Soi Dog Foundation: Saving Dogs and Changing Lives

The Soi Dog Foundation is a non-profit organization that has been making a significant impact in Thailand and beyond. Founded in 2003, it has grown into one of the largest animal welfare organizations in the region.

The foundation's mission is to improve the welfare of dogs and cats in Asia, and it has been successful in reducing the number of stray animals on the streets of Thailand. By working with local communities and governments, Soi Dog has implemented Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs and provided medical care to thousands of animals.

Soi Dog's efforts have also led to the establishment of a shelter and rehabilitation center, where animals receive medical treatment and are socialized for adoption. The foundation's work has not only improved the lives of animals but also changed the lives of people in the community.

Soi Dog Foundation was founded in 2003 by a trio of compassionate individuals, including American-born Margot Homburg Park and British couple John and Gill Dalley.

They were motivated by the appalling situation of stray dogs in Thailand and decided to take action to end their suffering. In 2003, the trio established Soi Dog Foundation by opening a clinic and recruiting veterinarians on a volunteer basis to take care of homeless dogs.

Their name, Soi Dog, is derived from the Thai word "soi", meaning "street" or "alley", which reflects their focus on street animals.

John Dalley, a retired chemical engineer from Leeds, England, was initially not involved in animal rights but was moved by the plight of stray dogs in Thailand.

Soi Dog's early efforts involved neutering and vaccinating stray dogs, with tens of thousands of animals receiving these essential services every year.

By 2023, the foundation had surpassed the milestone of one million animals neutered since its inception in 2003.

Margot had to return to Bangkok in 2006 due to ill health, leaving Gill and John to lead the foundation.

Soi Dog's vaccination efforts have led to remarkable results, including just one confirmed case of rabies in Phuket since 1995, with the exception of a case in 2019.

A permanent clinic was opened in Bangkok in 2011, further expanding the foundation's reach and services.

In 2005, Humane Society International provided Soi Dog with a significant grant of $10,000 for rabies vaccination efforts.

Soi Dog's humane education programme, launched in 2017, has already reached an impressive 15,058 students and 861 teachers by 2020.

Here's an interesting read: Feral Dog vs Stray Dog

Soi Dog Foundation's primary mission is to improve the welfare of stray dogs and cats in Asia, particularly in Thailand.

They focus on making a significant impact in this region, where many animals are in need of care and attention.

The foundation's efforts are crucial in providing a better life for these animals, and it's wonderful to see the positive change they're bringing about.

At the Soi Dog Foundation, the primary mission is to improve the welfare of stray dogs and cats in Asia, particularly in Thailand. They focus on making a positive impact in this region.

Their work involves helping stray dogs and cats, with a special emphasis on Thailand.

The foundation's efforts are centered around improving the lives of these animals, which is a commendable goal.

Spay/neuter is a crucial part of animal welfare efforts, and Soi Dog is leading the way. They have eighteen mobile spay/neuter and vaccination clinics across Thailand.

Their primary focus is on the Catch, Neuter, Vaccinate, Return (CNVR) programme. This programme is a game-changer for stray animal populations.

Between 2003 and 2020, the stray animal population of Phuket was reduced by about 90%. This is a remarkable achievement.

Soi Dog has surpassed the milestone of one million animals neutered and vaccinated since 2003. As of April 2024, they had neutered and vaccinated 1,177,730 dogs and cats.

Their CNVR programme is the largest of its kind in the world, making a significant impact on animal welfare.

Poppy's Rescue Story is a heartwarming reminder of the impact of Soi Dog's work. Poppy was emaciated, extremely ill, and covered in fleas and ticks when she arrived at the Soi Dog Foundation.

The team at Soi Dog assessed her and started a treatment plan which saved her life. It was unclear if she would survive. Thanks to their efforts, Poppy is now a happy and healthy dog who has found her forever home.

Soi Dog's spay and neuter program, CNVR (Catch, Neuter, Vaccinate, Return), is at the forefront of its operations in Thailand. This program aims to reduce the number of animals born into a life of suffering and abuse or neglect, eliminate rabies, and stop the spread of other infectious diseases.

Soi Dog's presence on Phuket has seen the stray dog population reduced by over 90% in 19 years. This is a remarkable achievement that has also contributed to the island reporting only 1 confirmed case of canine rabies since 1995.

Soi Dog has carried out spay/neuter and vaccination in various locations around the country, including Bangkok, where there are hundreds of thousands of street dogs.

Soi Dog has been dedicated to combating the dog and cat meat trades in Asia for over two decades.

They have rescued thousands of animals throughout their efforts, with a significant impact on Thailand's dog meat trade.

Until 2014, Thailand was a major hub for the dog meat trade, with many animals being exported to Vietnam and China.

Soi Dog's work has successfully eliminated the dog meat trade in Thailand, and they've expanded their efforts to neighbouring countries, including Cambodia, the Philippines, Vietnam, and other Southeast Asian countries.

The Soi Dog Foundation's Gill Dalley Sanctuary, located on Phuket, is home to over 1,800 former stray and at-risk dogs and cats as of April 2024.

This sanctuary serves as a safe haven for rescued animals, providing a chance for them to be rehabilitated and eventually rehomed through Soi Dog's international adoption programme.

Worth a look: Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary

Soi Dog Foundation has received support from several high-profile individuals, including British celebrities Judi Dench, Laura Carmichael, Peter Egan, Penelope Wilton, and Ricky Gervais, who launched a public campaign in 2014.

This campaign was a success, as it led to the passing of Thailand's first animal welfare bill on December 13, 2014.