Fast Facts for Volunteers
| Animal SOS Sri Lanka |
| Location: Midigama, Southern Sri Lanka Languages Spoken: English (primarily), Singhalese Species Treated: Mainly dogs (1000+ on site), cats, and occasional wildlife or farm animals Type of Organisation: Shelter with on-site vet clinic (UK and Sri Lankan Registered Charity) Aims of Organisation: Animal SOS was created to provide love, shelter and veterinary care to the many stray animals of Sri Lanka. The on-site veterinary clinics provide both emergency and preventative health treatments, and the staff and volunteers work to rehabilitate dogs for adoption, as well as educating the local community on how to care for (and why to neuter) their pets. The charity also conducts weekly outreach programs in the local villages, usually on Sundays, and provides free neutering, anti-rabies vaccinations, veterinary treatments and educational materials. Types of Volunteers Accepted: – Vets, Vet nurses and Vet Students: Veterinary-trained volunteers of all levels are highly valued at the shelter. Foreign veterinarians cannot register in Sri Lanka for short-term stays, but can still make a large impact through volunteering (see more below). – Non-Veterinary Volunteers: All volunteers are eagerly welcomed and can help with a range of tasks. No previous experience is required, just a good attitude! Volunteering Fee: There is no fee for volunteers, but donations are gratefully accepted. Research Links: The shelter is not currently involved in any veterinary research. |
Introduction
The sleepy coastal town of Midigama serves as a tropical haven for fisherman and surfers alike. However, most of the tourists who flock here have no idea that one of Sri Lanka’s largest animal sanctuaries is hidden in the nearby jungle.
I approached my first day at the Animal SOS Sanctuary with more than a little trepidation. When I had found the tuk-tuk stand in Midigama that morning, I was surprised to be greeted with only blank stares when I asked the drivers to take me to “Animal SOS” and “The Animal Sanctuary” (It turns out that “dog hospital” had been the key phrase needed to prompt understanding from the locals). And now, 10 minutes later, my tuk-tuk seemed to be hurtling down smaller and smaller back-roads with every corner… did the driver really know where we were going?
Suddenly, we took a sharp turn away from the rice paddies and grazing brahman cattle. The tuktuk began to chug slowly up a hill towards a bright blue concrete wall. As we approached, I was relieved to see the familiar “Animal SOS” logo on the imposing metal gate, and I graciously thanked the driver with a mumbled “istuti” as I climbed from the cramped seat of the three-wheeler. It was quiet here in the jungle, and no one else appeared to be around. So I did the obvious thing … I raised my fist and knocked twice on the solid gate.
Suddenly, the jungle exploded with a cacophony of noise. The air was thick with the barking and braying of a dozens (or perhaps hundreds) of dogs. The many four-legged residents had suddenly realised that there was a stranger at the gate.
I waited patiently, and soon a smiling British woman had cranked the gate open just enough to sidle through, shake my hand and welcome me to the sanctuary. Ellie, the on-duty clinic manager, was very welcoming, and once introductions were over she beckoned for me to follow her back through the entrance.
On the other side, dozens of dogs greeted me with a renenwed wave of barking and wagging tails. They were a pack of all colours and sizes. I noticed some were even missing a tail or an eye as they bounded forward to sniff my shoes. Ellie, on the other hand, was able to walk unhindered through the crowd.
“They’re always like this with new people” she explained. “Once they get to know you over a few days, they won’t be nearly so excited to see you”.
And she was right! Within a fortnight of volunteering, I could enter the gate with little more than an unenthusiastic bark. Not only that, but I could call around 50 of the dogs by name as I recognised them around the grounds. They each were unique, their personality giving away their identity as much as their looks. And that’s what made Animal SOS such a special place. Critics may say that saving an individual animal is just a drop in the ocean of Sri Lanka’s stray problem. But thanks to this charity- every one of those individual dogs had a good home and a comfortable life. It was incredible to be part of such a worth-while cause.
Background of Animal SOS
The sanctuary was founded in 2007 by Kim Cooling, a British woman. Kim made it her mission to improve the lives of the animals she witnessed needing care on the streets of Sri Lanka. She built the sanctuary on private land that she had purchased in Southern Sri Lanka. Over the years the site has greatly expanded in size with the intake of more stray dogs and cats. It now employs 2 local Sri Lankan veterinarians as well as more than 36 permanent full-time staff and volunteers. Kim is still heavily involved in the running of the sanctuary, as well as administration and fund-raising of the charity.
Facilities
The Animal SOS Sanctuary currently comprises of 2 large adjacent outdoor sites, known as upper-side and lower-side. Both sites contain dog compounds and kennels, but the majority of dogs are free-roaming and choose to live in packs spread about the grounds. There is also a vet clinic, offices and volunteer housing at each site.
The vet clinics are mainly used as preparatory areas for wound care, medications and minor procedures. The upper-side clinic also contains an operating theatre, an ultrasound machine and an idexx haematology/biochemistry suite. The assessment of new animals is usually performed at the upper-side clinic, which is manned by a local vet 5 days per week.
