volunteer jobs in asia

All of the organisations below offer voluntary placements and occasionally also advertise animal jobs. Volunteering is one of the best ways of gaining hands on work experience and training and may lead to an offer of full time employment with an organisation.

We hope to include as many Asia animal welfare/conservation organisations on this site as possible and will add more as we get them! If you would like to see your organisations’ animal jobs advertised here, please get in touch with us for more information.

As an animal jobs or volunteer seeker, you may also wish to take a look at the animal jobs information section all about volunteering

Frontier job and career opportunities in the UK and abroad Want to have the best time of your life while gaining academic qualifications at the same time? Join a Frontier expedition and saveendangered wildlife and threatened ecosystems while gaining an A-level.Learn to run expeditions and gain an AS-level. Teach English and getTEFL trained. Whichever you choose, you'll be off the beaten track having adventures beyond anything you've ever imagined! We haveprojects in Africa, Asia, Fiji & the Pacific Isles, Indonesia, South andCentral America, and Nepal.

Thai Animal Rescue Foundation The Foundation takes it's name from two dogs - Noi & Star rescued from the island of Koh Tao, Thailand. On this island there is no RSPCA, no PDSA, no animal's shelters, no sanctuaries, no medical care of any kind for the animal population. Ravaged by mange, hungry and often abused, many of them don't survive. With your help we can change this. Volunteers required.

Animal Asia Foundation (AAF) is a Hong Kong-based government-registered animal welfare charity, it also has charitable status in UK, USA, Germany, China and Australia. The AAF is devoted to the needs of wild, domesticated and endangered species throughout the Asian continent. The mission of the AAF is to improve the lives of all animals in Asia, end cruelty and restore respect for animals Asia-wide. They currently have job vacancies at their Bear Rescue Centre in China.

The Welfare of Stray Dogs (WSD) India is a Mumbai-based organisation working to eradicate rabies and control the street dog population in a humane, scientific way. Since 1989 they have been carrying out a mass sterilisation programme for stray dogs, volunteers are crucial to their worthwhile work.

The Okinawan-American Animal Rescue Society, Japan works to rescue, care for, neuter and re-home animals. Voluntary help required.

Beijing Human and Animal Environmental Education Center (BHAEEC) aims to alert and educate the public about animal protection, to nurse and find homes for wounded and homeless animals and to spread knowledge about animals. BHAEEC could not survive without the help of dedicated, committed volunteers - fill out their online application form to apply to volunteer.

The Tree of Life for Animals, India has several aims: to create a rabies free environment, to create an environment where stray animals can be free of suffering, to assist rural people with veterinary help and to provide a mobile veterinary unit for use in remote areas. They are on the lookout for volunteers – particularly for vets to help their work.

Companion Animal Federation, Hong Kong works to rescue, care for and re-home companion animals in Hong Kong. Volunteers contribute to their activities – contact directly to assist.

The Conservancy Associationis a non-government environmental organisation in Hong Kong. Dedicated to the protection of the environment and the conservation of natural and cultural heritage, their mission is to ensure that Hong Kong shoulders her regional and global environmental responsibilities. They achieve this by advocating appropriate policies, monitoring government action, promoting environmental education and taking a lead in community participation. To assist as a volunteer contact directly.

Hong Kong Alleycat Watch assists street cats with injuries and newborn kittens needing urgent medical care. The organisation doesn’t have a shelter and is reliant on foster carers to help look after cats in need – get in touch to assist as a volunteer with fostering or trap, neuter, return

The Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) Hong Kong registered as a local charity in 2002 to motivate Hong Kong public in taking compassionate actions to show their care and concern to the community, animals and environment. The Jane Goodall Institute advances the power of individuals to take informed and compassionate action to improve the environment of all living things. To assist as a volunteer, see their website for further information.

Laboratory Animal Defenders Hong Kong exists to discourage the use of animals in education and scientific procedures. Their mission is to work towards abolition of all animal experimentation in Hong Kong. They are working to pass legislation for the welfare of laboratory animals and eventual elimination of animal experimentation in Hong Kong. Contact directly to assist.

Lamma Animal Protection (LAP) exists to help animals in distress on Lamma Island, Hong Kong and to bring about conditions whereby every animal has a good home. Volunteers assist by organising events, walking dogs, bottle-feeding motherless puppies and kittens, matching shelter pets with the right prospective adopters, answering phones, and fostering newborn orphaned pets – contact to get involved.

