Animal Wellness Trust Sri Lanka: A Sanctuary Changing the Lives of Hundreds of Dogs

ByOlga Bartkova

At the end of our journey through Sri Lanka, filled with impressions from our visit to the sea turtle rescue center in Habaraduwa, we decided to dedicate our last afternoon to something that would show us a completely different side of Sri Lanka. Not just natural beauty and beaches, but a place where stories of hope, patience, and love for animals are written every day. Animal Wellness Trust Sri Lanka was our final stop—and as it turned out, the most important one.

From Turtles to Dogs: Why We Decided to Visit This Shelter

After our visit to the turtle rescue center, where we learned how human ignorance and the tourism industry threaten the lives of these ancient creatures, we wanted to see what animal protection looks like “on the other side”—where it’s about the daily struggle for survival of hundreds of abandoned dogs and cats. Animal Wellness Trust Sri Lanka was recommended to us as a place that not only rescues animals but does so with such organization and heart that it cannot be ignored. So one morning, we set off from our beach hotel toward the east, to the gates of the shelter, behind which awaited more than 300 canine destinies.

The Situation of Abandoned and Stray Dogs in Sri Lanka

According to the Sri Lanka Animal Welfare Association, the number of abandoned dogs in the country is estimated at 2 to 3 million, with some sources reporting up to 6.2 million. These dogs often live in harsh conditions, malnourished, injured, or sick, and only about 60% of puppies survive their first year of life. Without veterinary care, the most common problems among these dogs include:

1. Skin Diseases

Many stray dogs suffer from severe skin rashes, itching, infections, or hair loss. These are often neglected parasitic or bacterial skin problems. We saw these dogs in many places, even right at Sigiriya.

2. Open Wounds and Infections

Deep body wounds are common, resulting from accidents, fights with other dogs, or abuse. Without treatment, these wounds become infected and cause further complications.

3. Broken Limbs

Many dogs have broken limbs, mainly due to traffic accidents, which are very common with the large number of freely roaming dogs.

4. Malnutrition and Starvation

A large part of the stray dog population suffers from starvation and malnutrition, leading to weakened immunity and increased susceptibility to diseases.

5. High Risk of Rabies

Rabies is still a significant problem in Sri Lanka, especially among unvaccinated stray dogs. Organizations regularly conduct vaccination campaigns, but coverage is insufficient.

The government is trying to address this issue through a national strategic plan to eliminate rabies transmitted by dogs by 2026 and completely eradicate the disease by 2030. 2 billion LKR (Sri Lankan rupees) have been allocated for the sterilization and vaccination of the stray dog population, but the problem remains enormous and requires a systematic and long-term approach.

I would like to add a personal impression and experience: in the capital city of Colombo, the situation is different from other regions. The number of abandoned dogs is incomparably smaller. Also, compared to southern India, which I traveled through ten years ago, Sri Lankan dogs are visibly better off. Of course, India is also undergoing dramatic changes for the better.

Arrival: A Great First Impression

When the shelter gate opened, the first thing that struck us was the sound. Dozens of dogs of similar size and color barked, some just sat quietly and watched us with curious eyes. It was like entering another world—a world that, while full of poverty and suffering, was also filled with incredible energy and hope.

We were greeted by a young employee from Sri Lanka with good English. He explained that most of the dogs here come from the region where they had spent years without care, often injured, hungry, and abandoned.

Tour of the Shelter: Organized Chaos

The Animal Wellness Trust Sri Lanka shelter is spread over a large area where everything has its place. The enclosures were divided according to the size and health condition of the dogs. The cleanliness of the enclosures, with almost no feces, indicated the thorough organization of the staff.

We passed by quarantine kennels where dozens of small puppies were jumping around. It was a heart-wrenching sight… We visited the veterinary clinic with quality equipment, followed by the kitchen where food was being prepared for all the shelter’s residents. Every day, hundreds of dogs and cats are fed there. Some of them have been living here for years but are still waiting for their home. The cat section was smaller but equally well-equipped. Although there were fewer cats, it was clear that they were not neglected in any way.

The most important thing is that they feel safe here. Many of them have never known human affection. They are learning it here.

