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TIPS, TRIPS & TOURS
VOLUNTEER TO HELP SOI DOG FOUNDATION
FOR THOSE WHO SEE TRAVEL AS AN ENRICHING EXPERIENCING, VOLUNTEERING IS ONE WAY OF GETTING TO KNOW MORE ABOUT A COUNTRY AND ITS PEOPLE.
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oi Dog Foundation needs volunteers in Thailand and overseas to help the dogs and cats of Thailand. The Foundation’s mission is to improve the welfare of dogs and cats in Asia, to end animal cruelty, and to create a society without homeless animals.
VOLUNTEER AT THE SHELTER The primary role of a volunteer at Soi Dog Foundation animal shelter in Phuket is to socialise and walk the dogs and socialise the cats and puppies. For dogs and cats to be adopted it is essential to teach them to trust people and to teach the dogs to walk on a lead. Most of the animals are former street animals who have never been indoors and need to learn to feel comfortable around people. Socialisation is especially important for shy animals and those
who have been abused. Many adopters say their new companions are very friendly and comfortable with them, even as soon as they arrive from Thailand – this is because of shelter volunteers. Volunteers are encouraged to spend a week or longer at the shelter. When volunteers stay for at least a week, they build close relationships with the animals and can see them become more bonded to people. There is a need for volunteers who enjoy giving tours of the shelter and talking with visitors. Many of the volunteers fall in love with a dog or cat and adopt them.
OPEN HOURS Soi Dog’s shelter is open to volunteers from Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm. On your first day, please plan to arrive in time for a tour. Tours are at 9:30am, 11:00am, 1:30pm and 2:30pm. Please email Soi Dog for more information about volunteering at the shelter, and again a
couple of days before you come to confirm your time of arrival. If you just want to visit and take a tour, you do not need to send an email.
BE A VETERINARY VOLUNTEER If you are a veterinarian or veterinary technician/ nurse interested in volunteering with Soi Dog’s medical team, you can best assist by helping with the medical management of cases in the clinic. Applicants should be self-guided and have the ability to multi-task as well as communicate in a professional manner with members of the community and shelter staff members. Volunteers will experience hands-on interaction with patients, learn technical skills in a limitedresource environment, and participate in diagnostic and treatment decisions. Enthusiasm for the human-animal bond is essential!
BE A FLIGHT VOLUNTEER For many of the cats and dogs the only way they can travel to adopters overseas is as a passenger’s extra baggage. You can take pets if are travelling on: Thai Airways, Korean Air, JAL,Lufthansa, KLM, Swiss Air, Austrian Airlines, Air Nippon Air. Qatar, China Airlines, and EVA only allow pets on flights to the US & Canada. The Foundation will take care of everything for you. A Soi Dog representative will bring the animal to the airport, meet you there prior to your flight and check the animal in. Upon arriving at your destination, you will be met by the adopter. There is no work or expense on your part Even if you are not travelling from Thailand you can still help by donating your air miles so a flight volunteer can help dogs and cats get to their new homes. v
CONTACT DETAILS If you would like to volunteer with the medical team at Soi Dog Foundation contact Dr Ala at ala@soidog.org Veterinarians often contact us regarding the donation of medicines and equipment. Details can be found at www.soidog.org click on Veterinary Supplies Needed. flightvolunteer@soidog.org Find out more about setting up your own fundraiser email belinda@soidog.org. volunteering@soidog.org Street & Mailing Address Soi Dog Foundation 167/9 Moo 4 Soi Mai Khao 10 Tambon Mai Khao, Amphur Talang Phuket 83110, Thailand