ABOUT US
THE ISSUES
Animal welfare is still at its infancy in Cambodia. Animals are often considered as a nuisance, food, or as property. There is a lack of knowledge and understanding about how to care for animals, and consequently there are high rates of abuse and neglect, and dogs and cats are often sold for meat.
WHAT WE DO
Animal Rescue Cambodia (ARC), established in 2016, is a registered local non-profit organization. United by a joint vision, Worldwide Veterinary Service (WVS) and ARC started collaborating in 2024. Since then, ARC has been operating under the name “WVS Cambodia“.
We focus on these projects:
- Mission Rabies Cambodia => Eliminate rabies
- Vet clinic/shelter => TNVR and community engagement
- Training center => Veterinary education
Mission Rabies Cambodia
This project includes the IBCM (Integrated Bite Case Management) as well as mass rabies vaccination drive projects.
Vet clinic/shelter
Subsidized vet care and safety net programs are essential to prevent animal surrender. We are building close relationships with local communities to increase their knowledge and engage them in feeding, sterilizing and medicating the animals.
We also visit schools and community events to educate the public about responsible pet ownership, and encourage people to adopt, rather than buying from pet shops.
Training center
In Cambodia, aspiring veterinarians study for 4 years at the University of Agriculture, to receive their full qualification. The degree concentrates primarily on the care of livestock, and little is taught about dogs and cats. There are few practical lessons and we find that even after graduating, students are not able to perform simple procedures or operations.
In order to increase this standard, we train local veterinary staff in collaboration with experienced international veterinarians.
Fear Free Shelters
As of October 2023, all clinic/shelter staff and interns have successfully completed the Fear Free Shelter Program Core Modules. We are embedding fear free practices into our daily operations. Reduced stress, quicker recovery, and higher adoption rates benefit the mental health all animals who come to our shelter/clinic.
OUR IMPACT
Over the past 8 years, ARC has helped more than 160,000 animals (2016 – end of 2023).
7,400+spay/neuter |
105,600+core/rabies vaccinations |
1,400+adoption/foster placements |
OUR STORY
It all began in 2016 when our founder, Tina Mayr, spotted a terribly neglected dog living within the grounds of a high school in Phnom Penh. He was suffering from several health issues and had difficulty walking, as his fur had grown uncontrollably due to years of neglect.
Tina was truly shocked, not only by his appearance but also by the indifference of the students and their unwillingness to help the dog. She reached out to local clinics in Cambodia but the scale of the problem far overwhelmed their capacity.
Through this experience, Tina was inspired to establish Animal Rescue Cambodia, and since then we operate under the following principle:
“I used to say: ‘Somebody should do something about that.’ Then I realized, I am somebody.”
The dog, Henry, had a full recovery and became ARC’s ‘ambassadog’.
OUR TEAM
Martina (Tina) Mayr
Founder & Director
Originally, I came to Cambodia with a background in International Relations (MSc) and International Development experience. My journey towards animal welfare started in 2014 and became my life’s purpose in 2016 when I founded ARC. My goal is to change the future for Cambodian animals, assuring that all animals live with The Five Freedoms. To provide the highest organizational and shelter standards, I am currently enrolled in a prestigious Shelter Medicine Master program.
Dr. Maria Mathews
Veterinarian
Dr. Maria completed the Bachelor of Veterinary Science from India in 2017. Due to her interest in the treatment aspects of veterinary medicine, along with her masters, she completed a diploma course in therapeutic management of infectious diseases in companion animals and birds.
Dr. Maria reached Cambodia in 2023 and has been working with ARC since the beginning of 2024. She is a compassionate person who wants the best for her patients, understanding the need for sustainable, good-quality vet care in Cambodia.
Lindy Van Schalkwyk
Community Resource Manager / Adoption & Foster Coordinator
With a solid foundation in fast-paced industries as a professional chef and film production coordinator, Lindy seamlessly transitioned her skills to Cambodia in 2022. Before joining ARC in 2024, she passionately hosted numerous community-focussed events and fundraisers, showcasing her dedication to community engagement and planning. Now, Lindy’s keen eye for detail, combined with an understanding of diverse needs and situations, ensures that each family finds the perfect match.
Koemhorng Siem
Vet Nurse
Koemhorng joined ARC in November 2021. She is currently studying to get her Bachelor Degree in veterinary medicine from the Royal University of Agriculture. At ARC, Koemhorng works closely with the vet team, preparing/monitoring animals for/during surgery, administering medicine, assisting the vet and junior vets with surgery and diagnostics, as well as caring for our in-patients.
Pov Heng
Junior Vet
Pov joined ARC in November 2021. He holds a Diploma in Animal Science, and completed a 1 year veterinary internship in Israel. At ARC, Pov works closely with the vet team, preparing/monitoring animals for/during surgery, administering medicine, assisting the vet and junior vets with surgery and diagnostics, as well as caring for our in-patients.
Hasanak Foeut
IBCM Coordinator
Hasanak joined ARC in 2020 as a Coordinator in the Integrated Bite Case Management (IBCM) team. She studied English and holds a Bachelor Degree in Education from the Royal University of Phnom Penh. The IBCM team works in 14 districts in and around Phnom Penh, investigating dog bite/potential rabies cases, working with laboratories to confirm rabies cases, providing rabies ring vaccinations with partners, and educating teachers and students.
Tim Nob
IBCM Coordinator
Tim joined ARC in 2021 as a Coordinator in the Integrated Bite Case Management (IBCM) team. She studied English and Business Management at the Royal University of Phnom Penh. Together with Hasanak, Tim coordinates the efforts of the IBCM team and ensures that potential rabies cases are correctly investigated, local communities educated, rabies ring vaccinations provided, and that partnerships run smoothly.
Kunthea Sim
Housekeeper
Kunthea joined ARC in November 2017. We lovingly refer to her as our “mother of the house”. Together with Phanit, Kunthea makes sure that our center stays clean, and our furry guests have a cozy and healthy (germ-free) home. They are truly experts when it comes to clinic cleanliness, contamination control, and overall animal care. Kunthea and Phant are truly LIFESAVERS as they not only clean but also disinfect our center to prevent the spread of parasites, crawly critters, and diseases!
Phanit Choup
Housekeeper
Phanit joined ARC in August 2018. To us, she is the “good soul of the house”. Together with Kunthea, Phanit makes sure that our center stays clean, and our furry guests have a cozy and healthy (germ-free) home. They are truly experts when it comes to clinic cleanliness, contamination control, and overall animal care. Their daily duties are tough, but these two superheroes are tougher! We couldn’t do it without them!