Best Places to Volunteer in Malaysia with Animals

Most of us focus on prioritising our own needs and wants and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. We just have to ensure that in doing so, we don’t hurt others, and not just other human beings, but also animals. Many people go as far as abandoning their pets just because they can’t or don’t want to take care of them anymore. Some even abuse them. The Department of Veterinary Services revealed statistics that show a jump of 30% from 510 animal abuse cases in 2017 to 662 cases in 2018, across Malaysia. On the other hand, there are other people who absolutely adore animals and pets and would never dream of hurting them. You might be one of these wonderful people to go further to support the cause! Have you ever wondered “Where can I volunteer in Asia with animals?” Lucky for our furry friends, there are several NGOs in Malaysia that are passionate about animals, and they strive to improve the wellbeing of abused and abandoned animals.  If you’re an absolute animal lover and want to come to Malaysia and volunteer with animals, then we have curated top picks just for you, as selecting the best organisation to volunteer with is crucial for your entire experience here in Asia!  Source - https://www.facebook.com/PawsPJ/photos/a.664195033673889/1917597598333620/?type=3&theater

1. PAWS Animal Welfare Society (Kuala Lumpur)

Started in 1987, this society’s shelter mainly deals with cats and dogs, located in Subang it’s just a simple 10 minute walk away from the Ara Damansara MRT station. They have plenty of furry friends for you to help out with; most of them have been rescued from either the roadside or neglected homes and desperately need some love and attention.  It’s up to you how you assist with this shelter, usually, if you’re used to walking with dogs, they will give you a dog to accompany you on a stroll outside their building. This society’s volunteer scheme really does run on your watch, so if you have a spare hour or even a few hours, then why not make a dog’s day and release it from its confines for a quick walk?  Or, if you feel inclined to keep a few cats company, then you may sit and play with the friendly felines until you feel it’s time to go. There are no rules about how long you can stay (within the opening hours of course!), but you must bring your own disposable bags for the dog walks and wear suitable clothing which you don’t mind getting a little bit dirty from excitable PAWS prints! What’s for sure is that PAWS make volunteering with animals super fun! Source - https://www.facebook.com/277523282741/photos/a.277535937741/277546147741/?type=3&theater

2. SPCA: Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Melaka)

The SPCA shelter in Melaka is super busy and full of loving animals who desire some affection! Mr John Tan began his pooch-protecting mission in Melaka in the year of 1992 and really wanted people to start promoting ‘active kindness on all animals who are great and small’.  By being a non-profit, the SPCA depends on the public to sustain their expenses and general upkeep of the shelter. Therefore, a lot of money has been raised for this shelter as it grows ever more popular with the locals. Not only are there cats and dogs, there are also chickens and ducks there to pet and feed.  If you don’t feel as though you have the time to volunteer at the SPCA, there is always time to fundraise. Fundraising can be super fun and rewarding for the community! It gives us all a chance to learn about places which are still seriously in need of attention and also, gives us a chance to give back some time and respect to those animals who have been mistreated. So if you need a place to volunteer or have some fundraising time to spare; then contact the SPCA today! Source - https://www.facebook.com/SarawakSPCA/photos/a.10151839329759432/10157567798039432/?type=3&theater

3. SSPCA: Sarawak Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Kuching)

Similar to the SPCA, there is an identical shelter for animals in Sarawak which shares Mr John Tan’s mission. Located in Kuching (which funnily enough translates to CAT in Bahasa Melayu), this place not only allows you to tour around the shelter to witness all the animals which need a home, it also educates you about how to look after the animals and how to maintain a high standard of care.  As you wish, you may pet, walk, and play with the animals as long as you do so with care. The SSPCA also welcomes any donations and of course, fundraising efforts if you fancy getting creative and promoting their society. At the end of the day, it is the animal’s lives you’ll be impacting as well as your own. Like millions of other shelters, the Sarawak Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has seen its fair share of heart-breaking cases and truly wishes to put an end to any possible reoccurrences.  Therefore, if you’re in the area for a while or perhaps located in Kuching, it may be a good idea to volunteer with animals thereby spending a few hours there to help these animals gain back their trust in humanity. Source - https://www.facebook.com/scasmalaysia/photos/a.425727897520481/2715883461838235/?type=3&theater

