Volunteering
If you’re a dogs lover, sensitive to their cause and conditions around the world, passionate, motivated, full of energy and eager to make your contribution to the well-being of some seventy dogs living in a shelter lost in the middle of rice paddies;
If you want to discover a Thailand that’s still authentic, devoid of tourists, with genuine and original cuisine;
Then the Ban ObOun sanctuary is for you.
Prerequisites for involvement
18+
The minimum age for volunteering at Ban OBoun is 18.
15 days
The duration of the stay must be a minimum of 15 days. Some dogs require a certain period of adaptation to get used to the volunteers.
CHF 20/day
Volunteers are asked to make a modest financial contribution of CHF 20 per person per day to cover the cost of food, water and electricity.
Practical info
Recommended time of year
Due to the weather conditions in Thailand, we advise you to volunteer from June to March.
Vaccinations
You must be up-to-date with your tetanus vaccination. Rabies vaccination is not compulsory. All our dogs are vaccinated annually, so there’s no risk.
Access
The sanctuary is located 280 km north of Bangkok, in the Uthai Thani province, Nongchang district. It’s a three-hour drive by car.
- Public transport: mini-buses leave regularly from Modchit 2 bus station (skytrain – “Modchit” terminus station, then cab). The fare is 199 baht per person, or twice that if you have a large backpack (4:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.).
- Private minibus: private minibus transfers from the airport or a Bangkok hotel can be arranged for 3,800 baht with a trustworthy driver.
Accommodation
The volunteer house consists of a bedroom, private bathroom and toilet, and a shared kitchen with fridge and sink. It is not possible to cook for yourself. Volunteers are responsible for keeping the premises clean and tidy (cleaning products provided). WiFi available.
Meals
Daily board covers three meals (local Thai food).
Drinking water
Water fountain and bottled water (included in board). Any other beverage is the responsibility of the volunteer. Alcohol is not permitted in the sanctuary.
Clothing
We recommend you to wear shirts with sleeves and pants, as well as boots, as dogs can easily scratch you in their spontaneity.
Mobility
A bike and a motorcycle (only for experienced riders; gasoline is the responsibility of the volunteer) are available.
Daily chores
Cleaning stalls, changing water, sweeping, disinfecting cages, picking up droppings, helping with care, grooming, brushing and of course a daily dose of petting to be given in abundance.
Hours
06 a.m. – 09 a.m. / 03 p.m. – 06 p.m.
Days start early at Ban ObOun. The climate is an essential factor in the daily rhythm, with temperatures sometimes varying between 35 and 40 degrees (March – June).
Respecting schedules is therefore essential. It’s up to the volunteers to adapt to the rhythm of the pack, not the other way round.
Please bear in mind that the residents of Ban ObOun live in a pack, in a group, and are not intended for adoption. Their socialization is not 100% in the sense that they are not used to being walked on a leash. Some dogs will not let you approach them or pet them, purely out of fear, so it's best not to insist on avoiding any accidents.
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Lucien
"After a few days I felt like a full-fledged member of the pack".
My first experience with the refuge was at the end of September 2010. I had learned about the existence of this project in Switzerland and wanted to help them, at the same time as my commitment as an English volunteer teacher with two schools in the same district, in the province of Uthai Thani.
I’ve always loved animals and wanted to ensure their well-being, and the idea of dogs suffering and being victims of atrocities is just intolerable to me. On site, the mission included distributing daily food, cleaning the stalls and the main enclosure and, above all, giving tenderness and affection to these dogs who are only too happy to ask for it.
After a few days, I felt like a fully-fledged member of the pack, who considered me as one of their own and were always delighted when I walked through the wire main doors.
