In the Philippines where strays are but a common sight in almost every corner, it is inevitable for pounds and shelters to crop up one after another. In fact, there exist numerous animal shelters with staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to rescue, rehabilitate, and re-home abandoned, abused, or stray animals, providing them with a chance at a better life. These organizations also advocate for animal welfare and responsible pet ownership, offering educational programs and veterinary services to support the community.
Not all of these shelters are funded adequately, though. Most of the time, they rely on donations and volunteers to keep them up and running. Having said that, these shelters usually call for support through donations and volunteer work to stay afloat. Supporting these shelters through adoption or donations also helps ensure that animals in need receive proper care and a loving home. Whether you’re looking to adopt a pet, volunteer, or contribute to their cause, these shelters are dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of countless animals across the country.
Types of Animal Shelters
You may think that all animal shelters are the same, but the truth is, they really aren’t. There are different types of animal shelters, each serving a different focus area. They also offer different services and cater to different animal rescue needs. In the Philippines, there are different types of shelters in existence, each categorized by the type of service they offer. For a better understanding of these types of animal shelters and what they do exactly, here’s a list with a clear explanation for each type:
- Rescue and Rehabilitation Shelters: These shelters focus on rescuing animals from abuse, neglect, or dangerous situations and rehabilitating them for adoption. They often provide medical care, vaccinations, and training to ensure that the animals are ready for their new homes.
- Specialized Shelters for Working Dogs: These shelters cater specifically to retired working dogs such as military, police, or contract dogs, providing rehabilitation and facilitating adoption. They may require specific compatibility checks for adoption due to the dogs’ unique needs.
- Disaster and Emergency Shelters: These shelters provide emergency relief and shelter for animals affected by natural disasters, accidents, or other emergency situations. They often focus on specific regions or types of rescue depending on the event.
- No-Kill Shelters: These shelters operate with a no-euthanasia policy, focusing on ensuring that all animals are either rehabilitated or rehomed. They are often volunteer-driven and rely on donations to maintain operations.
- Sanctuaries and Long-Term Care: Sanctuaries provide long-term care for animals that are not easily adoptable due to age, health issues, or special needs. These facilities offer a safe environment for animals to live out their lives in comfort.
- Volunteer and Donation-Based Shelters: These shelters operate primarily through volunteer efforts and public donations. They may not have dedicated facilities and often rely on foster homes to house animals until they find adoptive families.
- Educational and Advocacy Organizations: These shelters focus not only on animal rescue but also on education and advocacy for animal rights and responsible pet ownership. They work to change societal views on animal welfare.
Now that you are aware of the different types of animal shelters in existence along with their differences, you can now take a closer look at the different animal shelter to support, donate, or adopt from, depending on your personal taste, ethics, and purpose. For a complete list of animal shelters to support, please check this list below:
1. Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS)
Address: Aurora Boulevard, Katipunan Valley, Loyola Heights, Quezon City (beside Superlines)
Contact Information:
- Website: https://paws.org.ph,
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pawsphilippines,
- Email: philpaws@yahoo.com,
- Office Hours: 10:00 am-5:00 pm (Monday to Saturday),
- Clinic Hours: 1:00 pm-3:00 pm (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday)
PAWS is a non-profit organization focused on protecting animals and promoting humane treatment. They operate the PAWS Animal Rehabilitation Center (PARC), housing over 300 rescued cats and dogs for rehabilitation and adoption and also offer educational programs, a low-cost veterinary clinic, and volunteer opportunities.
2. Lara’s Ark
Address: 585 Calbayog Street, Mandaluyong City; JP Laurel St., Nasugbu City
Contact Information:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/larasark.ph
- Email address: larasark.ph@gmail.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/larasark.ph/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/larasark.ph/?hl=en
Lara’s Ark began as a disaster relief operation during the 2020 Taal eruption and now serves as a sanctuary for animals affected by various disasters. Each rescue animal is six to 12 months old, vaccinated, dewormed, and spayed/neutered.
Adoption fees: PHP 1,000
3. Hound Haven
Address: 353 Pinaglagarian Street, Pulong Yantok, Angat, Bulacan
Contact Information:
- Website: https://houndhavenph.org/
- Email address: houndhavenph@gmail.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/houndhavenph
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/houndhavenph/
Hound Haven is dedicated to rehabilitating retired military and contract working dogs, ensuring they find loving homes post-service. Adopting a K-9 involves a thorough screening process to ensure compatibility due to the unique needs of these dogs.
