For more than 20 years, Soi Dog Foundation has been creating lasting change for stray dogs and cats across Asia. What began as a small grassroots effort in Phuket has grown into one of the region’s leading animal welfare organizations, helping millions of animals through rescue, sterilization, vaccination, advocacy, and education.

We’re incredibly grateful to the Soi Dog team for taking the time to share more about their mission, the realities facing stray animals across Southeast Asia, and the work they continue to do every single day to create a better future for dogs and cats in need.

What Is Soi Dog Foundation All About?

At its heart, Soi Dog Foundation exists to improve the lives of stray dogs and cats across Southeast Asia through both immediate rescue efforts and long-term systemic change.

Founded in 2003 by Gill and John Dalley alongside Margot Homburg Park, the organization has grown into one of Asia’s largest animal welfare nonprofits.

One of the foundation’s biggest focuses is humane population management through its CNVR programme (Catch, Neuter, Vaccinate, Return), which has become the largest programme of its kind in the world.

As of April 2026, Soi Dog has sterilized and vaccinated more than 1.7 million dogs and cats.

The organization explains that this work not only helps reduce suffering and overpopulation but also improves public health and creates safer communities for both animals and people.

But Soi Dog’s work extends far beyond sterilization.

The organization has also played a major role in shaping animal welfare legislation in Thailand and has become internationally recognized for its efforts to combat the dog and cat meat trade across Southeast Asia.

“What makes Soi Dog unique is its combination of large-scale, hands-on intervention with systemic change, pairing medical programmes and sheltering with legal reform and international advocacy.”

What Are the Biggest Challenges Facing Soi Dog Foundation?

Like many rescues and nonprofits, rising operational costs continue to present major challenges.

According to the Soi Dog team, fuel prices alone have increased by more than 50%, directly impacting the ability of mobile CNVR teams to travel throughout Thailand. At the same time, the costs of food, medicine, vaccines, and essential supplies continue climbing.

“That means every rescue, treatment, vaccination, and sterilisation effort now costs significantly more than before.”

Still, the organization emphasizes that public support creates an immediate and meaningful impact.

Donations help fund:

Readers can also help by:

“Every action, from a donation to a single share, plays a crucial part in improving the lives of stray animals.”

What Are Some of Soi Dog’s Biggest Accomplishments?

Over the past two decades, Soi Dog has helped create major change throughout the region.

One of the organization’s proudest milestones was helping end Thailand’s dog meat trade in 2014. Since then, the foundation has expanded its work into neighboring countries where the trade still exists, particularly Vietnam.

More recently, Soi Dog established a landmark partnership with the Vietnamese government in Hanoi aimed at helping eradicate the trade there as well.

At the same time, the organization’s CNVR programme has grown into the largest of its kind in the world.

“What started as a small local effort has grown into a movement creating real, lasting change across the region.”

The team also says they are proud of the global awareness that has grown around the realities facing stray animals in Asia.

“We’ve helped raise awareness globally about the realities street animals face in Asia, creating a stronger international community of supporters, adopters, and advocates.”

What Is the Most Rewarding Part of the Work?

For the Soi Dog team, one of the most rewarding parts of the work is witnessing the transformation animals undergo after rescue.

Many animals arrive frightened, injured, critically ill, or deeply traumatized.

“Watching them recover physically, regain confidence, and learn to trust people again is incredibly special.”

One story that especially stands out is Moo’s.

Moo arrived at Soi Dog after a brutal attack, suffering from deep slash wounds across his face and body. Through emergency surgery, months of treatment, and ongoing rehabilitation at the Gill Dalley Sanctuary, he slowly recovered.

“With support from donors and his own resilience, Moo is now on the path to finding a loving, forever home.”

The organization says moments like these are a powerful reminder of why the work matters.

And of course, adoption days are always emotional.

Last year alone, 395 dogs and cats found forever homes through Soi Dog.

“Every single adoption is a reminder of why this work matters.”

What’s Life Like at the Sanctuary?

At any given time, Soi Dog cares for more than 1,800 dogs and cats at its sanctuary in Phuket.

The days are busy, emotional, and full of personality.

When asked what a typical day looks like, the team summed it up perfectly:

“Controlled chaos… powered by compassion.”

Volunteers and staff spend their days helping with:

And despite the scale of the work, the sanctuary still has plenty of humor and heart.

When asked who really runs the sanctuary, the answer came quickly:

“The cats. Always the cats.”

As for the biggest diva?

That title apparently belongs to Ekans, a sponsor cat known for an eclectic wardrobe and an even bigger personality.

And according to the team, there’s one thing nearly every visitor ends up doing before they leave:

“Falling in love.”

How Can People Visit or Get Involved?

For travelers visiting Phuket, volunteering at Soi Dog is often described as one of the most meaningful experiences of their trip.

Visitors can:

The organization says many volunteers return again and again—and some even stay far longer than originally planned.

“It’s often described as one of the most meaningful things people do while in Phuket.”

Readers interested in supporting or learning more about Soi Dog Foundation can donate, volunteer, sponsor an animal, or learn more through Soi Dog Foundation, and follow on Instagram and Facebook.