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You’ll be matched with your personal volunteer travel expert who’ll guide you every step of the way.
Meet Your Travel Expert
Receive your welcome pack with everything you need: arrival info, contacts, visa and insurance help, packing tips, vaccines, language basics, and so much more.
Get Ready to Go!
Choose your dream project and apply for free—no commitment, just excitement!
Pick Your Destination & Apply
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Once your dates are confirmed, pay your program fee—choose to pay in full or in easy installments.
Secure Your Spot
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Our Travel Roots Wildlife Husbandry Program in Laos gives volunteers the opportunity to support the daily care of rescued wildlife at one of the country’s leading rescue and conservation centres.
Please note: This is a hands-off rescue center.
Based around 60km north of Vientiane, directly next to a National Park, this program places you within the day-to-day operations of a rescue centre working to improve the welfare of animals rescued from the illegal wildlife trade, rehabilitate suitable individuals for release, and provide lifelong sanctuary for those that cannot return to the wild.
As a husbandry volunteer, your role focuses on three main areas: animal husbandry, enrichment, and construction/support projects. You will work alongside the keepers and wider wildlife team, following the daily needs of the animals and the centre.
Your tasks may include:
• Assisting with feeding routines and diet preparation
• Cleaning enclosures and supporting general husbandry duties
• Creating and preparing enrichment to stimulate natural behaviours
• Helping with construction and enclosure improvement projects
• Supporting special projects depending on weather, season, and the needs of the animalsEnrichment is an essential part of daily life at the centre. Many rescued animals have come from highly stressful backgrounds and benefit from activities that encourage mental stimulation, physical activity, and natural behaviours. Volunteers are encouraged to think creatively and help develop new enrichment ideas under staff guidance.
Construction and practical site work are also an important part of the program. As the centre continues developing its new site, volunteers may help build or improve enclosures, shelters, climbing structures, pools, and other features that directly improve the lives of the animals in care.
This is a physically active program based in a hot and humid climate, and flexibility is essential. While there is a general daily structure, the schedule can change depending on rescues, weather conditions, and the immediate needs of the animals. The animals always come first.
It is also important to understand that this is a strictly hands-off rescue centre. Volunteers on the husbandry program do not have direct physical contact with the animals, as this is vital for animal welfare, rehabilitation, and safety. Instead, your work supports the environment, care routines, and enrichment that allow the animals to thrive.
No previous wildlife experience is required to join this program. A positive attitude, willingness to learn, and genuine motivation to help wildlife are the most important qualities.
By volunteering on our Wildlife Husbandry Program in Laos, you will:
✅ Support the daily care and welfare of animals rescued from the illegal wildlife trade
✅ Gain hands-on experience in wildlife husbandry, enrichment, and rehabilitation support
✅ Work alongside experienced wildlife professionals in a real rescue centre environment
✅ Contribute to building and improving enclosures and habitats for rescued animals
✅ Help create enrichment activities that encourage natural behaviours and recovery
✅ Be part of a centre actively rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing wildlife back into the wild
✅ Experience life in a rural Lao village surrounded by nature and a nearby National Park
✅ Develop practical conservation skills while working in a physically active, outdoor environment
✅ Join a close-knit, international volunteer team and become part of daily centre life
✅ Play a direct role in improving the lives of animals in need
What to Expect: A Day in the Life of An Wildlife Husbandary Volunteer
An Example Day
07:00 – Morning Rounds
Your day begins with feeding, cleaning enclosures, and preparing diets for both newly rescued animals and long-term residents. Tasks will vary depending on the number of animals currently in care.10:00 – Break
Take time to rest, hydrate, and recharge before continuing with the day.10:30 – Construction / Special Projects
You may assist with building or improving enclosures, preparing spaces for new arrivals, or working on site development projects. Tasks can vary depending on current priorities and weather conditions.12:00 – Lunch
Enjoy a well-earned break with a hot meal and time to relax.13:00 – Enrichment / Ongoing Tasks
Work on creating enrichment items or continue with earlier projects. This is where creativity comes in—designing activities that help stimulate natural behaviours in the animals.15:00 – Evening Feed
Assist with afternoon feeding routines and final daily checks.16:00 – Finish
The rest of your day is free to relax, socialise with other volunteers, explore the surroundings, or unwind at the accommodation.Each day can vary depending on rescues, weather, and the needs of the animals, so flexibility is key. You will follow the guidance of the onsite team, with animal welfare always taking priority.
Your Impact As A Volunteer
As part of our Wildlife Husbandry Program in Laos, your contribution plays a vital role in supporting the daily operations of a rescue centre working on the frontlines of wildlife conservation.