In my eyes, this place has become a place of protection and fulfillment for dogs who, for the most part, have had a difficult past. This shelter is truly a new home for them, where they can feel loved and cared for. I admire the energy, strength and passion that the two co-founders and their family devote to the shelter and its residents. I can only wish long life to this project, and may others also have the chance to share their time and dedication to this cause.
manon
"All these kind-hearted people opened their doors to me and I felt included in their family. "
For 2 and a half months, I volunteered at the Ban ObOun shelter in Thailand’s Uthai Thani province. Currently there are 109 dogs and 4 cats.
The people who work there are infinitely generous, kind and welcoming.
Michèle, the co-founder, lives in Switzerland and comes to join the dogs and her Thai family as soon as she can. She was the first person I met. She introduced me to the pack, the people and the work involved.
But the co-founder, was there every day to supervise me and translate into English and a little French “bravo!” what the Thais were saying. She devotes her life to the dogs, getting up at night to check that all is well, especially when there are weaker dogs who need extra supervision.
Pee Lee, But's sister, made me delicious "aloye" meals.
Pheuk, an employee, taught me a few Thai words, some of which I still don't know the meaning of, but I'm waiting for Michèle's return to translate them.
Than, a more discreet employee, helped me with my daily chores when I was running late.
Uthai Thani's veterinarians, Dr. Ting and Dr. Pookie, the best in Thailand, spoiled me with many good things, including cookies. They took care of me by giving me a "survival kit" against mosquitoes, which allowed my poor legs to breathe again.
All these kind-hearted people opened their doors to me and I felt included in their family.
There are the people but above all the dogs!!! and the cats!!!!
These adorable “loulous” are just waiting for one thing...cuddles, and of course lots of love. At Ban ObOun they are well fed, looked after, etc. but the staff don't have time to give them lots of cuddles. That's why the volunteers spend most of their time pampering them. I've washed, brushed, cuddled and snogged them all day long. With some of them, I've forged a strong bond that binds me to them wherever I go next. A simple glance fills me with love. It took a few days for the dogs to get used to me, and after that I was one of them.
Cats soothed me when I was tired. All it took was for a cat to lie on my belly and purr to restore my energy.
The job consisted of cleaning the stalls in the morning, changing the water, picking up poop, applying Tiktok and, above all, giving the animals lots of love. I was assigned a sector and looked after it for the whole of my stay, which allowed me to get my bearings, I knew what I had to do and it was very pleasant for me. As I have a CFC in animal care, But asked me to give medication to the dogs who needed it during his stay in Switzerland. I loved having more responsibility and more work. Thank you for your trust.
yan & sélia
"We're leaving with tears on our faces, but also tears of joy"
We’re just leaving Uthai Thani, the place that has made such an impression on us: Ban Oboun.
For a long time to come, we’ll hear But’s voice calling us to offer us freshly-cut fruit, or his jokes about the Thai administration. We’ll never forget the inner beauty this person holds.
The assault of the dogs in the morning to give us a good wash if we had forgotten to do so;
Puek telling us every morning for 15 days that it’s “hot!
And all the countless memories that will stay with us forever.
We're leaving with tears on our faces, but also tears of joy; we feel so privileged to have been able to live this experience in your wonderful home, and to have felt all the love of the dogs for 2 weeks.
I found in Sombut the grandmother of my childhood and it breaks my heart to leave the shelter... and as written in the book of memories, our story with Ban ObOun will continue and we will return.
Thanks to Michèle for coordinating everything from Switzerland, and for explaining everything so clearly. We look forward to meeting you in Switzerland.
Take care of yourself and don't change a thing, the world is sorely lacking in beautiful people like you.
Caroline
"Work begins the next morning, and then the magic happens."
Passionate about animals, I’d always wondered how I could contribute to helping them, and I didn’t have a clear idea of what I wanted to do. Meeting Michèle was a sign, and coming to Ban ObOun was a real revelation.
