Programs
Travel with Purpose with an Immersion Trip
Join our Immersion Trips to Thailand or India and get hands-on experiences that connect you directly with APA’s work in animal rescue and community care.
What Is an Immersion Trip?
Immersion Trips are multi-day experiences where participants travel with APA staff and local partners to engage directly in our work. You’ll help feed animals, assist with care and treatment, support local outreach, and learn from the communities we serve. It’s not a vacation—it’s meaningful, guided service with lasting impact.
Hands-On Animal Care
Community Connection
Purposeful Travel:
What You’ll Do
Support Animal Care
Help feed, bathe, or comfort rescued animals.
Join Community Outreach
Participate in tribal village or urban outreach days.
Learn from Local Staff
Understand APA’s model firsthand and see how jobs are created through rescue.
Experience Local Culture
Enjoy guided cultural experiences and build lasting friendships.
Julia D
Donor
Kamikaze
Thailand
Bangkok & Chiang Rai
Join us for two unforgettable weeks combining hands-on animal rescue work, cultural immersion, and breathtaking landscapes.
We’ll begin our journey in Bangkok, spending four unforgettable nights in Southeast Asia’s most vibrant city. You’ll take in all the iconic sights, enjoy time to explore at your own pace, and savor some of the most incredible meals you’ve ever tasted.
Next up is Chiang Rai, where you’ll spend six days volunteering at the Animal People Alliance funded shelter—feeding, bathing, and caring for rescued dogs and cats. You’ll also visit tribal villages and engage with community-led animal welfare efforts while exploring the traditions of northern Thailand’s indigenous people.
We also have a series of unforgettable day trips planned to showcase the best of Northern Thailand’s culture and landscapes. You’ll journey to the legendary Golden Triangle, where the borders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet, and explore the region’s fascinating history and breathtaking river views. We’ll visit the serene mountain gardens and royal villa at Doi Tung, surrounded by lush hills and cool breezes. Along the way, you’ll discover charming local villages, sample authentic northern cuisine, and enjoy a few hidden gems that most visitors never get to see—making every excursion both scenic and enriching.
This trip is a unique blend of meaningful service, cultural connection, and immersive travel—an opportunity to make a difference while discovering the soul of Thailand.
Spaces are limited—come make memories (and impact) that last a lifetime!
- Dates: January 31st - February 14th
- Duration: 14 days
- Cost: $2,900 / £2,300 Per Person All Inclusive*
Price includes
4 and 5-star western-style hotel accommodations.
Three meals per day (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)
Private cars for in-country travel including airport pickup and drop off
Local guides and translators
Temples and attractions entry fees
$1,000 Donation to Animal People Alliance (Tax Deductible for US Residents)
Not Included
Flights to and from Thailand
Travel Insurance
Thailand ETA
Any vaccinations required for travel
Payment Details
$500 Non Refundable deposit is due to reserve space.
The remaining balance is due by November 30th 2025
US Residents can claim a $1000 tax deduction as a donation
- Both the deposit and balance must be paid through Givebutter using the ‘Donate Now’ button on this website
Our Next Trip is Almost Ready!
We’re putting the final touches on our next immersion trip but feel free to leave your details below in our application form and we’ll be in touch.
- Dates: TBD
- Duration: TBD
- Cost: TBD
- Group size: TBD
- Application deadline: TBD
Apply for an Immersion Trip
Frequently
Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about our immersion trips and how to prepare for them.
Our programs not only change the lives of hundreds of animals each year but also create meaningful cultural exchange and community development. Volunteers leave with hands-on skills, lifelong memories, and the knowledge that their efforts made a real difference.
The trip is designed to support shelter operations at our partner organization, The Chance Foundation, by assisting with the rescue, treatment, and care of animals. Volunteers will also gain insight into the vital role our work plays within the local community and the broader impact of animal welfare initiatives in the region
All air travel within Thailand and India, airport pick up and drop off and taxis / tourist vans. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner are included in the Bangkok / Chiang Rai or Kolkata portions of the trip. Breakfast and Dinner are included during the excursion portion of the trip.
International airfare, travel insurance, visas, vaccinations, and personal expenses (snacks, souvenirs, etc.). Lunch during the excursion portion of the trip (there is no schedule for this part of the trip. Guests are free to do as they choose)
This depends on your nationality. Citizens of the US, UK, and EU only need a valid passport with at least six months’ validity beyond departure. All travelers must also complete Thailand’s online arrival card 48–72 hours before arrival at [link below]. For other nationalities, please check your government’s travel guidelines—we can provide guidance. https://tdac.immigration.go.th/arrival-card/#/home
Volunteers are responsible for booking their flights. The arrival airport in Thailand will be BKK (Suvarnunbhumi) or CEI (Chiang Rai International Airport) depending on the trip details. For India the arrival airport will be CCU (Netaji Shubha Bose International Airport).
We will provide pickup details after your flight is confirmed.
Accommodation is provided in comfortable, high-quality hotels or guesthouses (typically 4-star or above)
Volunteers usually help with animal feeding, cleaning, playing, assisting in treatments, community outreach, and supporting veterinary staff. Afternoons may include visits to local tribal communities or excursions.
Yes. We balance structured activities with downtime for rest, sightseeing, or personal exploration.
No. Training is provided, and tasks are tailored to comfort levels. Enthusiasm and willingness to help are most important.
We recommend speaking with your doctor about vaccinations for travel to
[Thailand/India]. We strongly recommend that you’re up to date with all regular vaccinations such as:
– Tetanus / Diphtheria
– Hepatitis A
– Typhoid
– MMR (Measles / Mumps / Rubella)
We strongly recommend consulting your doctor regarding vaccinations. While rabies exposure is rare, the vaccine is advised given the nature of our work. Volunteers are responsible for their own preventative health measures, and APA cannot be held liable for personal medical choices.
Yes. Our staff are experienced in hosting international volunteers, and safety guidelines will be provided. Most of the animals at our shelter are well adapted to visitors and are very friendly and happy. Any animals experiencing injury or distress will be identified and precautions will be implemented.
Local clinics and hospitals are nearby. We strongly recommend volunteers have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Thailand has an exceptional health care system with high quality, affordable care. Your quality of care in India will vary widely by location.
Comfortable clothes suitable for hot/humid weather, sturdy shoes great for walking, slip on sandals (crocs are great) you can wear at the shelter, insect repellent, sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, and any personal medications.
Not required, but donations such as collars, leashes, flea/tick prevention and OTC medications are appreciated and always in need.
No. English is sufficient. Our local staff will assist with translation when needed.
Dress modestly, be polite, and follow staff guidance when interacting with community members.
Complete the volunteer application form. Spots are limited, so we recommend applying early.
Please email us at info@animalpeoplealliance.net