Helping working animals all over the world

 

“Life is as dear to a mute creature as it is to man. Just as one wants happiness and fears pain, just as one wants to live and not die, so do other creatures”

—The Dalai Lama

Our Mission

 

Every day, thousands of animals are overworked, abused and injured through inhumane hard labour.

They’re often forced to carry heavy loads for farming, festivals, or construction, weights well beyond their capacity, or used unethically in tourism. The animals work in punishing environments, given little to no rest and work with painful harnessing and untreated wounds. They are also frequently without adequate water and nutrition.

Since 2007, Animal Aid Abroad has been dedicated to improving the lives of working animals, particularly in the poorest communities in the world.  Our first priority is always direct intervention to relieve suffering and abuse.

We partner with local organisations to provide veterinary clinics to treat sick and injured working animals, educate local communities, and provide much needed shelter, food, water, medical supplies, and care to suffering animals.


What We Do

We envision a world… where every working animal lives a life free from suffering and is treated with respect and compassion.

We contribute to bettering animal’s lives in four different ways

Treat

Equip

Rescue

Educate


Our Impact

Animal Aid Abroad partners with local animal welfare groups in many developing countries to provide free veterinary care to sick and injured working animals, as well as working with communities to improve animal welfare through education and training.


We also pride ourselves in complete transparency and full disclosure to the general public.

Want to know more? Discover more about what we do and hopefully answer the questions you might have about us!

Words From Our Supporters

  • Connie Kokkinis - Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

    As a long-time member of AAA, I’ve seen firsthand how considered and transparent they are with donations – clearly outlining what projects the funds are assisting and providing thorough updates on the tremendous impact they have on the animals and their communities. The team at AAA are passionate and have built meaningful, lasting relationships with the organisations they support.

  • Graeme McElligott - Canberra, ACT, Australia

    I have been volunteering with Animal Aid Abroad for several years now, first manning stalls at local markets and the like and lately assisting with maintaining the AAA website. It's been a great experience getting a first-hand look at the work that AAA does and how much of a genuine difference it makes in the countries where AAA's assistance is given. One of the absolute highlights is being able to talk directly with the people on the ground in our partnering organisations and hearing about both the great work they are doing as well as how much of a positive difference AAA's help makes. And of course seeing how ma wonderful people out there donate to and support AAA's program.

  • Bijaya Kumar Kabi - Director, APOWA, Odisha, India

    Our partnership with Animal Aid Abroad has made a significant impact on the lives of countle animals and made a lasting impact in poor communities that rely heavily on working animals in Odisha state in India.

  • Denise Schokman - Perth, WA, Australia

    This is my second overseas trip with Animal Aid Abroad to see first hand the work of their partners. Animals do not have politicians to support them so it is left to “ordinary” people to do our bit to help the ones who need assistance. We raise the funds, but the important work is carried on in countries, particularly in India in various sanctuaries, by dedicated people living there, which is wonderful to see. The workers, and the veterinary surgeons are genuinely compassionate and tender when dealing with animals who have been illtreated, hurt or discarded. What I saw recently in these places were animals who are happy and contented in their “forever home”, and I am proud to be involved in an Association like Animal Aid Abroad, led by koi our founder Janet, who has been the driving force.

  • Linda and Michael Fogg - Perth, WA, Australia

    We donate to Animal Aid Abroad, because it helps working animals in countries where animal welfare is not an affordable option for so many and gives care to the animals by providing veterinary care and refuge if needed and also helps educate the owners on how best to look after their working animals. We’ve been supporting this group for many years because we see their amazing results month after month, year after year.

  • Elizabeth Cunningham - Perth, WA, Australia

    Thank you for arranging this amazing trip, Janet. It provided some of us newbies an opportunity to see the important work that Animal Aid Abroad is doing in India, as well as the chance to meet a wonderful group of people who share a common passion for animal welfare. And Janet, you are truly an inspiration!

