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.

Chien de la meute du refuge Ban ObOun en Thaïlande

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.

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.

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.

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.

Daily board covers three meals (local Thai food).

Water fountain and bottled water (included in board). Any other beverage is the responsibility of the volunteer. Alcohol is not permitted in the sanctuary.

We recommend you to wear shirts with sleeves and pants, as well as boots, as dogs can easily scratch you in their spontaneity.

A bike and a motorcycle (only for experienced riders; gasoline is the responsibility of the volunteer) are available.

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.

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.

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

Want to join us?

Fill in the form below and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible to get to know you and organize your visit. Thank you and see you soon!