Supporting Pet Rescue

Dumaguete Animal Sanctuary: A Lifeline for Strays in the Philippines

Welcome to the dedicated page for Dumaguete Animal Sanctuary, also known by the acronym DAS, a beacon of hope for stray and neglected animals in Dumaguete, Philippines. At Winsome Cats and Dogs, we are thrilled to partner with this incredible organization and share their heartwarming mission with you. The work they do is not only inspiring but essential for the wellbeing of countless furry friends. Here's a closer look at their amazing efforts and the vital need for support.

The Heart of Dumaguete Animal Sanctuary

Founded in June 2019 by Christine Askew and Robie Bernardo, Dumaguete Animal Sanctuary (DAS) was born out of a deep compassion for neglected, abused, and abandoned animals in the region. What started as a rented shelter site has grown into a thriving sanctuary, thanks to the generosity of public donations and the dedication of a small but mighty team. Today, DAS is home to over 180 dogs, cared for by four full-time caretakers and eleven veterinary assistants and helpers. Their mission? To rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome as many animals as possible, giving them a second chance at life.

Why a New Sanctuary is Vital

Despite their incredible efforts, the current rented sanctuary is bursting at the seams, turning away desperate animals daily due to lack of space. Overcrowding poses severe challenges, from controlling infectious diseases to providing adequate care for special-needs animals.
Thankfully, DAS has found a new 2.8-hectare property in Zamboanguita, where they can expand their operations and transform animal welfare in the community.
With your support, they can create a safe, permanent home for even more rescues, allowing them to thrive in a spacious, healthy environment.

Building a Brighter Future: The Vision for DAS

The vision for the new sanctuary is ambitious yet profoundly impactful. Imagine a space that can accommodate 500 additional dogs and cats, a free clinic with volunteer overseas vets, and specialized care facilities like a Rehabilitation Center and Special Needs Home. Senior dogs will enjoy comfortable quarters, while aggressive dogs will receive behavioral rehabilitation to help them find forever homes. The sanctuary will also include an Isolation Area for distemper cases, a Teaching Hospital for trainee vets, and an Education Center to promote responsible pet ownership. And that's not all—an Agility Course, Cat Cafe, and even an Airbnb for tourists are part of the plan, making DAS a community hub for animal lovers from around the world.

Your Support Makes a Difference

Dumaguete Animal Sanctuary relies solely on donations to continue their life-saving work. By supporting DAS, you're not just helping animals in need, you're contributing to a brighter, kinder world. Every donation, big or small, goes directly towards improving the lives of these animals, providing them with medical care, shelter, and a loving environment.
We at Winsome Cats and Dogs are committed to donating 1% of our profits to DAS, but they need your help too. Visit their website, www.dumagueteanimalsanctuary.com, to learn more and consider making a donation.
Together, we can make a real difference.