Who We Are. What We Do.

Founded in 2022, Protecting Paws is committed to tackling the high number of stray and unwanted dogs in Bali while having regard for the welfare of these beautiful animals.

The number of homeless and abandoned dogs in Bali is reaching crisis point, with the island’s dog population growing significantly over the last few years. 

According to Bali’s Provincial Government, a record number of dogs were dumped during the pandemic, with Bali’s stray dog population growing from 570,000 dogs in 2019 to approximately 650,000 in 2021, an increase of around 13%.  These dogs are left on the street to fend for themselves and are often forced to reside in heavily populated areas and tourist precincts, within close proximity to hotels and restaurants, in order to survive. 

Stray and abandoned dogs in Bali face numerous significant challenges, including:

  • Lack of food, water, shelter and medical care, leading to chronic malnutrition, suffering and disease

  • Critically low sterilisation rates, with many thousands of unwanted puppies born each year

  • The constant threat of unnecessary cruelty, mistreatment, injury and even death, including risk of capture for the illegal dog meat trade

  • Little or no prospect of finding a home through fostering or adoption programs

Our aim is to drive long term sustainable change to Bali’s dog population through a dedicated sterilisation program.

We are currently raising funds for a permanent Sterilisation and Vaccination Centre for street and beach dogs in the Jimbaran area. 

This service will also be available for local dogs with owners who do not have the financial means to sterilise and vaccinate their pets.

  • We support local feeding programs for dogs who would otherwise face starvation, and who can present as a problem to local businesses when roaming for food.

  • We provide access to medication and veterinary care for animals who are suffering and in need.

  • We work with local shelters and rescuers for the placement of animals in need of permanent care.

  • We run education and outreach programs to promote the humane and ethical treatment of animals, drive long term societal change and improve the overall welfare of the dogs of Bali..

We are also committed to meeting the immediate needs of stray and neglected Balinese dogs to have a positive impact on their welfare and quality of life.

Listen up.

Have a listen to our interview with Andrew Hansen from ABC Melbourne for a snapshot of our purpose, story and inspirations!