Adoption fees: PHP 7,500
4. Hope for Strays
Address: Barangay Danglag, Consolacion, Cebu
Contact Information:
- Contact Number: 0995 769 6592
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hopeforstrayscebu/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopeforstrays_cebu/?hl=en
Hope for Strays rescues and rehabilitates abused and homeless dogs in need of urgent medical attention. Dogs ready for a new beginning are occasionally posted for adoption.
5. Philippine Animal Rescue Team (PART)
Address: San Jose del Monte City, Bulacan, Philippines
Contact Information:
- Website: https://phanimalrescueteam.info/
- Contact number: 0915 734 9359
- Email address: support@phanimalrescueteam.info
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PhilAnimalRescueTeam
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philanimalrescueteam/
PART is the only no-kill, SEC-registered animal rescue organization in the Philippines, housing over 500 animals on a four-hectare farm. It provides care for rescued dogs, cats, and other animals, promoting humane treatment and preventing euthanasia of healthy animals.
6. Aklan Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Center (AARRC)
Address: Sunflower Road, Andagao, Aklan, Kalibo
Contact Information:
- Website: https://aklananimalrescue.com/
- Contact number: 09123349770
- Email address: aklananimalrescue@gmail.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aarrcanimalrescue/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aarrc_philippines/
AARRC is dedicated to improving community welfare by rescuing and rehabilitating animals. All animals are vaccinated, dewormed, and spayed/neutered before adoption.
Adoption fees: PHP 1,000
7. Happy Animals Club
Address: Barangay Matina Aplaya, Davao City, Philippines
Contact Information:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/happy.animals.club.animal.shelter/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/happyanimalsclub/
Established in 2014, Happy Animals Club is a no-kill shelter in Davao City founded by then nine-year-old Ken Amante to rescue and care for stray animals. The shelter provides a safe haven for over 200 animals and ensures each dog is vaccinated and dewormed before adoption.
Note: The shelter has not yet applied for Animal Welfare Accreditation as of March 2024 because the closure/ban imposed on them has not yet been lifted.
8. MBY Pet and Rescue Sanctuary
Address: 113 Pantay Street, Sitio Talaga, Barangay Maybancal, Morong, Rizal
Contact Information:
- Website: https://brynoto.github.io/Capstone/index.html
- Contact number: 0997 735 1231
- Email address: mbysanctuary04@gmail.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mbypras/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mbypras/
Originally a rescue effort for one injured stray, this sanctuary has grown into a haven for 1,400 abandoned dogs. The shelter provides a list of adoptable animals upon request.
Adoption fees: No adoption fee, but a screening process is required
9. Pawssion Project Foundation Inc.
Address:
- 1429 Paradise 1, Purok 7 Tungkong Mangga, San Jose del Monte City, Bulacan
- Balay Pawssion, Hacienda Eliza, Barangay Granada, Bacolod City
Contact Information:
- Website: https://pawssionproject.org.ph/
- Email address: info@pawssionproject.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PAWSsionProject
Pawssion Project Foundation Inc. is a non-profit organization founded in 2018 to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome abused and neglected animals. With over 2,000 rescues and more than 1,000 successful rehomings, the organization operates shelters in Bacolod and Bulacan.
Adoption fees: P1,000 for dogs; free for cats, sponsored by a donor.
10. CARA Welfare Philippines (Compassion and Responsibility for Animals)
Address: 175 Lopez Rizal St. cor. Samat St., Mandaluyong City, Philippines
Contact Information:
- Website: https://www.caraphil.org/
- Contact number: 0919-579-0047 / 0905-253-0129 / 8532-3340 / 8395-2170
- Email address: secretary@caraphil.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CARAwelfareph/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carawelfareph/#
CARA Welfare Philippines is a non-profit organization promoting animal welfare through education, affordable veterinary care, and rehoming of animals. They manage a sanctuary for rescued pitbulls and implement a trap-neuter-return program to control the stray animal population.
11. Animal Kingdom Foundation, Inc. (AKF)
Address: No. 8, Purante St., Barangay CubCub, Capas, Tarlac
Contact Information:
- Website: https://www.akfrescues.org/
- Contact number: 0939-914 2403 / 0939-914-2405
- Email address: akfanimalrescue@gmail.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AKFanimalrescue/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/akfanimalrescue/
- Shelter hours: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
AKF is a non-profit organization focused on rescuing animals from the dog meat trade and promoting animal welfare. The foundation works to eliminate cruelty and improve the living conditions of animals, while advocating for their protection and humane treatment.