Lamma Animal Welfare Centre (LAWC) works to rescue and find homes for abandoned and abused animals and educate individuals and the public in responsible pet ownership. They work with the SPCA to promote the Spay Bus to provide low cost neutering of dogs and cats and to trap, neuter, release Lamma's colonies of street cats. Contact to join their comprehensive volunteer programme.

Anand Chhaaya (Shelter of Happiness), India was set up in 1997 with the primary aim to control the stray dog population through neutering. The organisation is unique in that it is against restraint or lassoing stray animals (as this causes stress, pain and trauma), instead it has staff and volunteers who befriend the animals in order to capture them for neutering/treatments. It has been highly successful, has a well equipped clinic in Koramangala and also runs an animal shelter located at Bellandur village that accommodates abandoned dogs and pups that are taken care of till they are rehabilitated. Compassion and affection to all animals is the aim of this organisation. Contact to assist as a volunteer.

Animal Aid Society (AAS) India is based in Udaipur, Rajasthan, India. Their mission is to bring relief to suffering animals and their 16 staff and volunteers from all over the world enable them to treat about 100 animals every day. Contact to assist their volunteer programme.

Beauty Without Cruelty (BWC) India is involved in the investigation of cruelty-free products and processes (no animal ingredients, not tested on animals) and investigates the activities of establishments that use animals. They have a volunteer programme and online application form.

Blue Cross of India was established to alleviate the suffering of animals. It has grown from small beginnings to become one of India's largest animal welfare organisations, running active animal welfare, animal rights and humane education programmes. Volunteers assist with a variety of activities including dog walking, transport, fundraising, etc.

Compassion Unlimited Plus Action (CUPA) (Bangalore) operates a wide variety of animal care activities ranging from, animal therapy programmes, animal hospital, cruelty cases, education & awareness, neutering, re-homing, wildlife rescue & rehabilitation etc. They have a comprehensive volunteer programme which allows volunteers to assist in many aspects of their work.

Dharma Donkey Sanctuary (DDS) Many donkeys are abandoned by their owners and end up wondering lost around the city; unfamiliar with fast moving traffic and in constant search of food. DDS is home to donkeys needing rescue and assistance. Still in its infancy the sanctuary has temporary shelters with grass and bamboo roofing. Their valuable work is assisted by volunteers.

Jeevashram exists promote kindness and prevent or suppress cruelty to animals. To successfully implement the above objectives it has set up an animal shelter with excellent medical facilities in Rajokri. This facility includes kennels, cattery, operating facilities, mobile dispensary,etc. They are currently looking for volunteer vets to assist their work.

Karuna Animal Welfare Association, Bangalore was established in the year 1888 as 'Bangalore Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals'. The name of the organisation has changed to 'Karuna Animal Welfare Association of Karnataka'. They have a wide variety of activities and are assisted by volunteers – contact for more information.

LASSie (Langkawi Animal Shelter and Sanctuary Foundation) Malaysia. The Langkawi Animal Shelter and Sanctuary Foundation is set-up to receive, rehabilitate and care for neglected, abused and needy animals. The organization also runs the Langkawi Island Animal Clinic - a charity project aimed at the sterilization of the stray cat population. Both are non profit ventures, staffed by volunteers and aimed at improving the lives of unwanted animals.

SPCA Malaysia The aim of the SPCA is to protect defenseless animals and to alleviate their suffering. Established in 1958, the SPCA provides temporary shelter to unwanted animals in Selangor and the Federal Territory. These include mainly cats, dogs, rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs ... usually pets that are no longer desired by their owners. From here, we try to rehome as many as possible but with more than 1,100 animals arriving every month (reaching some 13,000 annually), the shelter is constantly challenged by a shortage of space and limited funds.

MAITRI Leprocy centre Animal Care Programme runs a shelter for stray animals and assists with surgery, sterilisation and education. Volunteers are required to assist their work.

Azam for Animals conduct a variety of activities to help animals in the north east of India – volunteer to assist their work.

PAWS-Kuwait are an active group of local and international volunteers committed to protecting animal welfare in Kuwait. PAWS aim in forming, in early 2004, was to open Kuwait's first officially licensed shelter for injured, lost or abandoned animals. Until PAWS formed, little was being done to address the issue of stray, abandoned and injured animals in our country. Volunteers are needed to assist in many ways including fostering.

