Volunteer & Explore Thailand

Travel Day - First Tastes - Meet Your Team

Your Thai adventure begins the moment you land in Bangkok! Your guides will greet you at the airport and you’ll get your first taste of Thai culture and history while exploring the city. After a meet and greet meal with your new team you’ll head to the Sri Racha district. You’ll settle in at the Viman Resort, a family-run guesthouse and campground, and your home during your off-work hours. Take some rest after your travels and get ready to dive into the adventure!

Explore Sri Racha - Intro Session – Team Dinner

Today's all about getting oriented and understanding TMTRD's work. You'll learn about their story, the challenges they face, and the importance of responsible tourism. And most importantly, you'll discover how your contribution plays a vital role in supporting the dogs and staff at the shelter.

We'll emphasize the importance of following TMTRD's systems to ensure the well-being of the pups. You'll also shake off some first day jitters getting to know your new crew and start exploring the concept of "responsible tourism" through interactive activities and discussions. This will help you understand how your actions as a traveler can positively impact local communities, including stray dog populations.

Meet the pups - Ins & Outs of the Sanctuary - Local Learning

Now it's time to roll up your sleeves and join the TMTRD team! While the expert staff focuses on direct dog care, your crucial support will allow them to dedicate more time to these special animals.

Volunteer duties will vary based on your skills and interests, but you can expect tasks like:

• Maintaining and cleaning the shelter: Ensuring a clean and healthy environment for the dogs.

• Preparing staff and volunteer meals: Fueling the TMTRD heroes who dedicate their lives to the dogs.

• Mixing dog food: Providing nutritious meals for our furry friends.

• Laundry: Keeping the towels and bedding for the dogs clean.

• Morning feeding for the stray dogs: Gain a firsthand connection with these animals in need by supporting the staff in feeding hundreds of strays in the area. 

• Dog walking: Alongside experienced staff, deepen your understanding of their care routines.

• Other Administrative duties: Such as social media handling, photography and other office duties.

What your day could look like:

*This schedule is flexible depending on needs of the day

6:00-6:45 am: Breakfast at hotel (optional wheelchair mafia walk)

7:00-11:00 am: Volunteer at shelter

11:00 am-1:00 pm: Lunch

1:00-3:30 pm: Volunteer at shelter

4:30-6:00 pm: Optional activities with facilitators/local organizations

6:00-7:00 pm: Dinner

Remember, every task you do is vital to TMTRD's mission! You'll be working alongside a team of volunteers and staff, creating a supportive and fun environment where everyone contributes their unique talents.

After your duties, you’ll have the option to dive into deeper learning. Depending on time and availability you may meet with local leaders, participate in reflection exercises with your guides or learn by living locally and partaking in culturally immersive experiences! This will help you gain a wider perspective on regional issues and initiatives. Understanding the bigger picture, you’ll appreciate the impact of TMTRD’s work even more!

Day trip - Team Bonding - Nature!

Embark on a fun day trip with your fellow volunteers to the small island of Ko Sichang. Get a chance to explore yet another beautiful region of Thailand and take a much deserved break!

Back to work - Take the lead - Connect with the Community

Now is your chance to shine! With your newfound knowledge of the shelter's routines and roles, you’ll be able to provide the TMTRD staff with a well-earned break. This is also your opportunity to put your own special talents to use to offer additional support:

• Dog Lovers: Organize enrichment activities like puzzle feeders, scent work, or obstacle courses to stimulate the dogs' minds and bodies.

• Organizational Whizzes: Help create schedules or training materials for future volunteers, ensuring a smooth onboarding experience.

• Creative Souls: Contribute artwork to brighten the shelter environment or design educational posters for the local community.

• Social Media Mavens: Take over TMTRD's social media channels for a day, sharing the stories of the dogs and the sanctuary with the world.

• Educators at Heart: Develop interactive workshops or presentations to raise awareness about responsible pet ownership among local communities.

On day 10, after a quick rest from a busy day at the shelter, you’ll head out to the vibrant coastal city of Pattaya to enjoy some relaxation on the beach.

Beach Day - Cultural Exploration - Recharge and Reconnect

Take a break from the grind! Experience the other side of Thai tourism and enjoy a few well-earned creature comforts. From beautiful beaches to a city center with a bursting nightlife, you’ll experience Thai craftsmanship and souvenir shopping, live music, and world class restaurants.

Reflection - Action Planning - Taking TMTRD home

After returning from Pattaya in the morning, you will be rested, recharged, and ready to wrap up your last couple of work days.

Now is the time to reflect on your journey at TMTRD! Celebrate with your new friends and discuss your experiences, learnings, and how you can carry the mission forward in your own communities. We'll brainstorm ways to stay connected with TMTRD and support their mission from afar. This could involve fundraising initiatives, volunteering virtually, or spreading awareness through social media.

Feeling empowered by your experience, you'll also have the opportunity to plan for the future! Since you're now familiar with the ropes both on site and in the community, TMTRD encourages you to consider extending your stay for another week or two. This will allow you to:

• Support New Volunteers: Share your knowledge and experiences with incoming volunteers, helping them integrate smoothly into the TMTRD family.

• Deepen Your Impact: With your newfound confidence and skills, you can take on more responsibility within your volunteer role, making an even greater contribution to the shelter.

• Create Lasting Memories: Extend your time to further explore the beauty of Thailand, connect with the local community, and solidify your bonds with the TMTRD team, the locals and your new pup friends!

The decision is entirely yours, but TMTRD would be thrilled to have you stay longer and continue making a difference!

After a heartfelt farewell to your furry friends and the TMTRD team, you'll travel back to Bangkok, staying in the arts and culture centre of Talot Noi. Spend the day exploring the bustling city, indulging in delicious Thai cuisine on a food tour, experiencing the eclectic local street art, having cocktails along the river and soaking up the last bit of this unforgettable adventure. 

It’s time for the bittersweet and tear filled goodbyes as your guides drop you off at the airport.

Remember, this is just the beginning! Your experience will leave an enduring impact. You'll return home with a heart full of compassion and a deeper understanding of responsible tourism and community-led impact. You’ll leave with the skills to continue to champion TMTRD’s mission for years to come.