  • Timmie Kumar - Managing Trustee Help in Suffering
Jaipur, India

    Animal Aid Abroad (AAA) has been a phenomenal partner to Help In Suffering (HIS) for over eight years. Their support for our camel welfare and our equine program, encompassing treatment, equipment, education, and rescue, has saved countless lives and made a lasting impact on animal welfare in our region. We at Help in Suffering is incredibly grateful for their unwavering commitment.

  • Amber Veeg - Perth, WA, Australia

    As a long-time, regular donor to AAA, I am 100 per cent satisfied that my donations goes to help animals in need. Always accountable. Thank you AAA.

  • Barbara Stephenson - Perth, WA, Australia

    I’ve been a member and volunteer of Animal Aid Abroad Inc over many years. The work they do is extraordinary. The impact and improvement on the lives of animals is enormous. Knowing every dollar goes where it’s needed is both satisfying and reassuring.

  • Hesther Levy- Founder & CEO Zambia Working Donkey Project,
Livingstone, Zambia

    Animal Aid Abroad have provided support for our mobile clinics and rescue donkeys for almost 6 years, and have become a crucial partner in our work to improve the quality of life for working donkeys in Zambia. We truly value the insights and support from Janet and her team, and are inspired by their dedication to the many animal welfare organisations they support globally.

  • Paul Silatto - Sydney, NSW, Australia

    I am a long-time donor and volunteer to Animal Aid Abroad. Reading the reports and seeing the pictures of the animals treated by the Partner Groups has reaffirmed my commitment to keep supporting this charity. Their dedication, compassion and accountability of funds makes every dollar donated feel like a direct contribution to real change for these Working Animals. My volunteering work for Animal Aid Abroad has been rewarding, knowing that the work and time that has been put into fundraising directly assisting Working Animals in developing countries, makes it feel worthwhile. Being part of this charity that genuinely cares and is committed to helping these animals makes me feel vindicated belonging to this team.

  • Nina Ley - Grants Manager
Nowzad, Afghanistan

    Nowzad is hugely grateful for its partnership with Animal Aid Abroad over the past several years, helping us to extend vital support to the many vulnerable horses and donkeys in Afghanistan. The partnership feels like a powerful force for animal welfare in a country where there are virtually no welfare standards. Countless resources have gone into rescuing, caring for and rehabilitating hundreds of working animals across the country, and all thanks to AAA and its incredible network of supporters.

  • Pramada Shah - Founder of Animal Nepal
Nepal

    Since 2009, Animal Aid Abroad and its kind sponsors have been a lifeline for working animals in Nepal, providing crucial support for the rescue and rehabilitation of donkeys, horses, and mules saved from the harsh conditions of the brick and trekking industries. Their generous commitment has enabled Animal Nepal's Dukuchhap Animal Sanctuary—Nepal’s only sanctuary for working and farmed animals—to offer these rescued animals a safe haven where they receive proper nutrition, veterinary care, and the freedom to live without suffering. Thanks to Animal Aid Abroad, many animals who once endured extreme hardship now have the chance to heal and thrive. Their dedication to improving the welfare of working animals is truly invaluable, and we are immensely grateful for their ongoing support. Thank you for giving these animals the second chance they deserve!

  • Gypsy Wulff - Perth, WA, Australia

    When I discovered Janet’s work I was eager to support it in any way I possibly could. Working animals around the world suffer great hardships and the outreach Janet has created is so deeply needed and based on genuine care for the animals involved. The longer I have been supporting AAA, the more I appreciate and admire the wonderful work being done to relieve the suffering of working animals all over the globe. It is one of my number one charitable organisations.

  • Carolyn Walker - Greene, NY, USA

    I am a yearly donor and an avid follower on Instagram and witness the role Animal Aid Abroad play daily in the healing and education to ending the suffering of animals, that is why I will continue to not only follow you but also contribute to your efforts to helping animals live long health, peaceful, tranquil lives on earth. I know together we can accomplish this. Please keep up the amazing work you are doing.

