Our Mission...

To improve the lives of the domestic animals of Mauritius and to rescue the population of stray dogs and cats in a humane way.

Our Vision...

Our vision is that Mauritius will, one day, be also known as a paradise for animals.

Our Milestones...

PAWS was founded in July 1999 by a small group of animal lovers who were very troubled by the terrible condition of domestic and stray dogs and cats on the island.  We were also distressed by the population’s ignorance in matters of pet care, and the lack of access to veterinary care when they did seek help.

1999-2001 Initially, we concentrated on helping wounded and sick animals around the island, and on rehoming abandoned animals.  PAWS volunteers tried to find homes for puppies and kittens, but more animals were brought to us every day.  We were facing the sad reality of the overpopulation of dogs and cats in Mauritius, and we realised we could never find good homes for all of them.

2001-2002 In 2001, we were strongly advised by WSPA (The World Society for the Protection of Animals), IAR (International Animal Rescue) and the Marchig Animal Welfare Trust, to go the root of the problem, to reduce the number of animals born.  They advised us to concentrate our resources on sterilising, rather than rehoming, and on educating the public on how to take better care of their pets so that they did not become strays.  In the first 2 years, PAWS sterilised 1,300 dogs and cats, largely with the help of two local veterinarians, working at weekends.

2002-2004 In June 2002, we took delivery of a new mobile clinic, donated by WSPA and the Marchig Animal Welfare Trust, and with the help of foreign vets about 4 months of the year, we sterilised 3,271 dogs and cats in 3 years.  PAWS was awarded the MACOSS (Mauritian Council of Social Service) Outstanding NGO Award in 2003.

2005 In 2005, we were very fortunate to have the sponsorship of Laureate Investments, a Mauritian offshore company, and we were able to employ two full-time vets for the first time.  In 2005, we sterilised 3,416 dogs and cats.

2006 In 2006, Laureate Investments donated two new mobile clinic/caravans (each with the space for two vets) and four pick-up trucks to pull the caravans and transport staff, animals and their owners.  Laureate Investments also sponsored the salaries of 5 expatriate veterinarians and the salaries of 20 support staff.  In 2006, PAWS sterilised 12,004 dogs and cats!

2007 In 2007, we made a series of 14 thirteen-minute films on pet care.  These films are a very important tool in promoting animal welfare in the Mauritian context.  The series has been broadcast on MBC1, MBC2, MBC3 and Knowledge Channel, and we show the films in schools, social centres and at all PAWS events.

2008 As from January 2008, PAWS has received support and major sponsorship for its Sterilisation Campaign from the Ministry of Tourism.  PAWS was awarded 2nd Most Outstanding NGO in the Environment Category of the MACOSS National NGO Award 2008.  Since 2008, we have given priority to animals in distress while still sterilising as many animals as possible.

2009 In January 2009, PAWS opened its Animal Care Clinic in Floréal, which is much more accessible to people living in the North, West and Centre, than our HQ in Mahébourg.  In June 2009, we opened the PAWS Charity Shop at the Caudan with the CSR project of the caudan Waterfront.  This is the first Charity Shop in Mauritius, and aims to raise funds by selling affordable Pet Care products and PAWS merchandise. 

2000-2009 Since 2000, PAWS has sterilised more than 39,000 dogs and cats and treated and rescued more than 30,000 animals.

Vets needed to work with PAWS

We are always looking for volunteer vets, to work in our clinics and mobile clinics all over the island, for a minimum of 6 months and preferably for one year.
Experience in mass sterilisation campaigns is an advantage.
Vets: International accreditation qualification, at least four years experience, must be flexible and can work under pressure and who can lead a team.