12. People For The Ethical Treatment Of Animals (PETA) Asia
Address: 5th Floor, Unit 502, 349 Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines
Contact Information:
- Website: https://www.petaasia.com/
- Contact number: +63 2 8817-5292
- Email address: info@petaasia.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PETAAsiaPacific/
PETA Asia advocates for animal rights, focusing on eliminating animal suffering in industries like farming, fashion, and entertainment. They also provide resources to promote plant-based diets and have supported animal rescues during natural disasters in the Philippines.
13. Animal Welfare Coalition (AWC)
Address: 2F Dacon Building, 2281 Pasong Tamo Extension, Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines
Founded in 2006, AWC advocates for responsible pet ownership, animal control, and ending the dog meat trade. They also gained recognition for aiding in the recovery of Kabang, a dog that saved two children.
14. Philippine Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PSPCA)
Address: 2044 Claro M Recto Ave., Quiapo, Manila, Philippines
Contact Information:
- Website: https://pspcarecto1904.wixsite.com/pspcaofficial
- Contact number: +63 2 82939698
- Email address: pspcarecto1904@gmail.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PSPCAph/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pspca_official/
Established in 1904, the PSPCA is one of the oldest animal welfare organizations in the country. Their clinic offers a range of services, including animal checkups, medication, shelter, daycare, and grooming.
15. Animal Rescue PH
Address:
- 612 Corcuera St., Brgy 88, Zone 7, Tondo, Manila
- J Antonino St Corner Alfonso St Zone 2 Barangay Partida San Miguel Bulacan, Bulacan
Contact Information:
- Website: https://animalrescuephil.org/
- Contact number: 09234256793
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/animalrescueph/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/animalrescueph/
Animal Rescue PH is an independent rescuer caring for around 100 cats and dogs without a dedicated shelter, housing them personally and relying on donations. They actively seek adopters to rehome their rescued animals.
16. Shelter of Hope Bacoor
Address: Blk 4 Lot 23 Officer’s Ave., Springville Executive 1, Molino 3, Bacoor, Cavite 4102
Contact Information:
- Email address: shelterofhopebacoor@gmail.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shelterofhopebacoor/
Shelter of Hope Bacoor rescues and rehabilitates stray, abandoned, and abused animals, aiming to place them in loving, permanent homes. The shelter also promotes responsible pet ownership through spaying, neutering, and fostering a compassionate community.
17. Strays Worth Saving (SWS)
Address: Batangas, Philippines
Contact Information:
- Contact number: 0912 914 1555
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/straysworthsaving/
Strays Worth Saving focuses on rescuing and caring for stray dogs and cats in distress, providing them with essential support while they await adoption. They also collaborate with other groups to help animals through donations and volunteer work.
18. Help Mandaluyong Animal Shelter (MAS)
Address: Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila
Contact Information:
- Email address: helpmasdogs@gmail.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Help.MAS.Dogs/
Help Mandaluyong Animal Shelter is a volunteer-driven group focused on rehabilitating and rehoming dogs from the Mandaluyong City pound. They rely on public support for donations and assistance in their efforts.
19. Red Cubs Pet Patrol
Address: Makati, Philippines
Contact Information:
- Website: https://redcubspetpatrol.com/
- Contact number: 09189852149, 09451173908
- Email address: redcubspetpatrol@gmail.com, rpetpatrol@gmail.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/redcubspetpatrol/
Red Cubs Pet Patrol is a non-profit animal rescue organization based in Makati, collaborating with groups like Orange, Fur Babies Home Furever, and other solo rescuers. They focus on rescuing and caring for animals in need.
20. Mayari Animal Rescue Organization (MARO)
Address: Guadalupe, Cebu City, Philippines
Contact Information:
- Website: https://mayarirescue.com
- Contact number: (+63) 998 206 6982 | (+63) 929 274-4220 | (+63) 961-663-4838
- Email address: info@mayarirescue.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MayariAnimalRescue/
The Mayari Animal Rescue Organization (MARO) is one of Cebu’s largest animal shelters, run by dedicated volunteers. The organization also hosts fundraising events to support its rescue operations.
21. Island Rescue Organization (IRO)
Address: Cebu City, Philippines
Contact Information:
- Website: http://iroislandrescue.org
- Contact number: 09053416042
- Email address: helpiro@gmail.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IslandRescueOrganization
Island Rescue Organization (IRO) is a non-governmental organization focused on rescuing stray animals in Cebu. They host adoption drives and participate in awareness events about responsible pet ownership.
Summary
Supporting animal shelters in the Philippines is a meaningful way to help protect and care for rescued animals in need of loving homes. Consider donating, adopting, or volunteering at these organizations to make a difference in the lives of these animals today.