We run a multi-species wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and release center in Asia’s hotspot for trafficking, just north of Laos’ capital Vientiane. We work with authorities to investigate wildlife crime and rescue animals of any endemic species, with an aim to rehabilitate and release wherever possible. Any animals deemed unsuitable for release are offered care and refuge in our wildlife center.

We run a 24/7 national wildlife rescue hotline and carry out rehabilitation work and advocacy efforts. We are proud to be based in the beautiful and unique country of Lao PDR.

To ensure the sustainability of our mission and provide unique opportunities to veterinary students wanting to gain experience in wildlife, we offer externships. Here you hone and share your skills in our wildlife hospital. As you shadow our wildlife veterinarians, you will assist them in a variety of procedures across a huge range of wildlife, including many unique and endemic animals native to Laos. We generally have around 200 animals on site and 20-35 different species at any given time. We are proud to offer arguably the best wildlife care in the entire county with a wildlife hospital that includes gas anaesthesia, digital x-ray, portable ultrasound, and basic lab (microscope) facilities.  

Be prepared to be kept on your toes, as no day is ever the same for our vet team. At any time, we could receive a rescued animal, a huge confiscation of wildlife in need of urgent care, or have an animal which needs critical veterinary attention in our center. On crucial days like these, your help and support to our vet team will prove invaluable to getting the job done. 

Daily duties include, but are not limited to: caring for animals in quarantine and hospital areas, shadowing and assisting our vet team, performing daily health checks and observations on residents, providing inpatient and outpatient treatment, and assisting our veterinarians with any emergency cases and surgeries. 

Please note that this externship is fee based due to size of our non-profit and demands on staff time for training and supervision. Cost varies depending on length of stay with opportunity for free stay if qualified and available to serve for at least 12 weeks. 

• Be currently enrolled in veterinary school or be a fully qualified veterinarian
• Speak moderate to good English
• Be flexible and adaptive -- operating in a developing country in a non-profit setting is very different than a university teaching hospital
• Be open to learning and experiencing the beautiful culture in Lao PDR

About Lao Conservation Trust for Wildlife

We run a multi-species wildlife center in Asia’s hotspot for trafficking, just north of Laos’ capital Vientiane. We work with authorities to investigate wildlife crime and rescue animals of any species, with an aim to rehabilitate and release wherever possible. Any animals deemed unsuitable for release are offered world-class care and refuge in our wildlife sanctuary. We are proud to work with global conservation organizations and local governments, assisting in the development of legislation to protect threatened species in South-east Asia, as well as educational outreach programs through schools and visits to encourage the people of Laos to take stewardship of their unique biodiversity. We work closely with volunteers to support our mission and grow our impact, offering ethical no-animal-contact experiences, ensuring that wildlife stays wild in instinct. One of the most amazing things about LCTW is that our work is so multi-faceted, ranging from advocacy to on the ground rescue work.

Connections working at Lao Conservation Trust for Wildlife