A VOICE FOR THE VOICELESS

Animal Nepal is an organization dedicated to improving animal welfare across Nepal. Our vision is that of a Nepal where all animals can live free from pain, suffering, and human cruelty. We work through carefully designed interventions that include animal rescue, research, education, campaigns, and advocacy.

Our journey began in 2004, when Dutch journalist and long-term Nepal resident Lucia De Vries, together with friends Jessy, Maria, Roselle, and Jiggy, established a café and pet supply outlet in Jhamsikhel, Lalitpur. The income from this venture was used to provide treatment for sick and injured street dogs in the area. Alongside this, they organized public awareness campaigns on animal welfare and conducted annual spay/neuter camps for street dogs.

In 2008, social activist and animal advocate Pramada Shah met Lucia, and together they recognized the potential to expand their efforts. In 2009, Animal Nepal was formally registered as a non-governmental organization.

Since its establishment, Animal Nepal has launched a wide range of programs and interventions to support working animals, street dogs, rhesus monkeys, captive elephants, layer hens, farm animals, and many others. The organization is also widely recognized for its national campaigns addressing key issues such as working animal welfare, live animal transport and slaughter, elephant abuse, dog poisoning, humane zoo conditions, and religious animal sacrifice.

Animal Nepal actively engages in awareness-raising initiatives, working with school students, media representatives, and the wider public to promote compassion and responsibility toward animals. The organization also maintains a strong advocacy presence and has collaborated with the Government of Nepal to improve animal welfare standards, including contributing to the introduction of the Animal Welfare Directive in 2017.

At its core, Animal Nepal believes that animal cruelty can be reduced through a combination of education, awareness, and practical interventions. With sustained effort, Nepal has the potential to become a model country for animal welfare in the region.

Our Mission

To build a harmonious and empathetic society for all animals.

Core Values

  • Compassion for all animals
  • Non-violence
  • Integrity
  • Inclusivity and non-discrimination
  • Financial responsibility and transparency
  • Apolitical approach

Organizational Strategy

Animal Nepal’s strategy is designed to create lasting change in animal welfare by combining systemic advocacy, targeted interventions, and public engagement:

  1. Preventive Welfare Programs – Implement proactive measures such as Animal Birth Control (ABC) and rabies prevention for street animals, vaccination campaigns, and community-based interventions to reduce suffering before it occurs.
  2. Policy and Advocacy – Collaborate with government, institutions, and stakeholders to strengthen animal welfare laws, implement regulations, and influence policy at local and national levels.
  3. Direct Animal Care and Rescue – Provide emergency rescue, rehabilitation, and lifelong care for animals suffering from neglect, abuse, or exploitation.
  4. Education and Awareness – Promote empathy and responsible behavior toward animals through public campaigns, school programs, and media engagement.
  5. Capacity Building – Train and support veterinary professionals, animal caregivers, and community members to ensure high standards of animal care and welfare.
  6. Research and Evidence-Based Interventions – Conduct studies on animal welfare issues to guide programs, improve practices, and inform advocacy efforts.
  7. Community Engagement and Behavior Change – Work with communities to address human-animal conflicts, reduce cruelty, and encourage sustainable, compassionate practices.