About Us
Animal Rescue Kochi (ARK) is a non-profit animal rescue organization in the Kochi area and beyond. Animal rescue and rehabilitation are core to the many initiatives we undertake with the aim of creating a world where animals are free from neglect, homelessness and abuse. Our organization is founded on the belief that we are the custodians of our planet and that every animal’s well-being and future success is a shared responsibility.
We strongly believe in saving and protecting animals in need, as well as raising standards of care, and awareness of issues affecting animals today. Our goal is to inspire, respect, and compassion for all living things and empower each individual— young and old — to work toward caring for nature and one another through our outreach initiatives.
Our aims also include combating animal suffering, raising standards of care, rehabilitating, re-homing abandoned, neglected and abused animals.
Our Values & Mission
Our core mission is to not only save as many injured or in distress stray animals as possible and to alleviate their suffering but also to be their strong, ethical and effective voice and representative.
We are committed to the cause of winning hearts and spreading awareness of harmonious coexistence with all living things. At ARK, we envision the day that every animal in India will be guaranteed a clear opportunity for life through a dwelling place, necessary care, and a forever home.
Our Approach
- Rescue and rehabilitate abused companion animals and place them in forever homes
- Promote sterilization of rescued animals to alleviate suffering on the widest scale by reducing overpopulation.
- Heal, rebuild, and change the relationships between people and animals.
- Provide an accessible sanctuary able to provide vaccinations, sterilizations, and necessary medical care for abandoned animals
- Deliver important, actionable information to the community on improving the welfare of animals and ending all forms of violence and abuse against animals.
- Adhere to the highest standards of integrity that contribute to an effective global animal protection movement.
History Overview
Animal Rescue Kochi is an organization founded on the belief in the dignity, and sanctity of animal life. Although we have been rescuing and treating street animals since 2007 in association with various organizations in Kerala, we decided to set up an independent NGO (now Animal Rescue Kochi) to streamline and manage our efforts more efficiently and transparently. Our history is simple.
Our organization began because we saw the need for our very own premises to help us expand our services and continue to grow.
However, today, just like all institutions globally, we face an uncertain future as the COVID-19 pandemic rages on.
That said, even though there are many unpredicted changes in the world we live in today, our goals, philosophies, practices, and beliefs remain the same.
Sajith Shajan, one of our trustees, has been feeding over 200 stray animals on a daily basis with the help of well-wishers and various organizations.
Meet the Team of Our Trustees
Sajith Shajan
Working with stray animals has been my lifelong passion. I started rescuing animals from the tender age of 12 years. I absolutely adore animals, and my passion was further fueled by my late father, who instilled the practices for passionate care and proper treatment for all animals.
I am a trained para-vet by profession, and I have an extensive history of working with various international organizations and local NGOs since the year 2007, specializing in rescuing and treating animals. I aim to give all abandoned animals a second chance to live and a place they can call home.
Mini Kashani
I am very passionate about the well-being of all animals, especially our street dogs. I wish I could eradicate all the hurt, agony and hunger of each and every one of them. I know that working with Animal Rescue Kochi will help me to achieve at least some of my dreams.
Sheela Shajan
My passion for animals began with my husband, and I firmly believe in the right to life for all. The innocent souls ask so little of us and offer so much love in return.
I am truly amazed and inspired by the dedication of my fellow trustee and volunteers, who are all driven by the welfare of the animals we rescue.
Joseph Xavier
My never-ending passion to be the voice for the voiceless and to be involved with animal welfare began when Sajith requested me to foster an injured calf. From then on, I wanted to do everything in my capacity to make a difference to the animals in our care.
Shenil Sahadevan
Animal rights and welfare have always been important to me. My passion for building an effective program dedicated to animal welfare was fuelled by Sajith’s rescue efforts, especially during the floods of 2018 in Kerala.
I strongly believe we must support, love, and care for our animals as we would any family member.
Financial Information
We are a non-profit and non-governmental organization. This means that our funds are purely from donations by like-minded and generous animal lovers and donors.
We are committed to organizational transparency — both financially and in the reporting of our animal rescue statistics.
All our funds go directly towards the animal’s rescue and care.
We are highly dedicated to the principles of rescue and results to foster a truly humane treatment toward animals. We have made great progress in rescuing animals in 2020 and aim to keep doing so to help bring our country closer to ending animal suffering — an effort that would not be possible without your donations and continued support. We welcome you to view the details of our financial reports listed below. (insert yearly financial reports)
