In November 2024, we were thrilled to announce the launch of WVS Cambodia with a team working to improve animal welfare in Phnom Penh and beyond.
WVS Cambodia came about following a long-standing partnership with local NGO, Animal Rescue Cambodia (ARC) which was established in 2016 on a mission to end suffering for dogs and cats in Cambodia.
Under WVS Cambodia, we now operate three impactful projects in Cambodia:
Community Clinic/Shelter (formerly ARC)
Mission Rabies Cambodia
International Training Centre (ITC)
A need for change
Animal welfare is still at its infancy in Cambodia, and animals are often considered as a nuisance, food, or as property. There is a lack of knowledge and understanding about how to care for animals, and consequently there are high rates of abuse and neglect, and dogs and cats are often sold for meat.
WVS Cambodia is working to change this by delivering high-quality veterinary care to animals in need, providing training opportunities for veterinary professionals, and through community engagement.
WVS Cambodia is based in Phnom Penh, but the team’s reach is much greater - getting care to where it is most needed through targeted outreach programmes. Whether a training course for vets, vaccination drive, or a large-scale sterilisation campaign, we help animals who have no access to care. WVS Cambodia is also committed to delivering community engagement programmes focused on addressing animal welfare issues and improving awareness around rabies prevention.
Community Clinic/Shelter
The community clinic/shelter, located in Cambodia’s capital city Phnom Penh, is a hub for large scale spay/neuter, TNVR (Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return) and pagoda missions, as well as treating sick and injured animals – especially homeless cats and dogs and guarded animals of those who cannot afford veterinary care. The focus lies on pre-sheltering to provide impactful assistance to as many animals and their owners/guardians as possible - without becoming an overwhelmed shelter. The dedicated team ensures that each patient receives the love, kindness, and high-quality care they deserve.
Every year, on average, the vet team performs 1,500 sterilisations, administers 2,500 vaccinations, provides medical care to 5,000 animals, and places 100 cats/dogs in forever or foster homes.
Homeless kitten Basil was brought to WVS Cambodia with a nasty eye infection causing him a lot of pain. Thankfully, he received the expert care he needed to relieve his suffering. Additionally, he was neutered, received life-saving vaccinations, a microchip for future identification, and important anti-parasite treatment. Basil, now Soybean, is feeling much better now and is in the process of finding his forever home in Phnom Penh.
During our recent outreach project in Kampot, the WVS Cambodia veterinary team performed 128 dog spay/neuters, administered 119 core vaccines and 113 rabies vaccines, gave 123 anti-parasite treatments, and 20 additional medical treatments – all helping to create a happier and healthier animal population in this community.
Mission Rabies Cambodia
Through our Mission Rabies project, we are working to protect communities from this deadly disease which takes a life every nine minutes worldwide. In September 2019, a pilot rabies vaccination campaign took place in Chbar Ampov and Mean Chey districts of Phnom Penh province with over 5,400 dogs vaccinated in just ten days. This pilot project of Mission Rabies Cambodia provided valuable data for the 2023 city-wide campaign, where over 75,000 dogs were vaccinated across Phnom Penh and Kandal provinces, a huge step forward for rabies control in the country.
In 2024, we returned for an even bigger project, and alongside our fantastic local partners, over 229,000 dogs received vaccinations for rabies in two weeks - across the provinces of Phnom Penh, Kandal, and Battambang. This makes it Asia’s biggest rabies vaccination drive to date. This crucial campaign was made possible thanks to close collaboration with many dedicated and knowledgeable partners.
Besides mass dog vaccination campaigns, this holistic program includes IBCM (integrated bite case management) - where we provide dog bite case assistance, as well as rabies education.
Through this project, we are not only protecting the animals vaccinated, but whole communities.
International Training Centre (ITC)
Only by empowering local veterinary professionals, and local communities, can we achieve long-lasting change for animals.
Currently in motion is the building of a new WVS International Training Centre (ITC) at the Royal University of Agriculture (RUA) campus, which will offer world-class training for vets and other veterinary professionals.
The training programmes, which will involve close cooperation with veterinary universities and institutes, will provide veterinarians and vet students with a valuable opportunity to improve their skills in spay/neuter surgery and learn best practice in animal welfare. This is crucial for sustainably improving the lives of animals, focusing on dogs.
Make a difference for animals worldwide
Donate
We are working to create a kinder world for animals around the world. Where every animal has access to veterinary care in their time of need, and we need your help to reach even more animals. Give a life-saving donation today.
Fundraise
Whether you lace up your running shoes or leap into the sky you will be helping to create a brighter future for animals around the world. Our fundraisers are vital in our mission, and we will be with you every step of the way. Get involved.
Volunteer
By volunteering you can ensure animals have access to the love and care they deserve. Most of our trips run all year round to our projects or to partner charities with lots of amazing destinations to choose from. Find out more.