Come
help out!
Coming to Happy Tails to lend a helping hand is very rewarding, but can be challenging both physically and mentally. The better you read through the provided info below, the better your experience will be here at this little cat & dog paradise on the island of Koh Samui, Thailand!
Preferred minimum
6-8 weeks (4 weeks only from July-September)
Must read before coming here.
This is not to scare anyone off, but to just give an important input as to what to expect. The better prepared you are, the better your experience will be for everyone at Happy Tails. Francoise needs your commitment - short-notice cancellations and people that are leaving earlier than planned are putting the dogs, cats and other humans in a very hard position.
01/
The work at the sanctuary runs in shifts with the same routine every. Single. Day. There is a lot of cleaning involved - sweeping, mopping, doing the dishes, cleaning dog poo, raking and lots more. Basically all of the work is physical work. Arrive in clothes ready to get dirty! You will have shifts both with the cats and dogs and even though we understand you might have preferences, you won't be able to choose - both of them deserve our love and dedication. The morning shift usually lasts from 9am to 2pm, the evening shift from 4 to 8pm (subject to change, you'll find out on your first day). You will usually have 1 day off each week. Flexibility is the key word when working with animals :)
02/
Please keep in mind that we are a sanctuary, which focuses on providing dogs and cats a safe home for the rest of their lives – those who have had a tough life before coming to us. We do not have a high turnover of animals. Adoptions to good homes are welcome though, of course.
03/
The first days can be overwhelming, that is totally normal. Lots of names and things to learn, barking dogs in packs, the heat – try to stay attentive and ask questions, you will see that within a short time it will be so much easier already.
04/
We need people who are committed to the cause. We are here for the animals - not to nurture our ego. You should be a team player that is easy-going, self-motivated, with common sense - time usually doesn't allow Francoise to give lots of feedback, she is busy with keeping everything up and running!
05/
Being able to/learning how to drive an automatic scooter or motorbike is highly recommended. This way you can easily get to/from the sanctuary and discover the island during your free time. We can recommend rental places!
06/
If you plan on just coming to Thailand to visit us, consider some days before and/or after for traveling/sightseeing only, so you won’t have to change dates once you are here. Also, if you fly directly from f.e. Europe or the US, you might need some resting time before starting.
07/
If you are in need of accommodation, we can offer a bed in a shared house upon availability. It's located in close proximity to our sanctuary and the beach. For more infos, please read our FAQs.
08/
You decided on this adventure? Great! Please first go through the FAQs below ("All about Visa" and "Must read" are both a must) and then fill out this questionnaire. This questionnaire will help us decide whether you will be a good fit for our Happy Tails family!
© former volunteer, Romain Baud Productions