BAWA VOLUNTEERING

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with the Bali Animal Welfare Association (BAWA)! We are a dedicated non-profit organisation working tirelessly to reduce animal suffering and provide a better future for Bali’s animals.

Our Ubud facilities rely on daily volunteers, including weekends, to exercise and socialise the animals. This hands-on help is crucial in preparing rescued animals for adoption.

Commitment and Preparation

Minimum Commitment: Five shifts of 4-8 hours (not necessarily consecutive days). Exceptions can be made on a limited basis.
Adjustment Period: Getting used to the routine, climate, and conditions takes several days. The longer you stay, the more rewarding your experience will be and the better experience for the animals.
Health Requirements: Rabies is ongoing problem in Bali. Volunteers are encouraged to be pre-vaccinated against rabies (2 injections over 1 week) and up to date on a tetanus booster. Unvaccinated volunteers can be considered on a limited basis.

Physical and Emotional Readiness

Physical Condition: Volunteering can be physically demanding. You must be in good physical shape to handle walking dogs under the hot, tropical sun and humid environment.
Hydration: Volunteers should drink several litres of water daily and bring a reusable bottle to reduce plastic waste.
Emotional Resilience: Volunteering can be emotionally challenging. If you are deeply affected by seeing animals suffer, consider if this role is right for you. However, if you are driven to help them through their suffering, you will find this experience fulfilling.

Expectations and Responsibilities

Indonesia Context: Remember that Indonesia is a developing country, and BAWA operates with limited resources and funding.
Volunteer Traits: We seek volunteers who love animals, are independent, hardworking, friendly, helpful, flexible, open-minded, and patient.
Location Assignment: Our facilities are based in the Ubud area. Your volunteer location will depends on your available dates, rabies vaccination status, and the existing volunteer schedule.

We greatly value your time, energy, and flexibility.

Thank you for your support in making a difference for Bali's animals!

Volunteer Name*

First NameLast Name

Email Address*

example@example.com

WhatsApp Number

Country CodeArea CodePhone Number

Home Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

City

Postal / Zip CodeCountry

Date of Birth*

Date

Passport Number & Issuing Country

Emergency Contact Details (Name, phone/email address, relationship to you)*

Who should we contact in case of an emergency?

What interests you in volunteering with BAWA? Anything special we should know about you?

Please tell us information that you feel we should know, including any special skills or talents which you can offer

Do you have prior experience with shelter animals or animals who are not yet pets?*

Yes, I will list my experience in the next sectionNot yet

Prior volunteer experience

Organization, dates volunteered, responsibilities

The more time volunteers spend with BAWA, the more rewarding the experience for both the volunteers and the rescued animals. Building rapport with the animals is crucial for their trust and well-being, and prolonged interaction with the same people is highly beneficial.

We prefer volunteers who can commit to at least five days.

Full-day volunteers, who assist for 8 hours with breaks at their leisure, are particularly valuable.

Half-day volunteers are also welcome. Half-day volunteer shifts run 9 am - 1 pm pr 1 pm - 5 pm.

While we greatly appreciate your time and energy and are flexible, we kindly request that you honor the time commitments you make based on the information you provide below.

Volunteers who cannot meet the minimum five date commitment can sometimes be considered on a limited basis.

Volunteer schedules are created in coordination with the information you give us.

Volunteer Start Date*

24 hours advance notice is needed before you can start volunteering unless previously discussed with the BAWA Volunteer Coordinator.

Final Volunteer Date:*

Last day you can commit to being on the volunteer schedule. It is always an option to extend and can be discussed directly with the Volunteer Coordinator.

Full Days or Half Days?

Any special schedule requests?

Need Special Schedule Consideration?

I want to volunteer but cannot volunteer for the minimum of five dates.

More on Vaccinations

Like most countries in Asia, Indonesia is a rabies-endemic country. This means that cases of rabies occur in animals and humans each year.

BAWA Volunteers are encouraged to be rabies vaccinated (2 injections over 1 week). Volunteers who were rabies vaccinated 5+ years ago are encouraged to have a rabies titer or rabies booster to maintain sufficient antibody levels.

Volunteers who are not rabies vaccinated can be considered on a limited basis.

All volunteers are responsible for seeking post-exposure treatment if encountering a dog bite or scratch from a dog of unknown rabies vaccination status.

Are you rabies vaccinated? Your rabies vaccination status impacts the locations available to you and the animals you will be able to interact with.*

Yes, I will submit proof of 2 vaccinations in next sectionNo, though I am willing to obtain rabies vaccinations and submit proof prior to volunteering (2 injections over 1 week time period)No, I will not have rabies vaccinations prior my volunteer start date

Photo of rabies vaccinations, including your name and vaccination dates

Browse Files

Are you tetanus vaccinated?*

Yes, I will submit proof of vaccination in the next sectionNo, though I am willing to obtain tetanus vaccination and submit proof prior to volunteeringNo, I will not have tetanus vaccination prior to my volunteer start date

Photo of tetanus vaccination, including your name and vaccination date

Browse Files

Volunteers should wear modest clothing within the BAWA dress code which can get sweaty and completely dog-ified!

