

We can arrange a private taxi transfer for you, from Bangkok (฿2,200), Hua Hin (฿700), or Cha-am (฿400). You pay the driver directly in cash.

You’ll stay in comfortable, European-style bungalows, with most rooms shared by 2-3 people of the same gender. Rooms have either an en-suite or shared bathroom with a cold shower and a Western-style toilet. Hot showers are available in a communal area.

All meals are provided, featuring a diverse breakfast and a mix of delicious Thai and Western dishes for lunch and dinner. We offer clearly labeled meat, vegetarian, and vegan options, along with free drinking water.

Yes, free WiFi for volunteers is available in the two volunteer communal areas on-site.

ATMs are available in the local village, which is a 10-minute walk away, but please note that cash is required for all purchases in the village and at our centre. Also, there are roadside restaurants and two small supermarkets in the village.

Yes, there are two communal areas for meals and socialising, a souvenir shop, a bar open from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., and free Wi-Fi. You can also use our on-site laundry facilities.

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 varies depending on the program and duration.

• Wildlife Rescue: £395 for 1 week, £599 for 2 weeks, £750 for 3 weeks.
• Elephant Refuge: £425 for 1 week, £650 for 2 weeks, £875 for 3 weeks.
• Combined Programs: 2 weeks (2 WR + 1 ER) for £650, 3 weeks (2 WR + 1 ER) for £850, or 3 weeks (1 WR + 2 ER) for £875.

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, except during Christmas week and Thai New Year (Songkran).

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