4. SCAS: Second Chance Animal Society (Cheras)

SCAS started from the rescue of 12 motherless fur babies in September 2009. Over the years, SCAS has saved more than a thousand stray dogs in Selangor and successfully rehomed about 50% of them, while promoting the concept of “adopt, don’t buy”. SCAS shelter is solely run on public donations and voluntary aids, but they appreciate any form of help and support. As a volunteer in SCAS, you can paint dog kennels, clean the compound, or give the dogs a scrub. Lend a paw today! Source - https://www.facebook.com/myanimalcare.org/photos/a.674570095964280/1411701872251095/?type=3&theater

5. AnimalCare (Selangor)

AnimalCare is not an animal shelter, instead, they promote the practice of CNRM (Care-Neuter-Rehome / Return-and-Manage) for street animals. Being a volunteer-only organisation, all operating costs are borne entirely by themselves, and 100% of their donations are channelled to the animals. It was founded in 2009 by Dr. Chan Kah Yein, who is not a veterinarian, but has a passion to help animals. She holds a PhD in Mathematics Education, teaches in a private college, has written eight books, and some of her public talks are produced on audio CDs, all for free distribution. Talk about being a superwoman! Source - https://www.facebook.com/132282193542235/photos/a.246260695477717/2494539090649855/?type=3&theater

6. MIAR: Malaysia Independent Animal Rescue

“Just one chance,” is what every animal deserves, according to MIAR. A non-profit organisation with a no-kill policy, MIAR dedicate themselves to rescuing homeless dogs. Once rescued, the dogs are then put up for adoption in loving, responsible, and committed permanent homes. You can be a part of their life-saving work and contribute to the well-being of the rescued cats & dogs. Also, if you see a dog or cat in danger, or abused, photograph the animal and let them know by contacting them 016 9975301. Source - https://www.facebook.com/ADLmy/photos/a.500124073381065/1821731697886956/?type=3&theater

7. A Dog’s Life (Klang)

A 12-member strong team that started in 2000, A Dog’s Life (ADL) formed to enhance the welfare of stray dogs through rescue and awareness-raising on owning dogs. They also help control the overpopulation of strays by using the sustainable TNRM (Trap-Neuter-Release-Manage) strategy. Until now, they have successfully rehomed 100 puppies & dogs, spayed (female dogs) & neutered more than 90 strays, and taken care of over 70 strays. A Dog’s Life really makes dogs’ lives better. Source - https://www.facebook.com/wwfmy/photos/a.159457438241/10158942903963242/?type=3&theater

8. WWF Malaysia 

Who doesn’t know who the WWF is?! Did you know though, that they started as a two-person organisation? And today, they have close to 200 people! WWF's Mission is to stop the degradation of the planet’s natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, by:

• conserving the world’s biological diversity
• ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable
• promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption

If you are an outgoing and enthusiastic person, with a passion to volunteer for wildlife and the environment, you might want to consider WWF Malaysia! The opportunity will give you the experience to fundraise and build awareness of their campaigns and programmes.    All in all, we at SOLS 24/7 try to promote every type of volunteering possible, including volunteering with animals, and also environment-related, since they also play a big part in our society, just as much as people do.  That’s why we are always on the lookout for any other NGOs who welcome volunteers to assist with the mission to serve, educate and empower the world.  If you’re wondering “What type of volunteer work can I do?” We have the answers:

• 5 Ways to Volunteer in Malaysia You Should Know
• Top 13 Organisations to Volunteer With in Malaysia
• Life as a Volunteer in Malaysia
• How to prepare to volunteer in Asia 
• Discovering Malaysian Culture While Volunteering

We hope that this article helped your search and always remember that there are many other NGOs out there in Malaysia, and other countries in Asia, who would LOVE your help in the form of volunteering! Read more on volunteering:

• Voluntourism - What’s wrong with it?
• Volunteers - does your work matter?
• 5 Volunteering Stereotypes You Should Be Aware Of
• Volunteering: The Battle Between Money Vs. Meaning
• 7 Things You Should Know Before Volunteering 
• Benefits of volunteering in Malaysia

  Read More - Everything You Need to Know About Volunteering in Asia