Street Dog Rescue

Help protect and care for these wonderful canines and improve the animal-human relationship in the community.

Rabies is a fatal disease which is transmitted by various animals, but in Sri Lanka, it is most prevalent amongst dogs. This viral infection is spread via the saliva of a rabid animal; hence it can be passed on through a bite or contact with an open wound. Unfortunately, rabies will continue to exist until there are further efforts to eliminate it. There are a large number of dog bite cases in Sri Lanka, which is a cause for concern for tourists and locals alike, as well as creating huge bills for Government hospital treating the victims. This fear leads to poor treatment of stray dogs and poor awareness of how the local community can help.

The Sri Lankan Government have recently adopted more humane methods to control the population and spread of rabies, focusing now on neutering and vaccinating stray dogs. As a result, there has been a significant drop in the number of human rabies deaths and incidents. Our mission is to continue these efforts in our local community.

By offering vaccinations and neutering it helps to manage the population of stray dogs and reduce the risk of diseases, especially rabies. Many female strays produce multiple litters each year, many of which are dumped at temples or on the roadside. These puppies have a low chance of survival, as they are at high risk of contracting diseases, malnutrition or being involved in road traffic accidents.

The team have an on-call rescue facility to transport dogs that have been found injured, disabled or abandoned. They will be brought back to the project so the team can conduct a general health check and provide assistance. At the Dog Shelter, you can observe or assist the Vet with their weekly general check-ups, vaccinations, medical treatment or minor surgeries.

This programme aims to improve the wellbeing of street dogs in the local area by providing a safe home for vulnerable, sick and disabled dogs, with daily care, vaccinations, rehabilitation and rehoming. Your extra pair of helping hands enables the project to provide enough care and love for all the canines, as well as preventing rabies and improving the situation in the local community.

The shelter also tries to find new loving homes for the healthy vaccinated dogs with local families, with education about how to properly care for their new pet. You can help to produce and provide animal welfare education to the community, to improve the understanding, attitude and treatment between humans and dogs. The aim is to introduce this on a community level and bring about long term change. Please note these sessions run on an ad hoc basis and if it is something you are interested in then please speak with our local team in-country who will make the appropriate arrangements.

You will spend your days assisting with the daily tasks and care for the dogs living in the shelter – typical duties include:

– Cleaning, maintaining hygiene and upkeep in the project premises and bedding areas
– Preparing meals (for example cooking chicken, rice, fish) and feeding the dogs
– Play time and socialisation with the dogs
– Walking and exercising
– Showering and washing the dogs
– Training the dogs
– Assisting with medication
– Grooming and checking for ticks
– Creating and maintaining documentation for dog profiles (history, vaccinations etc) and site visits
– Caring for sick/disabled/injured dogs
– Animal welfare education

If you are a veterinary student you may be able to assist in more tasks, this will depend on your level of knowledge, experience and qualifications in this area. Generally, you may be able to help with the sick, injured or disabled dogs, or with vaccinations or neutering procedures.

PMGY’s Dog Shelter project in Sri Lanka is an incredible opportunity to do your bit to help protect are care for these lovely animals whilst spending time in a country that will amaze you on so many levels.