Many of the animals in care have been rescued from the illegal wildlife trade and require ongoing support to recover, rehabilitate, and, where possible, be released back into the wild. Your work helps provide the time, care, and environment needed for this process.
Your impact may include:
Supporting daily feeding and care routines for rescued wildlife
Helping maintain clean, safe, and enriching enclosures
Creating enrichment that encourages natural behaviours and reduces stress
Assisting in the construction and improvement of habitats and facilities
Contributing to the overall welfare and rehabilitation of animals in care
While this is a hands-off program, your role behind the scenes is essential. Every enclosure cleaned, every enrichment item created, and every task completed contributes directly to improving the lives of the animals.
Beyond the physical work, your presence also supports the wider mission of the centre. By contributing your time and energy, you are helping strengthen conservation efforts, support local teams, and play a part in the ongoing fight against the illegal wildlife trade.
This is meaningful, real-world impact — where your efforts are seen, felt, and make a genuine difference every single day.
Your New Home in Laos
During your time on our Wildlife Husbandry Program in Laos, you will stay in shared bungalow accommodation located onsite at the wildlife rescue centre.
The bungalows are set within a natural, forested environment and house a maximum of two volunteers per room. Wherever possible, rooms are arranged as single-sex, with exceptions made for couples or friends.
Each bungalow includes:
Beds with fresh linen provided
Electrical outlets and fans
Fully screened windows for mosquito protection
A private porch area with a hammock
Shared bathroom facilities are available nearby, with western-style toilets and hot showers.
Meals
You will receive three meals per day throughout your stay:
Breakfast (self-prepared using provided ingredients)
Lunch and dinner (fresh, hot meals provided daily)
All meals are vegetarian, and dietary requirements can be accommodated if communicated in advance. Clean drinking water is available onsite at all times.
Additional Facilities
Onsite laundry facilities (detergent provided)
Wi-Fi available in communal areas
Access to a shared volunteer space for relaxing and socialising
Unlimited access to a nearby eco-resort infinity pool
Living conditions are comfortable but simple, designed to immerse you in the environment while keeping focus on the experience, the work, and the community around you.
History
Our trusted partner in Laos is a pioneering force in wildlife conservation, originally established as the country’s first fully inclusive, locally registered wildlife rescue and rehabilitation organisation.
Working in close collaboration with the Lao government, the project evolved from the former national zoo into a purpose-driven conservation centre—shifting its focus toward wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, education, and actively tackling the illegal wildlife trade at its roots.
In 2023, the organisation faced a major turning point, with the need to relocate from its original site. While challenging, this became a powerful opportunity to reimagine what conservation in Laos could look like. The team successfully relocated the entire operation—including hundreds of rescued animals—to a new site near a protected National Park.
This transition has allowed for the development of modern, purpose-built facilities that better reflect the scale of their mission—creating a space where rescue, rehabilitation, education, and research come together in one unified, forward-thinking model.
Today, the centre continues to grow as a leading voice in wildlife protection across Laos, driving meaningful, long-term change for both animals and local communities.
Mission & Vision
To safeguard Laos’ wildlife by addressing the illegal wildlife trade at its roots—through education, awareness, and enforcement. The organisation works collaboratively with local and international stakeholders to prevent exploitation, while rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing affected animals wherever possible.
Through capacity building, community outreach, and conservation action, their mission is to create lasting, sustainable change for both wildlife and the people who live alongside it.
Vision
A thriving Laos where biodiversity is protected, animal welfare is respected, and conservation is embraced as part of the nation’s identity.
Their Work Focuses On:
Rescuing animals from the illegal wildlife trade and exploitation
Rehabilitating and releasing wildlife back into natural habitats
Providing lifelong sanctuary for animals unable to return to the wild
Strengthening wildlife protection through enforcement and collaboration
Delivering education and awareness within local communities
Advancing conservation, research, and long-term environmental sustainability
Program Fee
Duration Fee (€)
1 Week €690
2 Weeks €1,081
3 Weeks €1,472
4 Weeks €1,863
5 Weeks €2,254
6 Weeks €2,645
7 Weeks €3,036
8 Weeks €3,427
9 Weeks €3,818
10 Weeks €4,209
11 Weeks €4,600
12 Weeks €4,991
13 Weeks €5,382
14 Weeks €5,773
15 Weeks €6,164
16 Weeks €6,555
Important Things To Note: All programs include a Travel Roots Service & Support Fee in addition to the listed program fee. This helps cover the support we provide before, during, and after your placement, including application guidance, partner coordination, pre-departure preparation, welcome pack support, and ongoing assistance throughout your journey.