The Homeless dogs and cats society, (Lebanon) assists companion animals with shelter and medical care – they are requesting voluntary assistance with their work.

Peoples Animal Welfare Society (Saudi Arabia) is a group of volunteers dedicated to helping homeless animals in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Their goals are to reduce the population of unwanted animals, provide care as needed to support the health and welfare of homeless animals and promote responsible pet guardianship. They have a comprehensive volunteer programme and volunteer job descriptions.

The Millennium Elephant Foundation (MEF), Sri Lanka is situated on a 15 acre estate known as Samaragiri which has a holding capacity for 10-15 female elephants. In an effort to increase awareness and generate the funds needed for the maintenance and care of the elephants, they actively welcome visitors. International volunteers play an important role contributing to the daily running of the charity. They welcome volunteers from all over the world, with all kinds of skills and interests.

Tsunami Animal Memorial Trust, Sri Lanka while the devastation brought by the tsunami is no longer front page news, the recovery process will take years. This organisation is dedicated to reducing rabies and dog bites in the disaster zone and refugee camps of Sri Lanka through the combination of vaccinations and neutering. They are currently looking for volunteer veterinary help.

Feline Friends of Abi Dhabi helps cats in the United Arab Emirates. Volunteers rescue and re-home stray cats and kittens; promote the control of street cats by neutering and provide care and relief to sick and injured cats and kittens. Download a volunteer form from their website.

K9 Friends, United Arab Emirates As a result of the formation of K9 Friends in 1989, thousands of dogs have been homed. In addition to this, they have funded veterinary treatment, reunited lost dogs with their owners and have been instrumental in homing an incalculable number dogs, as well as offering counsel to dog owners and rescuers. At the same time, they have raised awareness of the plight of dogs in the U.A.E. through a variety of ways. Volunteers are required to assist in numerous ways.

Malaysian National Animal Welfare Foundation (MNAWF) aims to promote a caring Malaysian society through creating awareness and a balanced approach to animal welfare for the well being of animal and mankind. The organisation works to generate awareness and responsibility of all residents in Malaysia on animal welfare as part of the policy towards the creation of a caring Malaysian society. Volunteers are asked to help their work.

SPCA Penang aims to prevent the unnecessary suffering of animals and to ensure responsible pet ownership. Hence the Society acts to prevent cruelty to animals and promotes kindness towards them by fostering public interest. This SPCA patrols the State investigating complaints of cruelty and neglect; visits markets and all the areas where animals may be at risk, collects unwanted animals for adoption and provides transport to pet owners who find difficulty in sending their pets to the veterinary clinic for vaccinations and treatment. They also provide treatment to sick and injured animals though their clinic. They require volunteer help with fostering.

Compassion and Responsibility to Animals (CARA), Philippines have helped and volunteered at the Makati Dog Pound for many years and have recently been successful in reaching a Memorandum of Agreement with the Makati City Hall and the Dog Pound for a better and more humanely managed facility. Many CARA members volunteer the use of their homes to house stray animals. A volunteer form can be downloaded from their website.

PAWS Malaysia works to rescue, care for and re-home companion animals. They are requesting help from volunteers.

MyZoo Volunteer Group, Philippines aims to transform zoos in general into effective educational institutions that inspire action towards the conservation of biodiversity; improve the image, facilities and programs of different zoos; and to strengthen links to communities vital to the preservation of endemic species. Download volunteer form to get involved.

Action for Singapore Dogs (ASD) aims to fulfill their mission through various activities and programs including rescuing, fostering and re-homing of stray and abandoned dogs, advocating neutering as a means of controlling the stray population, heightening public awareness of the responsibilities involved in pet ownership and highlighting the plight of local dogs. They are requesting voluntary assistance with their projects.

The Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (Acres), Singapore has run a number of campaigns both in Singapore and throughout Asia on many different issues and for many different species, all to improve animal welfare and work towards the eradication of animal abuse. The organisation aims to: foster respect and compassion for all animals, improve the living conditions and welfare of animals in captivity, educate people on lifestyle choices which do not involve the abuse of animals and which are environment-friendly. They rely on volunteers to assist their work.

