Join our small team at a peaceful animal sanctuary in Chiangmai, rural Thailand

Details

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  Description

  The Sanctuary is a peaceful place where rescued animals are given safety, care, and the chance to heal. Set in nature, the sanctuary offers a meaningful, hands-on experience for people who truly want to make a difference in animals’ lives. Volunteers love the close connection with the animals, the calm environment, and being part of a project driven by compassion, purpose, and heart.
  The Sanctuary is run by a small, hands-on team of five people caring for 152 animals across 20 acres.
  Each day involves feeding, cleaning, medical care, repairs, and constant monitoring of the animals’ wellbeing. Everyone takes on multiple roles, and the work is shared based on what needs doing rather than job titles.
  It’s practical, physical work that requires consistency, patience, and attention to detail, done every day regardless of weather or time off.
  
  
  My goal is to help animals have a better life and to educate the community about animal welfare and compassion. Beyond animals, I also care deeply about supporting people — especially children with special needs. As a mother of a non-verbal autistic child, I understand resilience, patience, and unconditional love on a very personal level. Through my work and daily life, I hope to give back to the community, and to offer strength, encouragement, and hope to those who are facing challenges in their lives.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Charity Work

  Animal Care

  Creating/ Cooking family meals

  Help around the house

  General Maintenance
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  Interests

  

  Vegetarian or vegan

  

  Charity work

  

  Cooking & food

  

  Animals

  

  Nature

  

  Mountain

  

  Hiking
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  Volunteers experience daily life in rural northern Thailand, surrounded by nature in Chiang Dao. Through working, sharing meals, and spending time together, we exchange cultures, ideas, and perspectives while learning about local animal welfare and community life.

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  Help

  At the Sanctuary, volunteers help with daily animal care, especially socialising the dogs and taking them out for regular walks to improve their chances of being adopted. Tasks also include feeding, cleaning enclosures, general upkeep, and occasional painting or deep cleaning projects.
  
  We are also looking for someone with social media skills to help build and grow our online presence, so the sanctuary and our animals can be better known internationally.
  
  Work is done together, and I work alongside volunteers every day, sharing practical, hands-on experience in animal care and rescue. This role suits people who are comfortable with animals, enjoy physical tasks, and appreciate a simple life close to nature.

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  Languages spoken

  German: Fluent
  English: Fluent
  Thai: Fluent

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  Accommodation

  Volunteers stay in a simple bamboo bungalow surrounded by nature, right on the sanctuary grounds. Breakfast is light and simple, with bread, jams and other spreads provided. Fresh drinking water is available at all times.
  
  Guests are welcome to use shared spaces and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the sanctuary.

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  What else ...

  Volunteers can explore Chiang Dao, including caves, hot springs, waterfalls, and local markets. Renting a motorbike is recommended for easy transport and finding places to eat in the evenings.

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  A little more information

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    Internet access

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    Limited internet access

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    We have pets

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    We are smokers

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    Can host families

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  More than two

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  My animals / pets

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