PPAWS

About Phnom Penh Animal Welfare Society

What we do

Our primary objective is to improve the welfare of animals in Cambodia. Funded by our veterinary practice, we focus on …

Working with Pagodas

We work with monks in many of the country's pagodas, supporting them in their traditional role of caring for stray or abandoned animals who cannot care for themselves.

Spay and Neutering of Strays

We advocate and perform the de-sexing of animals as a key way to fight over-population of stray, homeless cats and dogs. This helps to decrease unnecessary animal suffering by limiting the population of strays in Phnom Penh, and preventing unwanted litters.

Finding homes for animals that need extra care

We are not a rescue center. However, certain animals with serious conditions require special veterinary care which we provide, and then offer housing until we are able to find a fur-ever home.

Educate about Animal Welfare & responsible Pet ownership

We attend pagodas, schools, universities to teach about responsible pet ownership, and animal welfare requirements to the greater public.

What we Offer

Veterinary Services

We have a number of full time vets who provide quality and very affordable care for your pets no matter what they may need.

Animal Welfare Guidance

Training is a key part of what we do; we welcome opportunities to attend public event to educate the public about animal welfare and responsible pet ownership.

Animal Welfare Missions

Working together with animal lovers across Cambodia, we attend charitable missions at pagodas and in the provinces to offer free healthcare to animals in need.

Our History

Phnom Penh Animal Welfare Society (PPAWS) was founded by English teacher Nicola Scales in 2011 out of a desire to address the challenging conditions companion animals face in Cambodia. With the help of many Khmer and expat animal lovers who shared Nicola’s vision, the organisation has since grown to a household name as it has expanded to serve animals countrywide. In 2019, PPAWS opened a second clinic in Kampot, which serves as a secondary base of operations.

Based on previous years estimates, it is expected that PPAWS will offer 491 desexing surgeries, 1790 worm treatments, and 1666 rabies vaccinations before the end of 2024 through monthly missions, pagoda visits, and Free Mondays and Tuesdays. This has been achieved through PPAWS’ dedication to offering free and low cost veterinary care to the community via of our clinics pagoda visits, and through missions to rural areas that lack access to a vet. In addition, PPAWS focuses on community outreach and education on responsible pet ownership and animal welfare as a means to prevent animal suffering before it occurs. 

This is all thanks to the dedication of the PPAWS veterinary team, partner animal welfare organisations, as well as both local and international volunteers, and most importantly, people like you.