Sea Shepherd Conservation Society is committed to the eradication of pirate whaling, poaching, shark finning, unlawful habitat destruction, and violations of established laws in the World's oceans. To that end, Sea Shepherd assists national and international bodies in the enforcement of international law under authority of the United Nations World Charter for Nature. Information on volunteering (both at sea and on shore) is on their website.

House Rabbit Society Singapore (HRSS) was established by a group of concerned volunteers to address the problem of unwanted rabbits in Singapore and to improve rabbits' lives through owner education. They are seeking volunteer foster carers.

Singapore SPCA works to rescue, care for and re-home animals in need. They require volunteers to assist in a variety of ways.

Humane Society International Asia (HSIAsia) works for the protection of animals in Asia. They support programs in the region and speak for Asia's unique biodiversity. Asia is a special place in animal welfare work, because many of the last remaining members of near extinct species live here. They state that the front line in the worldwide fight for animal protection is in Asia. They currently require volunteer vets to assist with their work.

KalaweitGibbon Rehabilitation Project, Borneo works for the conservation and rescue of gibbons. They fight the illegal trade and illegal possession of gibbons by confiscations in cooperation with the Indonesian forestry department. Currently, Kalaweit takes care of 240 gibbons and siamangs in Borneo and Sumatra. They require voluntary assistance with a number of projects.

Cikananga Wildlife Santuary, Indonesia seeks to contribute to the conservation of Indonesia's rare and endangered animals and their ecosystem. They request voluntary help with their activities.

The Bali Street Dog Foundation works to assist street dogs in a variety of ways. They have done a huge amount of work to assist animals affected by the Tsunami. To assist as a volunteer, see more information on their website.

Animals Taiwan are a volunteer group dedicated to improving the livelihood and treatment of animals in Taiwan. They aim to find solutions for the problem of pet overpopulation through educational activities, adoption efforts and outreach programs. To assist as a volunteer, see more information on their website.

Koh Phangan Animal Care (PAC) aim to greatly improve the quality of life of PhaNgan’s animals by providing emergency relief and nursing care for illnesses and injuries, while controlling the population growth through the much more humane method of neutering. They also hope to eradicate (or at least minimise) the rabies virus from this island. Volunteers required to assist their work.

Soi Dog Rescue, Thailand exists to improve the lives of Bangkok’s street dogs and, in so doing, create a happier healthier environment for everyone. Through neutering, education and adoption, Soi Dog Rescue is dedicated to making a real difference by working closely with local communities to reduce the number of homeless dogs effectively, humanely and forever. Voluntary assistance required.

Wildlife Friends of Thailand works to rescue wild animals from places where they are maltreated and/or neglected, and help them to spend the rest of their lives in a sanctuary as close to the natural environment as possible with the best possible care. Educate people about animal cruelty and prevent hunting and promote conservation. Volunteers required.

Cats Welfare Society, of Israel is the leading cat welfare organisation in Israel. The Society has a strong and established track record in animal welfare. It works to provide emergency assistance, neutering, rescue and care for cats in need in Israel. Volunteer to assist

Elephant Kingdom Nature Park works to ensure the safety and well being of the animals under its care. The organisation works to ensure to assist in the survival of the Asian Elephant and improve the quality of life of these magnificent animals and the local indigenous communities, so that future generations can share a vibrant and sustainable world. Volunteers required to assist.

Care for Dogs, Thailand works to reduce the overpopulation of street- and temple dogs. This is achieved through education, neutering, rescuing and offering medical assistance. Assistance required by volunteers.

Wild Animal Rescue Foundation of Thailand (WAR) has become one of Thailand's leading advocates for nature conservation. Currently WAR operates four different wildlife sanctuaries that are focused on providing appropriate housing and care for animals placed under their protection. Many of the animals in WAR's care, including gibbons, macaques, bears and tigers are former pets that have been maltreated, or have grown too big and unmanageable for their owners. WAR's goal is to rehabilitate these animals wherever possible and return them to the wild. However many animals are too disabled or have been too traumatised to be able survive on their own. For these animals, the long-term care offered in the sanctuaries are their only hope of survival. Volunteers required.

Safe Haven for Donkeys in the Holy Land exists to promote the importance of basic welfare of donkeys, and wherever possible to teach compassion to achieve long-term changes for the better. They organisation has neutering programmes and ensures that any animal found abandoned on highways is safely transported to the rescue centre, where they are guaranteed to live free from the burdens of toil, stress and suffering, until they can be re-homed. Voluntary help required.