Funding: The Invisible Heroine Named Brigitte Bardot

When we asked how the shelter manages such expenses, we received the answer: Brigitte Bardot Foundation (FBB). It was symbolic for us that during our stay in Sri Lanka, this icon of the fight for animal rights left us forever. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank her for everything she did for them.

What is the Brigitte Bardot Foundation?

The Brigitte Bardot Foundation was founded in 1986 by the famous French actress and activist Brigitte Bardot, who became an icon in the fight for animal rights. Its main mission is to protect animals and improve their living conditions worldwide. FBB is primarily funded by public donations, bequests, and private donors. In 2021, its budget was approximately 10 million euros, which were used for various projects, including sterilization, vaccination, and shelter support.

How Does the Brigitte Bardot Foundation Work?

  • Support for Shelters and Rescue Projects: The Brigitte Bardot Foundation funds shelters for dogs, cats, and other animals, including sterilization, vaccination, and veterinary care.
  • Protection of Wild Animals: The Foundation supports projects to protect endangered species, such as tigers, leopards, elephants, and sea turtles.
  • Education and Awareness: It conducts awareness campaigns in schools and the public to increase knowledge of animal rights.

Support for Animal Wellness Trust Sri Lanka

FBB supports Animal Wellness Trust Sri Lanka financially and materially, which includes:

  • Funding for sterilization and vaccination of animals.
  • Contributions to the construction and maintenance of the shelter.
  • Support for educational programs for local residents on animal care.
  • Assistance with organizing adoption programs and campaigns to improve the living conditions of animals in Sri Lanka.
  • In the past, the foundation funded the sterilization of 2,000 dogs in Colombo and its surroundings.

The Beginnings of the Shelter and the Story That Changed Everything

The story of Animal Wellness Trust Sri Lanka began in 2017 when Dr. Krishanthi Rondon Fuentes and Hector Rondon Fuentes, both long-time figures in international humanitarian organizations, encountered the alarming situation of abandoned dogs and cats around Galle Face Green in Colombo. These animals survived only on food scraps from visitors and many were in very poor health. The couple began feeding, treating, and gradually taking the animals to safety. The number of rescued animals quickly grew—exceeding a hundred—which led to the establishment of the official organization Animal Wellness Trust Sri Lanka in 2019.

Amy – The Dog Who Became the Symbol of the Shelter

One of the first dogs they rescued was a young female named Amy—emaciated, sick, but with an incredibly gentle nature and an unbelievable will to live. Her rescue became a personal turning point for the couple. After treatment, Amy fully recovered and became not only a member of their family but also a symbol of the entire organization—representing everything that Animal Wellness Trust Sri Lanka stands for: a new beginning, hope, and safety for animals that find themselves on the street without help.

Amy’s Haven – A Place That Bears Her Name

In honor of Amy and as a way to ensure long-term funding for the shelter, the unique project Amy’s Haven – a boutique beach hotel in Wadduwa was created. All profits from the hotel go to the operation of the home for dogs and cats in Bandaragama, which the couple built on a five-acre plot. It is a unique model where tourists directly fund the care of hundreds of animals through their stay, and the hotel has also become a benchmark for sustainable and ethical tourism in the region.

How Can You Help?

If the story of Animal Wellness Trust Sri Lanka has touched you, here are ways to get involved—even without traveling to Sri Lanka:

  1. Financial Support
    • One-time donation via PayPal. Just contact the founder Hector Rondon Fuentes (WhatsApp, email).
    • Sponsor a Dog (10 USD/month) – contributes to extra care, medicine, and toys.
  2. Volunteering
    • The program is open to everyone over 18, including students.
    • What to expect? Working with dogs, maintaining the area, helping with feeding—and unforgettable experiences.
  3. Remote Adoption
    • “Adopt” a dog and receive regular updates on their progress.
  4. Sustainable Tourism
    • Amy’s Haven: Eco-friendly beach villas whose profits go to the shelter. Ideal for those who want to combine a holiday with a good deed.

Small Steps Change the World

We left Animal Wellness Trust Sri Lanka with the feeling that we had seen a place where every day, a fight is waged for a better life for hundreds of animals. And most importantly—we could be part of this story. If you have the opportunity, visit the shelter. If not, even a small financial contribution or sharing their story can help. Because, as we found out, even 10 USD a month can change the life of one dog.

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