While the two most well-known animal welfare organizations on the island are the Bali Animal Welfare Association (BAWA) and the Bali Adoption and Rehabilitation Centre (BARC), there are many other non-profits working tirelessly to improve the quality of life of Bali’s dogs and cats. All rely heavily on donations to keep afloat. Have some spare funds? Here is a number of worthwhile organizations that are always on the look-out for financial support to create a better environment for the island’s canine and feline residents.
Bali Pet Crusaders – http://www.balipetcrusaders.org/
According to Bali Pet Crusaders, “one female dog and her offspring can produce 67,000 puppies in just six years [and] one female cat and her offspring can produce 370,000 kittens in seven years.” This number is staggering, particularly considering the number of strays already roaming the island. This is to some extent because many animals in Bali do not have an owner in the Western sense of the word (rather they belong to a store or a family who feed them from time to time). And even if the pet is actively looked after, for many Balinese getting their pet neutered is simply unaffordable.
Bali Pet Crusaders is trying to turn this situation around by providing affordable sterilization for the island’s dogs and cats. The Australia-registered charity regularly sends a team of vets to various areas of the island to provide a mobile sterilization service. The organization sterilizes between 200 and 300 dogs and cats per month, and since its inception has neutered over 9,500 dogs and cats.
Villa Kitty Foundation – https://villakitty.com/
The first thing that strikes you when you find yourself at Villa Kitty is the sheer number of designated areas occupied by mousers of different sizes and colors. From the Retirement Village for older cats and the West Village where the younger cats await their new families to the outdoor Playground Bale for the more adventurous and active felines, the shelter provides comfortable lodgings for a variety of cats, and, yes, also a number of dogs. There is even a nursery for the youngest of the shelter’s residents.
Villa Kitty provides both safe lodgings and emergency services for injured cats, as well as cat adoption and foster programs (some kittens need a temporary home away from the shelter while they build up immunity). The shelter also facilitates education programs to teach children about responsible pet ownership. Plus, the colorful and bustling village is open to visitors who are always greeted with play time and plenty of cuddles.
The Bali Dog Halfway House – http://www.thebalidoghalfwayhouse.com/
The Bali Dog Halfway House has been set up by the island’s dog rescuers to provide temporary lodgings for stray dogs awaiting adoption. Most of the shelter’s residents have not had an easy life, but here they can find much-deserved safety and 24-hour care. The canines receive weekly visits from a vet who vaccinates and sterilizes them. They are also socialized with other dogs and given a basic obedience training to maximize their chance of adoption.
While at the moment it is mostly the rescuers who cover the boarding cost, the shelter’s goal is to raise enough funds from public donations to let rescuers focus on what they do best—rescuing and rehoming dogs. For just AUD$30 a month, dog-lovers can sponsor one of the shelter’s tail-waggers and receive regular updates about their Bali fur baby (take a look at the dog profiles on the charity’s website). The donations are used to cover the cost of food, medical care, utilities and employee wages. For those not comfortable with cash donations, the Bali Dog Halfway House is also in need of dog food, blankets, toys, building supplies and furniture.
Mission Paws’ible – https://missionpawsible.org/
Established in 2015, Mission Paws’ible helped to rehabilitate and rehome over 150 animals in its first year of operations. Built on the philosophy that “every rescue mission is possible,” this non-profit has set up a community of like-minded individuals who work together to help save sick, injured or abandoned dogs and cats. Besides supporting solo rescuers who rehabilitate and rehome animals, Mission Paws’ible educates people about the importance of vaccinations and sterilization.
The organization also actively promotes dogs that are ready for adoption through the word of mouth and on social media, and mobilizes its network of foster families to provide temporary homes for dogs and puppies. To support Mission Paws’ible make a general donation, pledge to support a specific animal or purchase a product from its online store.
Bali Rescue Dog Squad – http://balirescuedogsquad.com/
The Bali Rescue Dog Squad runs two safe houses that accommodate up to 20 rescue dogs during treatment and rehabilitation. Set up in 2017, the operation is funded by donations and sponsorships. While the safe houses are not open to the public, they can be viewed by appointment. Alternatively, Bali Rescue Dog Squad is always on the lookout for volunteers in areas such as administration, fundraising, social media, graphic design, videography and general dog care.