My first stay was in December 2022, winter in Thailand, with pleasant temperatures for a first-timer. The journey from the airport was quite affordable in terms of time. Arrival at the shelter and the welcome is impressive. We hear the dogs of the pack celebrating the arrival of a stranger. Sombut and her sister Pi Lee, the Ban Oboun dog caretakers, are also there to give me a very warm welcome, and of course, so is my friend Michèle. Work begins the next morning, and then the magic happens.
Discovering the refuge with Michèle and accompanying all the "warriors of life" as I like to call them. It's a big area and everyone has very specific tasks. It's a real pleasure to be among the pack, each dog with his or her own character, specificity and shyness, but all of them, without exception, ask for just one thing: love and caresses.
And that's exactly what drives me, which is why I returned to the shelter 6 months later, in July 2023. I was just waiting to get to the shelter so I could bring them everything they needed. The temperature is a little warmer than in December, but in the end, I know why I'm here and the rest doesn't really matter. The work is sometimes a bit physical, but the breaks, topped off with a real "Chai Latte" from a café close to the refuge, are a well-deserved reward.
But above all, what the pack gives you in return is absolutely incomparable. It's unconditional love, tenderness and gentleness, giggles, sometimes tears when they're suffering, but we're there to give them the best possible life by looking after their environment and caring for them, offering them our time with a little play and a gentle gesture for each one.
When I'm not there, I miss them, but I already know that I'll be going back next year, because once you get to know Ban ObOun, the people who look after this sanctuary and who are dedicated to the well-being of the whole pack, you become "addicted", and their slogan sums up the spirit of this place: "A gentle caress is all it takes".
Lucien
"After a few days I felt like a full-fledged member of the pack"
My first experience with the refuge was at the end of September 2010. I had learned about the existence of this project in Switzerland and wanted to help them, at the same time as my commitment as an English volunteer teacher with two schools in the same district, in the province of Uthai Thani.
I’ve always loved animals and wanted to ensure their well-being, and the idea of dogs suffering and being victims of atrocities is just intolerable to me. On site, the mission included distributing daily food, cleaning the stalls and the main enclosure and, above all, giving tenderness and affection to these dogs who are only too happy to ask for it.
After a few days, I felt like a fully-fledged member of the pack, who considered me as one of their own and were always delighted when I walked through the wire main doors.
In my eyes, this place has become a place of protection and fulfillment for dogs who, for the most part, have had a difficult past. This shelter is truly a new home for them, where they can feel loved and cared for. I admire the energy, strength and passion that the two co-founders and their family devote to the shelter and its residents. I can only wish long life to this project, and may others also have the chance to share their time and dedication to this cause.
manon
"All these kind-hearted people opened their doors to me and I felt included in their family."
For 2 and a half months, I volunteered at the Ban ObOun shelter in Thailand’s Uthai Thani province. Currently there are 109 dogs and 4 cats.
The people who work there are infinitely generous, kind and welcoming.
Michèle, the co-founder, lives in Switzerland and comes to join the dogs and her Thai family as soon as she can. She was the first person I met. She introduced me to the pack, the people and the work involved.
But the co-founder, was there every day to supervise me and translate into English and a little French “bravo!” what the Thais were saying. She devotes her life to the dogs, getting up at night to check that all is well, especially when there are weaker dogs who need extra supervision.
Pee Lee, But's sister, made me delicious "aloye" meals.
Pheuk, an employee, taught me a few Thai words, some of which I still don't know the meaning of, but I'm waiting for Michèle's return to translate them.
Than, a more discreet employee, helped me with my daily chores when I was running late.
Uthai Thani's veterinarians, Dr. Ting and Dr. Pookie, the best in Thailand, spoiled me with many good things, including cookies. They took care of me by giving me a "survival kit" against mosquitoes, which allowed my poor legs to breathe again.
All these kind-hearted people opened their doors to me and I felt included in their family.
There are the people but above all the dogs!!! and the cats!!!!
