2023 Oct 26
As of 2023, Sri Lanka is home to an estimated 3 to 4 million roaming stray cats and dogs!
And with big numbers come significant challenges like overcrowding, animal cruelty, and the spread of diseases like rabies. This means we have something of a crisis on our hands.
While we might not be able to tackle these challenges ourselves, we can help the people who do. Here’s a list of animal shelters in and around Colombo that need your support!
In Colombo
1. Embark Passion
Services offered: Rescue and treatment, animal welfare advancement, education and awareness, advocacy, volunteer opportunities, puppy fostering and adoption.
Tel: 0773 429 025 (general) | 0777 740 129 (adoption)
Address: 38, Dickmans Road, Colombo 05
Email: embark@embarkpassion.com
Website: Embark Passion
Facebook: @EmbarkLK
Instagram: @embark_niko
2. Justice For Animals
Services offered: Spay/neuter pop-up clinics, medical treatment, and medical programmes. Also organises fundraising sales alongside Aluthapola – a market for a cause.
Tel: 0777 389 009
Address: 3, Jawatte Avenue, Colombo 07
Facebook: @justiceforanimals.lk
Instagram: @justiceforanimals.lk
3. AWPA (Animal Welfare and Protection Association)
Services offered: Medical and treatment care, sterilisation and adoption programmes, a sanctuary at two designated no-kill animal shelters located in Dehiwala and Kahatuduwa.
Tel: 0777 708 282 (sponsoring a meal) | 0773 450 031 (sterilisation and adoption)
Address: 107, Kadawatha Road, Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia
Website: AWPA
Facebook: @awpasl.org
Instagram: @awpasl
4. Purrs and Woofs
Services offered: Volunteer opportunities, rescue and rehoming, feeding programmes, sterilisation and spay/neuter services.
Tel: 0777 567 122
Facebook: @purrsandwoofssrilanka
Instagram: @purrsandwoofssl
5. Rescue Pirate
Services offered: Feeding and emergency treatment programmes, and raising funds through musical events.
Tel: 0777 280 420
Email: fund.rescuepirate@gmail.com
Facebook: @Rescuepirate
Instagram: @rescuepirates
Outside Colombo
1. The Dogstar Foundation
Services offered: Feeding programmes, cat and dog sterilisations and vaccinations
Address: 131/B, Pamunugama Road, Pitipana South, Negombo
Tel: 0769 439 809 (emergencies) | 0728 391 803 (dog spay/neuter hotline) | 0761 001 418 (cat spay/neuter hotline)
Website: Dogstar Foundation
Facebook: @DogstarFoundation
Instagram: @dogstarfoundation
2. KACPAW (Kandy Association for Community Protection through Animal Welfare)
Services offered: Sterilisation, spaying, and neutering services
Address: 234E, Pallemulla, Haloluwa
Tel: 0776 923 260 | 0815 628 758
E-mail: cfernando642@gmail.com
Website: KACPAW
Facebook: @kacpawsrilanka
3. Animal Wellness Trust
Services offered: Provides sanctuary and medical care at two no-kill shelters in Sri Lanka, one in Paragasthota and the other in Pothupitiya.
Tel: (must contact through the website)
Address: Mahadeniya Road, Kapuduwa, Paragasthota, Moronthuduwa
Website: Animal Wellness Trust
Facebook: @awtsl
Instagram: @animalwellnesstrust
4. Baw Baw Animal Welfare
Services provided: Spaying/neutering, rescue and rehoming, and rehabilitation ranging from regular check-ups, vaccination programmes, medications and any other required treatment to surgeries.
Tel: 0719 159 992
Address: Baw Baw Sanctuary, Yatikadura, Walaspitiya Watta, Kurunegala
Email: bawbaw.us@gmail.com
Website: Baw Baw Animal Welfare
Facebook: @bawbaw.lk
Instagram: @bawbaw_sl
5. WECare Worldwide
Services offered: CNVR programmes (Catch Neuter, Vaccinate and Release), adoption services and volunteer programmes.
Tel: 0412 259 390 (general) | 0721 275 616 (emergencies)
Address: WECare Hospital, 179A, Kurunduwatta Road, Thekkawatta, Kapugama, Devinuwara
Email: info@wecareworldwide.org.uk
Website: WECare Worldwide
Facebook: @WECareWorldwide
Instagram: @wecare_srilanka
6. Underdogs Sri Lanka
Services offered: Rescue, rehabilitation, sterilisation, fostering, and re-homing of stray animals in urgent need in the Trincomalee area
Tel: 0772 559 249
Address: Ward 3, Mill Road, Trincomalee
Email: admin@underdogsrilanka.org
Website: Underdogs Sri Lanka
Facebook: @underdogsrilanka
Instagram: @underdogs_srilanka
These organisations are on a mission to brighten the lives of stray animals, but they can’t do it alone. They depend on donations when they can get them. If you can lend a hand, don’t hesitate to reach out. Every animal, whether a wanderer or not, deserves some love!
