As the Sangkhlaburi Animal Sanctuary marks its five-year anniversary on May 1, 2026, we are proud to reflect on both our growth and our impact. Operating in a remote and underserved region of western Thailand, we have built a sustainable model that balances expanding services with careful financial stewardship. Monthly income varies – from just under $2,000 in quieter periods to close to $10,000 in peak months such as December, driven largely by Giving Tuesday and year-end generosity. On average, however, we consistently operate slightly above our monthly budget of approximately 100,000 baht (just over $3,000 USD), with income trending upward as our supporter base continues to grow.

Since our founding, our clinic has performed nearly 13,000 sterilizations, preventing countless unwanted litters and reducing suffering on a massive scale. Dozens of mobile spay/neuter clinics have brought veterinary care to remote communities with no other access, while ongoing rabies vaccination programs have helped protect both animal and human populations. Thousands of animals – many in critical condition – have received life-saving treatment through our clinic.

Beyond direct care, we remain committed to long-term change through community education, helping families and children better understand humane animal care and welfare.

Our daily work is both broad in scope and deeply hands-on. We prepare meals for our resident animals and deliver nearly 2,000 meals each month to street dogs and cats who would otherwise go hungry. Nearly 300 volunteers from around the world – veterinarians, vet nurses, and dedicated caregivers – have contributed their time and expertise, forming the backbone of our operations. Their support allows us to maintain exceptionally low operating costs while delivering high-quality care.

Even in a short, recent two-month period, the scope of our work is evident: 431 walk-in consultations and treatments, 133 spay/neuter surgeries, 4 emergency pyometra surgeries, 3 cesarean sections, 2 tumor removals, and 1 life-saving amputation. Each of these cases represents not just a number, but an animal given a second chance.

Financially, we operate with strict discipline and a commitment to maximizing impact. Our reliance on skilled international volunteers and donated medical supplies allows us to direct as close to 100% of donations as possible toward animal care. We employ a small team of three local staff who carry out essential daily work – rescuing animals, feeding, cleaning, and providing ongoing care – at modest wages appropriate to the local economy.

While we generally remain within our monthly budget, we do occasionally invest in critical, one-time improvements that enhance our long-term capacity. This year, for example, we allocated savings toward securing an animal ambulance, a portable-ray machine and building a more robust donor file system – each of which will significantly expand our ability to respond to emergencies and sustain future growth.

In every respect, the Sangkhlaburi Animal Sanctuary remains a lean, highly effective operation – one that transforms limited resources into meaningful, measurable impact for thousands of animals each year.