These adorable “loulous” are just waiting for one thing...cuddles, and of course lots of love. At Ban ObOun they are well fed, looked after, etc. but the staff don't have time to give them lots of cuddles. That's why the volunteers spend most of their time pampering them. I've washed, brushed, cuddled and snogged them all day long. With some of them, I've forged a strong bond that binds me to them wherever I go next. A simple glance fills me with love. It took a few days for the dogs to get used to me, and after that I was one of them.
Cats soothed me when I was tired. All it took was for a cat to lie on my belly and purr to restore my energy.
The job consisted of cleaning the stalls in the morning, changing the water, picking up poop, applying Tiktok and, above all, giving the animals lots of love. I was assigned a sector and looked after it for the whole of my stay, which allowed me to get my bearings, I knew what I had to do and it was very pleasant for me. As I have a CFC in animal care, But asked me to give medication to the dogs who needed it during his stay in Switzerland. I loved having more responsibility and more work. Thank you for your trust.
yan & sélia
"We're leaving with tears on our faces, but also tears of joy"
We’re just leaving Uthai Thani, the place that has made such an impression on us: Ban Oboun.
For a long time to come, we’ll hear But’s voice calling us to offer us freshly-cut fruit, or his jokes about the Thai administration. We’ll never forget the inner beauty this person holds.
The assault of the dogs in the morning to give us a good wash if we had forgotten to do so;
Puek telling us every morning for 15 days that it’s “hot!
And all the countless memories that will stay with us forever.
We're leaving with tears on our faces, but also tears of joy; we feel so privileged to have been able to live this experience in your wonderful home, and to have felt all the love of the dogs for 2 weeks.
I found in Sombut the grandmother of my childhood and it breaks my heart to leave the shelter... and as written in the book of memories, our story with Ban ObOun will continue and we will return.
Thanks to Michèle for coordinating everything from Switzerland, and for explaining everything so clearly. We look forward to meeting you in Switzerland.
Take care of yourself and don't change a thing, the world is sorely lacking in beautiful people like you.
Caroline
"Work begins the next morning, and then the magic happens."
Passionate about animals, I’d always wondered how I could contribute to helping them, and I didn’t have a clear idea of what I wanted to do. Meeting Michèle was a sign, and coming to Ban ObOun was a real revelation.
My first stay was in December 2022, winter in Thailand, with pleasant temperatures for a first-timer. The journey from the airport was quite affordable in terms of time. Arrival at the shelter and the welcome is impressive. We hear the dogs of the pack celebrating the arrival of a stranger. Sombut and her sister Pi Lee, the Ban Oboun dog caretakers, are also there to give me a very warm welcome, and of course, so is my friend Michèle. Work begins the next morning, and then the magic happens.
Discovering the refuge with Michèle and accompanying all the "warriors of life" as I like to call them. It's a big area and everyone has very specific tasks. It's a real pleasure to be among the pack, each dog with his or her own character, specificity and shyness, but all of them, without exception, ask for just one thing: love and caresses.
And that's exactly what drives me, which is why I returned to the shelter 6 months later, in July 2023. I was just waiting to get to the shelter so I could bring them everything they needed. The temperature is a little warmer than in December, but in the end, I know why I'm here and the rest doesn't really matter. The work is sometimes a bit physical, but the breaks, topped off with a real "Chai Latte" from a café close to the refuge, are a well-deserved reward.
But above all, what the pack gives you in return is absolutely incomparable. It's unconditional love, tenderness and gentleness, giggles, sometimes tears when they're suffering, but we're there to give them the best possible life by looking after their environment and caring for them, offering them our time with a little play and a gentle gesture for each one.
When I'm not there, I miss them, but I already know that I'll be going back next year, because once you get to know Ban ObOun, the people who look after this sanctuary and who are dedicated to the well-being of the whole pack, you become "addicted", and their slogan sums up the spirit of this place: "A gentle caress is all it takes".
Would you like to join this great adventure?
Complete the registration form by clicking on the button below. If you have any further questions, please contact us at info@banoboun.org