  • Mona Muth - Berlin, Germany

    I support Animal Aid Abroad for 10 years now. In 2015, I went on vacation to Gili Islands and saw a monkey chained to a tree with a short rope, next to my hotel. I contacted a local animal protection organization and with the help of Animal Aid Abroad they freed the monkey and brought it to a sanctuary. One year later I came back for vacation and the monkey luckily wasn’t there anymore. I am very thankful for their effort and think the team is doing a great job!

  • Sally McMillan - Tasmania, Australia

    I have been a financial supporter of AAA since 2010. As a passionate animal advocate, AAA aligns with my values to assist and treat working animals who are injured, abused, neglected or suffering. A benevolent organization, AAA raises awareness and educates less fortunate people on how to care for and treat the animals they are reliant upon. AAA has always acted with transparency and integrity.

  • Tova Pinsky - Colorado, USA

    Donating to Animal Aid Abroad allows me to be a part of their incredible work, no matter where I am in the world. Their impact is global, and I'm proud to be a part of that mission.

  • Maria O’Connell - Toronto, Canada

    I support AAA because the organization is small and nimble. Feedback about how dollars are spent is regular and easy to follow. I know where and how my donations are used and are spent as intended. Precious dollars spent on admin appear reasonable. Love that my donations directly help animals and support those caring for their animals.

  • Franklin Hynes - Perth, WA, Australia

    There are so many animal funds in the world and I have so little money. That’s why I donate to Animal Aid Abroad. I know they are trustworthy and that all money is wisely spent to ensure the best outcome for long suffering working animals. The forgotten ones.

  • Marianne Holm - Skaane Laen, Sweden

    I support Animal Aid Abroad because they reach out to many animals in need all over the world. They do this in the most successful way through cooperating with local animal welfare groups.

  • Jon Wallhouse - London, UK

    I support Animal Aid Abroad due to their unwavering efforts to reduce (if not stop) inhumane cruelty to working animals. No animal should be treated badly or cruelly especially when helping humans and I am proud to support Janet and AAA in their efforts to aid working animals in living happy and cared for lives.

  • Sylvia Heijne - Margaret River, WA, Australia

    I first became affiliated with Animal Aid Abroad in 2015. I was, at that time, actively looking to join a charity that attracted my heart and soul. It became clear to me from the beginning that the work Animal Aid Abroad does, along with the people who make up its community, were an exact fit for me. Throughout the years I have been lucky enough to visit the places that Animal Aid Abroad support. I have seen first hand the incredible difference to the lives of animals and the education of people that Animal Aid Abroad has made. The Founder, Janet Thomas, is nothing short of an angel. I have never seen her quit, I have never seen her walk away, but I have seen plenty of tears. To say she cares would be an understatement. Her mission to make things better for the working animal is at the forefront of her character. I feel like I have grown spiritually throughout the time that I have spent with Janet and the group. Despite seeing and experiencing personally the cruelty and in some cases ignorance of the treatment of working animals, I will continue to give my support wherever possible to this incredible group of animal warriors.

  • Eva Turyinski - Toronto, Canada

    I support Animal Aid Abroad because I can't bear to see animals suffer and the conditions under which these animals work are horrible. Animal Aid Abroad makes a difference in the lives of these precious animals!

Ways You Can Help

Live Event

Join Our Raffle to Aid Working Animals

Support AAA’s Play for Purpose Raffle and go in the running to WIN!

Play For Purpose is an online charity raffle operated by the 50-50 Foundation on behalf of Australian charities like ours. This not-for-profit raffle is a fantastic way to support the causes you care about. Your ticket purchase directly benefits animals and provides you with a chance to win amazing prizes! ✨

Raffle is open to Australian residents aged 18+.

Your Ticket Makes a Difference

$5 from each $10 ticket goes directly to support AAA’s life-saving work for working animals. You can always purchase more to increase your chances and give even more!
There are over 395 prizes available to be won!

When’s the Draw?

Early Bird Bonus Draw Closes: 7 May
Draw Closes:
26 June

 

Read Our News and Project Updates

We regularly post articles, blogs, photos and stories from our work and projects. Here, you can read about our animals, teams, initiatives, sanctuaries and more.

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