Cayo Animal Welfare Society

Improve the lives of dogs and cats in Belize while also helping with education efforts that inspire animal kindness. 

CAWS’ mission is to compassionately and responsibly create a better life for animals through education, health care and maintenance.

How do they do it?

The Cayo Animal Welfare Society has a three-pronged approach: To engage the hearts, hands, and minds of the community, to kindly create a more humane world for animals, and to think progressively to improve the lives of animals. They do this by conducting community education programs, facilitating low-cost spay and neuter clinics, working with local businesses for endorsement, working with the local government and other animal welfare groups, and administering grants that support the CAWS mission. Examples of community education programs include going into local primary schools to teach kids about kindness toward animals.

CAWS is a completely volunteer-based non-profit in practice, with all funds and supplies going to better the lives of dogs and cats in the Cayo district of Belize.

Why is it important?

In Belize, the number of stray dogs and cats is increasing. These unwanted pets are left to roam the streets without access to proper food, shelter, and basic care, and are forced to fend for themselves. This problem is only getting worse, as these stray dogs and cats continue to reproduce.

How you can #TravelKindly

• Choose the Cayo Animal Welfare Society as your local charity when you book your hotel.
• Volunteer with the Cayo Animal Welfare Society while visiting Belize. CAWS is always looking for volunteers to help walk the streets looking for starving and injured dogs and cats.
• Travelers can pack powdered puppy and kitten milk or flea and tick medication to bring to Belize for CAWS' dogs and kittens.
• Donations are accepted to CAWS via PayPal, Western Union, Atlantic Bank in Belize, and check by mail.