Adopt Don’t Shop: 6 Organizations in Thailand to Get a Rescue Pet From

Nothing compares to the unconditional love and companionship we receive from our furry companions. If you’re a pet owner, you know the joy of coming home to a wagging tail or a purring cat, helping ease the stress of the day. However, in Thailand, there’s a silent population that’s sometimes overlooked but in need of attention: stray animals.

These four-legged friends face different challenges: the need for medical assistance, food, and a forever home where they can thrive. Fortunately, there are non-profit organizations and rescue centers committed to giving these animals the tender loving care they deserve.

Whether you’re planning to adopt or looking to volunteer to help pets in need, we’ve compiled a list of six organizations you can reach out to. Get started on your pet adoption process or volunteer today!

Rescue P.A.W.S.

Established in 2013 to feed stray animals in Hua Hin, Thailand, Rescue P.A.W.S. evolved to offer a solution to the overpopulation of stray animals through an approach that focuses on sterilization, medical care, and adoption of pets. According to their website, they have accomplished over 10,000 sterilizations, more than 40,000 vaccinations, and facilitated over 600 adoptions.

Those interested in adopting can view the pets up for adoption on their website. Each pet has a profile that gives potential fur parents an idea about their training and personality. To kickstart the process, you need to fill out the adoption form which will be reviewed by the Rescue P.A.W.S. team. You can then expect a phone call before being given a chance to meet your future pet.

In addition to adoption, you can also sponsor an animal to make sure they get the food, medicine, and veterinary care they need, or you can join their Animal Rescue Volunteer Program.

Location: Rescue P.A.W.S., 65 Khao Tao Temple, Nong Kae, Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Thailand

VetVan Thailand

A non-profit animal welfare organization, VetVan Thailand is on a mission to spay, medicate, love, and support animals to avoid cruelty. Through their programs, they hope to create a healthy controlled animal population.

For VetVan Thailand, “rescued” is their favourite breed. They make sure all animals up for adoption are fully vaccinated and sterilized so they can live happily in their new homes. Those interested can send a message through their Facebook page or send an email to [email protected]. You can view the photos of the animals for adoption on their website where you’ll also learn about each pet’s history. VetVan also accepts in-kind donations that can help change the lives of stray animals. You have the option of making a one-time or monthly donation, or you can deposit it to a bank or send money through PayPal.

Location: VetVan Thailand, รย.1007, Tambon Klaeng, Amphoe Mueang Rayong, Chang Wat Rayong 21160, Thailand

People & Animals Thailand

The latest initiative of Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand, People & Animals Thailand (PAT) was established to address the overpopulation of stray cats and dogs in Hua Hin and Cha Am. If you’re committed to helping improve animal welfare, you can donate to their cause once or monthly. Donations are used to fund sterilisations and vaccinations and help them provide food and medical care to stray animals.

Meanwhile, those interested in adopting can browse the list of dogs and cats available for adoption on their website. For inquiries on how to kickstart the process, you can call PAT at 099-9292530 or email [email protected]. They encourage everyone to adopt and don’t shop as there are many animals looking for forever homes.

Location: People & Animals Thailand, 788/ 1 Phet Kasem Rd, Tambon Cha-am, Amphoe Cha-am, Chang Wat Phetchaburi 76120, Thailand

PAWS Bangkok

Saving lives one paw at a time, PAWS Bangkok offers free or low-cost spay, neuter, and veterinary services with the goal of creating a healthier street animal population. Their social media pages are regularly updated with photos showing the condition of stray animals and how many of them are in dire need of medical assistance. PAWS Bangkok posts calls for donations as well, with each photo detailing the medical challenges of each dog or cat.

To donate to their causes and help furry friends in need, you can go online and choose if you’re donating once or monthly. Those interested in adopting can also view the animals looking for a home on Facebook and Instagram. For inquiries, you can message them on social media or email [email protected].

Location: PAWS Bangkok, Bang Chak, Phra Khanong, Bangkok

Headrock Dogs Rescue

Rescue, sterilization, treatment, and adoption of sick and injured dogs and puppies are at the core of Headrock Dogs Rescue’s mission. Aside from rescuing animals, they have established a Healing Centre where dogs can recover and rehabilitate, after which they are free to roam around. Since some dogs aren’t healthy enough to be adopted, they need sponsorship to cover veterinary bills, food, and the special care they need. You can sponsor a dog or donate to Headrock which will help their cause enormously.

For adoption, they aim to rehome dogs in couples to make it easier for them to adjust to their new environment. If you’re interested in adopting, they advise you to think carefully and make sure you’re ready for the commitment. To get started, you can view the dogs for adoption and get in touch with them to discuss the process.

Location: Headrock Dogs Rescue, 71, Tambon Pong Prasart, Bang Saphan Noi District, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77140, Thailand

Soi Dog Foundation

Soi Dog’s work is focused on spaying and neutering, rescue, vaccination, medical treatment, and adoption of animals. Aside from these causes, the foundation also campaigns for animal rights in Asia which includes fighting against the Asian dog meat trade.

There are different ways you can help Soi Dog and further their work with stray animals. You can donate to a specific cause such as ending the dog meat trade or make a general donation. In addition to donating, you can also sponsor a dog or a cat which helps provide shelter, food, medicine, and veterinary care to all animals under their care, including the one you chose to sponsor.

Since caring for a pet is a lifelong commitment, Soi Dog encourages those who are interested in adopting to answer their list of questions (covering your ability to provide what your pet needs, if your home is suitable, can you help your pet settle in) before starting the process. Review their FAQS thoroughly and once you’re ready, you can fill up an inquiry form or email [email protected].

Location: Soi Dog Foundation, 167/9 Moo 4, Soi Mai Khao 10, Tambon Mai Khao, Amphur Thalang, Phuket