Alleviating the suffering of stray animals in Sri Lanka by providing life-saving veterinary care, rehabilitation, homing and refuge
About Us
Alleviating the suffering of stray animals in Sri Lanka by providing life-saving veterinary care, rehabilitation, homing and refuge
A Sanctuary of Care and Compassion
At Animal SOS Sri Lanka, we are dedicated to rescuing, treating, and rehabilitating street animals in desperate need. Nestled in the heart of southern Sri Lanka, our beautiful free-roaming sanctuary provides a haven for sick, disabled, and vulnerable street dogs and cats.
There are an estimated 3-4 million roaming dogs in Sri Lanka that lack veterinary care and help when they become sick, injured or abused, we offer a unique lifeline for many otherwise doomed animals.
What we do at our sanctuary
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Refuge: Over 2,400 rescued dogs and 40 cats call our sanctuary home, where they receive food, vet care, vaccinations, spay/neutering, regular treatment for parasites and the love and care they deserve.
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No-kill shelter: We work within the laws of the land and our ethos is pro-life. We strongly believe that every animal deserves a second chance and fight for every life with huge successes and transformations. We work tirelessly to save those who would otherwise suffer in silence, die by the roadsides or be euthanized elsewhere.
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Specialised care for disabled dogs: Over 450 disabled dogs call the sanctuary their home and benefit from therapies including physiotherapy and hydrotherapy in the Indian Ocean. Many disabled dogs do walk again with therapies, but those that do not, are provided with mobility carts so they can get around in our beautiful garden or on the beach during our weekly hydrotherapy.
Comprehensive Veterinary Care
At the core of our sanctuary are our two on-site veterinary clinics, where we have diagnostic tools such as blood machines and scanners to diagnose and promptly treat the huge numbers of critical animals that arrive at our gates. Each clinic is staffed by dedicated local vets and assistants.
From lifesaving treatments to compassionate care, we ensure every sick or injured animal has the chance to heal and thrive.
We have strict protocols that begin when animals arrive at our gates. Our protocols around diagnostics and treatment plans have helped to save many lives over the last years.
Our Community Impact
Beyond our sanctuary walls, we're making a difference in local communities through:
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Providing as many neutering and anti-rabies vaccination programmes as funds allow. Neutering reduces the root cause of the endemic animal suffering we see and the tragic sights of unwanted litters of dumped puppies near roadsides. Vaccinating against rabies saves both human and animals lives and can also reduce hostilities towards street animals due to fear from many locals. Our neutering and vaccination programmes are free to all locals that bring their dogs and cats to us.
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Animal welfare education which provides communities, temples and schools with knowledge to create a kinder, safer future for Sri Lanka’s strays. Unless hearts and minds are changed, suffering of animals will continue despite our efforts.
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Operating Sri Lanka’s largest feeding programme. We feed over 2,700 animals daily, both at our sanctuary and in our local community.
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Offering adoption both locally and international. Finding loving homes for animals that we have rehabilitated both in Sri Lanka and abroad. We believe that every animal deserves a chance of a loving home.
We are proud to be a UK registered nonprofit charity with a unique mission at our core. What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to transparency and the care of vulnerable animals in Sri Lanka. Unlike larger organizations, we operate with a very small but deeply dedicated volunteer team based in the UK, working tirelessly all year round to ensure that every donation goes directly toward the care, rehabilitation, and wellbeing of animals in need. Our hands-on approach and genuine passion allow us to provide life-saving support to over 2,400 rescued dogs, 40 cats, and countless others, making a tangible difference with every contribution.
How we are different
How it all began
In November 1998, during a holiday in Phuket, we met Rama a gentle dog who stole our hearts. Like so many street dogs, she was painfully thin and struggling to survive. After we started feeding her, Rama became our steadfast companion. Each evening, she would sprint into our hotel, searching for us, and every morning, she’d wait outside, tail wagging with joy.
Her loyalty and love deeply moved us, but we were heartbroken to learn she might face poisoning—a grim reality for many stray animals. Determined to give her a second chance, we arranged for Rama to travel home with us. After six long months in quarantine, she joined our family, where she enjoyed 11 years of love and care.
Rama’s story planted the seed for something extraordinary. Her courage and devotion inspired Kim to create Animal SOS Sri Lanka, a charity committed to easing the suffering of stray animals across the country.
Today, Rama’s legacy lives on through the thousands of lives Animal SOS Sri Lanka has saved. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of compassion.
You can help continue this legacy. Join us in making a difference for street animals who desperately need love and care.