Volunteer Roles
Vets, Vet Students and Vet Nurses:
Veterinary-trained volunteers are always welcome, and are invaluable in assisting with the daily medical needs of the many residents. Veterinary volunteers may find themselves helping with tasks such as giving medications, cleaning wounds, changing bandages, feeding neonates and assessing new arrivals. Volunteers will work closely with the on-site local vets, who are happy to discuss clinical decisions and explain their treatment protocols for tropical diseases.
Unfortunately, it’s not possible for foreign vets to be registered to work legally as vets in Sri Lanka (without a lengthy certification process), so veterinarians cannot perform surgery or give medical treatment unless supervised by shelter’s own vets. However, despite not working as a registered vet, I did feel my skills were valued at the clinic. I learned a lot about tropical medicine through the wide caseload I assisted with in the clinic.
Non-Veterinary Volunteers:
There are many important roles that can be performed by non-veterinary trained volunteers, depending on the individual’s skills and desires. No previous experience is needed.
Short-term volunteers can provide valuable assistance socialising dogs, even if just for one afternoon, and longer stays are very much appreciated. Staff are always happy for volunteers to spend time giving out pats and treats and especially making sure the young, the nervous and the disabled dogs are receiving plenty of love and attention. Those with an aptitude for physical tasks or trade skills may be able to help with maintenance work such like painting or grass cutting. Other volunteers have used their skills as physiotherapists or Ayurvedic healers to work with animals in need.
Practical Information
Accommodation and Food
Accommodation is sometimes available on-site for long-term volunteers and staff members, but this must be discussed with the manager well in advance of your stay.
The sanctuary is located a 10 minute tuk-tuk ride away from the main village of East Midigama, so there are no restaurants or supermarkets within walking distance. It can also be noisy to stay on-site with over 1000 dogs as your neighbours.
For short-term volunteers, it is more comfortable to arrange your own accommodation off-site. You’ll find many affordable options in close proximity to surf beaches, bars and restaurants. In the nearby surf-hangout of Midigama, basic rooms can be found from 1000 Rs per night (under $7 USD). The 10-minute daily tuktuk ride to the sanctuary should not set you back more than 300 Rs each way (under $2 USD). It’s also possible to stay in nearby Weligama, Ahangama or Mirissa if you don’t mind a longer commute.
All volunteers and visitors at the sanctuary are treated to delicious home-cooked vegan meals at lunchtime each day, which will keep you full for hours. Unfortunately, I did not find any self-catering accommodation options in Midigama, however most hotels can provide you with a substantial cooked breakfast, and restaurants in the area are very affordable.
If you’d like more info, read my guide to living in Midigama, which will help you get the most out of your Sri Lankan experience.
Working Hours
Working hours are best discussed with the on-site managers, as they may vary depending on your skills and availability. During my stay, I worked at the sanctuary from 9am to 4/5pm, 5 days a week- however this time included a lunch-break and tea breaks. I worked most weekends and took weekdays off instead, to ensure that the clinic had veterinary cover on the days when the local employed vets were not available.
Getting to the Shelter
Address: Puwakwatta, Kongashena, Midigama, Ahangama, Sri Lanka.
The shelter is located a 10 minute drive inland from the surf village of East Midigama. While the pin location is correct on google maps, the journey involves taking a lot of back-roads between rice paddies. So I suggest taking a tuk-tuk or taxi rather than attempting to navigate on your own. The tuktuk should not cost more than 300Rs each way from Midigama. I had the most success asking the driver to take me to the “Dog Hospital, Midigama”, rather than Animal SOS.
There are a number of options to reach Midigama from the capital city of Colombo. The cheapest is likely to be the local bus, which skims along the coastline blaring loud local music. The buses should leave from the main bus terminal in Colombo and take approximately 5 hours. Next, there is the train, which takes a similar route with a similar level of comfort, but far superior views. There is no ‘first class’ tickets on the train line from Colombo Fort to Matara so, buy a second class ticket on the morning that you want to leave. I recommend fight getting onto the train early for a seat. Or alternatively, find a prized position hanging out the door on the coastal side. The journey will take approximately 5 hours, and you must get off at Weligama then take a tuk-tuk back to Midigama.
It is also possible to arrange a private, air-conditioned taxi from Colombo city or Colombo airport. This would set you back around $50-60USD. A taxi can be arranged through your hotel or the clinic, so ask in advance.
Further Information
If you’d like to know more about volunteering or supporting Animal SOS, please head to their website or facebook page. and get in touch with them directly.
Want to learn more about what its really like to be a vet in Sri Lanka? Read my interview with Achini, a vet from Animal SOS.
Thinking of visiting southern Sri Lanka? Check out my post on the Top Things to Do, See and Eat in Midigama to read about what I enjoyed most while living on the surf coast.
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