Wildlife and Animal Welfare Institute

Dedicated to the preservation of and provision of medical care for wildlife and animals around the globe and the diversification of the veterinary profession.

How to Help

The Animals Need Our Help

WAWI is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of and provision of medical care for wildlife and animals around the globe and the diversification of the veterinary profession. We work in Thailand and beyond to provide veterinary care, conduct research, and support communities that depend on animals for their livelihoods.

Thank You for Your Support

WAWI is a small organization with a big mission. Every donation goes directly to supporting our programs in Thailand and beyond. We are grateful for the generosity of our donors and supporters who make our work possible. Your contributions help us provide veterinary care to animals in need, conduct important research, and support the communities that depend on animals for their livelihoods.

About WAWI

Mission & History

Our Mission

WAWI is dedicated to the preservation of and provision of medical care for wildlife and animals around the globe and the diversification of the veterinary profession. We believe that healthy animals and healthy communities go hand in hand, and we work to support both through veterinary care, research, and education.

Our History

Founded by Dr. Erica Ward, WAWI began with a commitment to providing veterinary care to underserved animal populations in Thailand. Over the past decade, we have grown to include partnerships with universities, sanctuaries, and local communities, expanding our reach and impact across Southeast Asia and beyond.

Our Impact

Elephants Studied

500+

Animals Treated

10+

Years of Service

University Partners

Dr. Erica Ward, Founder & Director

Dr. Erica Ward is a veterinarian and the founder and director of WAWI. She has spent over a decade working with elephants and other animals in Thailand, conducting research and providing veterinary care. Dr. Ward is passionate about wildlife conservation and the diversification of the veterinary profession, and she leads WAWI's programs with dedication and expertise.

Dr. Erica Ward, founder of WAWI, with wildlife in Thailand

Our Values

Compassion

We approach every animal and community with empathy and care, recognizing the intrinsic value of all living beings.

Excellence

We are committed to the highest standards of veterinary care and scientific research in everything we do.

Collaboration

We partner with universities, sanctuaries, and local communities to maximize our impact and share knowledge.

Diversity

We actively work to diversify the veterinary profession, creating pathways for underrepresented students to pursue careers in veterinary medicine.

National Pre-Vet Club

WAWI is proud to announce the launch of the National Pre-Vet Club (NPVC), a membership organization for anyone interested in a career in veterinary medicine. The NPVC seeks to demystify the process of applying to vet school and to provide community and support to a wide range of pre-veterinary students.

For those who join now, membership in the NPVC is free and will always be free. Anyone — from high school students contemplating a veterinary career to those submitting their vet school applications — is encouraged to join.

Member Benefits

Access to the NPVC website, which contains a library of helpful resources, including comprehensive information on accredited veterinary schools
Virtual monthly meetings on helpful topics on Instagram Live
Networking opportunities
Community and support

To find out more visit nationalprevetclub.org

Join Today

Help WAWI

How You Can Help

WAWI relies on the generosity of donors and volunteers to carry out our mission. There are many ways to support our work, from financial donations to volunteering your time and skills.

Please note that we currently do not have the capacity to host volunteers in Thailand.

Give Money

Financial donations allow us to purchase medical supplies, fund research, and support our programs in Thailand and beyond. Every dollar makes a difference.

Give Items

We accept donations of medical supplies and other items from our Donation Wish List. Items can be shipped directly to our team in Thailand.

Give Time

Share our mission on social media, tell your friends and family about WAWI, and help us spread the word about the important work we do.

Partner With Us

We welcome partnerships with universities, veterinary schools, and organizations that share our commitment to animal welfare and conservation.

Donation Wish List

The following items are most needed by our team in Thailand. If you would like to donate any of these items, please contact us at info@wawithailand.org for shipping instructions.

Please contact us before shipping any items to confirm current needs and shipping address.

Medical Supplies

Syringes (3cc, 6cc, 12cc, 35cc)
Needles (18g, 20g, 22g)
IV catheters (18g, 20g, 22g)
Exam gloves (S, M, L)
Surgical gloves (6.5, 7, 7.5, 8)
Bandage material (vet wrap, gauze, tape)
Suture material (various sizes)
Stethoscopes

Non-Medical Supplies

Headlamps and batteries
Waterproof notebooks and pens
Backpacks and dry bags
Insect repellent
Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
Reusable water bottles

News

This is a place to share news of what we've been able to do in Thailand. If you want to share news about WAWI, please complete our contact form!

February 23, 2017

Our First Free Spay and Neuter Clinic

From February 13–17, WAWI ran its first free spay and neuter clinic in the North of Thailand. Working together with the Livestock Department, Burm and Emily's Elephant Sanctuary (BEES), and study abroad organization Loop Abroad, we were able to provide free spays and neuters to 115 dogs. We were also able to provide necessary vaccines to these dogs free of charge to their owners. Bringing all these organizations together to provide great work and serve these animals was a truly inspiring moment, and we're thankful to everyone who was involved. This is just the beginning of a tradition of free clinics WAWI can offer in Thailand.

Get in Touch

Have questions about WAWI or want to get involved? We'd love to hear from you.

Lifesaving Projects

Small Animal Outreach

WAWI's Small Animal Outreach program provides free veterinary care to dogs and cats in rural communities throughout northern Thailand. Working with local partners, we conduct free spay and neuter clinics, vaccination campaigns, and general health checks for animals whose owners cannot afford veterinary care.

Veterinary clinic team in green uniforms

Smiling woman holding a dog at a veterinary clinic

Black and tan dog on a wooden porch in Thailand

Elephant Research

WAWI conducts ongoing research on the health and welfare of elephants in Thailand. Our research focuses on understanding the physical and psychological needs of captive elephants, with the goal of improving their care and welfare. We have studied over 64 elephants in partnership with universities and sanctuaries across Thailand.

Research team gathered in an indoor workshop

Positive Reinforcement Training

WAWI promotes the use of positive reinforcement training techniques for elephants and other animals in our care. This approach builds trust between animals and their caretakers, reduces stress, and improves the overall welfare of the animals. We work with sanctuaries and mahouts to implement these techniques and train staff in their use.

Elephant feeding from enrichment container with vegetables

Enrichment for Elephants

Volunteers with sunflower in a garden on a Thailand hillside

Donkey & Small Ruminant Outreach

WAWI's Donkey and Small Ruminant Outreach program provides veterinary care and support to working donkeys, goats, and other small ruminants in rural communities. These animals are vital to the livelihoods of many families, and access to veterinary care can make a significant difference in their health and productivity.

Woman interacting with a goat at a farm sanctuary

Equine Outreach

WAWI's Equine Outreach program provides veterinary care and support to horses and other equines in rural communities. We work with local partners to provide free health checks, vaccinations, and treatment for common conditions, improving the welfare of working horses and the livelihoods of the families who depend on them.

Horse care and handling at an equestrian facility

Two people in blue shirts handling a horse at a ranch

Three Ways to Make a Difference

Every contribution — whether money, items, or time — helps WAWI provide lifesaving care to animals in need.

Give Money

Financial donations fund our veterinary programs, research, and outreach in Thailand and beyond.

Donate Now

Give Items

Medical supplies and other items from our wish list go directly to our team in the field.

See Wish List

Give Time

Spread the word about WAWI and help us grow our community of supporters.

Learn More