BAWA VOLUNTEER DRESS CODE:

I will wear clothing appropriate for rigorous activity, inclement weather and hands-on experiences with animals
I understand that a modest form of dress is required out of respect for the local culture
I will not wear clothing that promotes alcohol or drugs
I will not wear clothing with crude slogans (including profanity) or pictures on clothing, nor clothing that may be deemed offensive by a specific group of people

TOPS

must fully cover your torso (no stomach, lower back, sides of the upper body nor cleavage showing)
modest singlets/tanktops accepted
If I am provided with a BAWA shirt, I will wear it as often as possible while volunteering

BOTTOMS

pants are preferred to protect against cuts, scrapes and bites
long shorts are acceptable, short shorts are not (length is best close to the knee)

SHOES

sturdy and comfortable walking shoes, suitable for walking in uneven, muddy conditions and which you don't mind getting dirty

BE SURE TO BRING:

Reusable water bottle (drinking water available)
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, etc)
Rain protection (during rainy days)

By signing below, you acknowledge that you have read and understand the above BAWA Volunteer Dress Code and will abide by these expectations.*

BAWA VOLUNTEER AGREEMENT:

I wish to offer my services to BAWA and understand there is no payment, reimbursement, supply of meals, clothing, materials, and supply of transportation or compensation for any expenses incurred.
I understand that any information provided to me by BAWA staff regarding transport, accommodation, expenses, living in Bali etc. is given in good faith and is to the best knowledge of the team at the time.
I understand that BAWA does not take any responsibility for any loss or injury incurred by me whilst I am volunteering at BAWA. This includes the cost of any post exposure rabies vaccination treatments that may be required.
Unless otherwise agreed upon, my primary role will be to exercise the dogs, socialize the animals, encouraging them to trust people and learn to walk on a leash.
I agree to work within the established guidelines, procedures and protocols of BAWA at all times.
I accept that BAWA is a no kill shelter and that my own beliefs may not always align with those of BAWA.
I will handle all of the BAWA animals in a gentle and safe manner.
I will use my common sense and compassion with the animals.
I understand that Indonesia is a developing country. I recognize that the majority of locals are Muslim or Balinese Hindu and will conduct myself in a respectful, culturally sensitive manner at all times.
I will calmly and respectfully advocate for animal welfare practices in Bali. I will not engage in arguments with local people regarding their treatment of animals. I understand that such arguments bring BAWA's efforts into disrepute.
I recognize that BAWA staff have protocols to follow. I will comply with staff instructions without obstructing their work or causing harm to the animals to the best of my ability.
I will report any problems or issues to a BAWA staff member.
I will not speak on behalf of BAWA in any given situation unless requested to do so by BAWA management.
I will not portray any other animal welfare organization within Bali in a negative manner during my tenure as a volunteer with BAWA.
I will not take illegal drugs or consume alcohol (or be under the influence of these substances) while on BAWA premises, prior to my shift or when representing BAWA.
I will not remove any property of BAWA from the premises of BAWA without written permission from the Founder of BAWA.
I understand that confidentiality must be maintained regarding records of BAWA; I also understand that if I breach confidentiality I will be terminated from the volunteer program and may have legal action taken against me.

I have read the BAWA Volunteer Agreement, I have read and I understand these expectations and will abide by this agreement. Please sign below.*

LIABILITY WAIVER
You will be required to sign a hard copy of this form on your first day of volunteering.

I hereby release Yayasan BAWA from any liability for injury, illness, or damage to personal property that may occur while on BAWA premises or during any activities organized by or in association with BAWA.

I acknowledge that if I suffer a dog bite while on BAWA premises or during any BAWA-related activities, I must seek immediate post-exposure rabies vaccinations at my own expense. I am aware of the current shortage of human rabies vaccines on the island of Bali and understand that I may need to travel at my own expense to receive post-exposure rabies treatment.

What questions can we answer for you?

Accommodation recommendation? Do you plan to get around by motorbike?

Please remember that Bali is part of a developing country and we are a not-for-profit organisation. As a small charity funded only by donations, we manage as best we can with limited resources. Standards are below that of shelters in the ‘western world’. If you might consider bringing along much needed supplies or fundraising to support our organisation, please indicate your interests in the boxes below.

Yes! I am interested in bringing collected donations. More information is available at https://bawabali.com/support-bali-animal/wish-list/Yes! I am interested in fundraising for BAWA. More information available at http://bawabali.com/how-to-help/fundraise-for-bawa/

PERSONAL INFORMATION

SCHEDULE & COMMITMENTS

HEALTH & SAFETY

WHAT TO WEAR & BRING

BAWA VOLUNTEER AGREEMENT & LIABILITY WAIVER