Payment Terms
Full program payment is required 60 days prior to your start date
For applications made within 60 days of arrival, full payment must be completed within 48 hours of confirmation
What’s Included
Your program fees cover everything you need for a safe, enriching, and impactful experience:
✅ Supervision and training by experienced staff
✅ On-site accommodation and facilities (laundry, Wi-Fi, hot showers)
✅ 24-hour onsite support
✅ Three meals per day
✅ Unlimited access to nearby eco-resort infinity pool
✅ Volunteer T-shirt
✅ Airport pick-up and drop-off from Vientiane (capital city)
✅ Direct contribution to wildlife rescue and animal welfare
✅ Discounted access to eco-resort activities (ziplining, canopy walk, etc.)
✅ Community experiences including local culture, markets, waterfalls, night walks, weaving, and organic farming
✅ Welcome pack full of necessary and useful information
✅ Full support before, during, and after your program
✅ Fair & Flexible Refund Policy
✅ A personal investment in your growth, with transferable skills, hands-on experience, and real-world learning
✅ So much moreWhat’s Excluded
✖️ Flights
✖️ Visa costs (if required)
✖️ Travel insurance
✖️ Personal expenses
✖️ Additional tours or activities
✖️ Vaccinations (if required)
Your Investment in Wildlife Conservation, Ethical Animal Care & Yourself
Volunteering on our Wildlife Husbandry Program in Laos is far more than just a travel experience — it’s a meaningful investment in wildlife conservation, ethical animal welfare, and your own personal growth. You’ll gain hands-on experience working alongside rescued wildlife, develop valuable transferable skills in animal care and conservation, and leave knowing your contribution has directly supported the protection and rehabilitation of vulnerable species in Southeast Asia.
Your program fees directly support:
• Daily care, feeding, and enrichment of rescued wildlife
• Long-term wildlife rehabilitation and conservation efforts
• Ethical sanctuary operations and animal welfare standards
• Local employment, training, and community support
• Ongoing improvements to animal enclosures and conservation facilitiesThis program gives you the opportunity to grow personally and professionally while becoming part of a passionate conservation mission in the heart of Laos’ incredible natural landscapes.
Where You'll Be: Xiengletha Village, Laos
Your placement takes place in Laos, a country often described as one of Southeast Asia’s last true hidden gems. Untouched landscapes, rich biodiversity, and deeply rooted traditions create an environment that feels authentic, peaceful, and far removed from mass tourism.
You will be based in a rural, forested region where conservation is not just a concept — it’s a daily reality. Surrounded by jungle, wildlife, and local communities, this is a setting that allows you to fully disconnect from modern distractions and reconnect with nature in its purest form.
About Laos
Laos offers a slower, more mindful way of life. It’s a country where time feels less rushed, people are welcoming, and nature still plays a central role in everyday living.
Language: Lao (English spoken within the program)
Currency: Lao Kip (LAK)
Climate: Tropical – warm year-round with a rainy season from May to October
Time Zone: GMT+7
The Experience
Living and volunteering here is about immersion. Expect to step into a completely different rhythm of life — one that is simple, grounded, and incredibly rewarding.
Wake up surrounded by jungle sounds and fresh forest air
Work closely within a real wildlife rescue environment
Experience local culture through nearby villages and community interactions
Spend time exploring natural landscapes, from waterfalls to forest trails
This isn’t a polished, tourist-heavy destination — and that’s exactly what makes it so special.
It’s raw, real, and deeply connected to nature.
If you’re looking for comfort zones and convenience, this may not be it. But if you’re looking for perspective, purpose, and a genuine connection to the world around you — there are few places like it.
Free time Activities
& Tours
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While your days will be focused on meaningful conservation work, your free time offers the chance to explore, unwind, and fully experience life in this unique part of Laos.
Surrounded by jungle and local communities, there’s plenty to discover — whether you’re looking for adventure, culture, or simply time to relax.
In Your Free Time, You Can:
Explore nearby waterfalls and natural swimming spots
Relax at the eco-resort infinity pool next door
Join optional activities such as ziplining and canopy walks
Visit local villages and markets to experience authentic Lao culture
Take part in community activities like drum making and traditional weaving
Enjoy guided night walks and experience the jungle after dark
Spend time on the organic farm, learning about local food systems
Unwind with fellow volunteers through social activities like karaoke evenings
There is also the opportunity to travel further afield during your time off, exploring more of Laos’ landscapes, culture, and hidden gems.
Free time here isn’t about ticking off tourist attractions — it’s about experiencing something real, slowing down, and making the most of where you are.
