Helping Out Our Furry Friends: Where to Adopt Rescue Animals in Beijing

Adorning a copper plaque in Chengdu’s panda reserve is one of Gandhi’s most memorable quotes: “The greatness of a nation can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” China still has a long way to go when it comes to animal cruelty but it is growing as a nation and education is progressing. Lead by example to help educate those around you on the importance of giving animals the respect, warmth, and love that they deserve. Below are just a few of the numerous animal care organizations operating in Beijing, as well as details as to how you can assist.

Girls4Paws
Girls4Paws is a community of private rescuers who foster animals in their homes while seeking suitable permanent residences. Started by Daphne Hutagalung, who is currently fostering five dogs and two cats, the organization was built to inspire individuals to take a proactive stance towards animal care, rather than posting a picture on WeChat and hoping someone else will do the rest. Hutagalung stresses that education is the key to responsible ownership, as it is often the case that when a puppy’s serious needs outgrow its cuteness, often landing them back in the same shelter that they were rescued from.

Help with: Monetary donations and adoption.
Contact: girlsforpaws@hotmail.com, WeChat: 138 1007 2919

The Little Adoption Shop
Founded in 2011, The Little Adoption Shop is a no-kill, non-profit rescue shelter with three locations that currently house over 700 dogs. The organization takes dogs in from the street as well as rescuing them from meat trucks. That often means that many of them are injured, sick, disabled, or pregnant, which requires systematic medical attention. No matter how terminally ill or disabled, Little Adoption Shop swears to never give up on their dogs.

Help with: Adoption, education programs, and informing the public about responsible breeding practices.
Contact: facebook.com/LittleAdoptionShop

A Voice for Animals
A Voice for Animals not only rescues abandoned animals but also works to prevent abandonment in the first place by educating current and prospective owners about the responsibilities that come with having a pet. Their talks and workshops are now extending to wildlife conservation and began when a group of volunteers traveled into rural China in October 2016 in order to salvage 25 dogs from a slaughter truck. The majority of those dogs have since been adopted while some still await a permanent home.

Help with: Donations, fostering, and adoption.
Contact: avoiceforanimals.wixsite.com/website, WeChat: AVoiceforAnimals1026

Furry Tales
Running on the power and goodwill of volunteers, Furry Tales helps neglected cats, rabbits, and dogs to find new owners. Besides the traditional rescue and adoption process, the organization is also working on starting a “trap, neuter, and return” program in Beijing, thus helping to control the population of stray animals in the city. The founder of Furry Tales, Sarah Lovatt, ensures that animals first receive medical treatment so that they are safe to adopt. The organization covers all the costs for the foster families, from food and toys to medical bills.

Help with: Donations, volunteering, fostering, and adoption.
Contact: furrytalesrescue@hotmail.com

Cat-Kind
Cat-Kind was founded by the organizers in the memory of a single stray kitten that they witnessed pass away after a period of homelessness. Unlike some of the other rescue organizations, Cat-Kind has a dedicated shelter space that they rent rather than fostering animals in their own apartments. They provide stays for stray and abandoned cats until they are healthy enough to move into their forever homes.

Help with: Donations (monetary or via the Cat-Kind wish list)
Contacts: WeChat: Cat-Kind_Connect

Towards a Compassionate Nation (TACN)
Towards a Compassionate Nation is a volunteer-based charity that combines data collection and local collaboration to maximize adoption efficiency. Their motto "Adopt, Don't Shop!" has helped dozens of lovely strays find their forever homes as the organization connects potential adopters with various Beijing-based animal welfare groups. Alongside their grassroots work, TACN is dedicated to promoting a greener, more humane lifestyle and have hosted various campaigns to prevent animal cruelty, encourage eco-friendly diets and more.

Help with: Donations, volunteering, fostering, adoption
Contacts: Website: tacn.org; WeChat: logan_senshi; Email: info@tacn.org

Rose Yard Little Animal Rescue Group 
Founded in 2017, the Rose Yard Little Animal Rescue Group is a charity dedicated to the rational rescue and rehabilitation of strays. Inspired by the founder's own experience of purchasing pets to putting them up for adoption, the group provides a temporary sanctuary for stray dogs without compromising their health, safety, and happiness. The organization has so far held several adoption events around the city and dedicates itself to helping its rescues find permanent homes. 

Help with: Donations, volunteering, adoption
Contacts: Email: stephatbib@qq.com; WeChat: stephatbib 

Beijing Adoption Day
A Beijing-based charity that created a national movement, Beijing Adoption Day rescues and rehomes all types of stray animals. In their offline, pop up-esque events, onlookers can browse furry candidates ready for adoption and interact with potential lifelong companions. The group has so far rehomed over 2,000 strays in Beijing alone, all while campaigning against animal cruelty and fostering healthy relationships between young children and animals.

Help with: Donation, adoption, volunteering
Contacts: Weibo: 北京领养日; WeChat: 北京领养日

READ: Tips for Leaving China With Your Furry Friends

Photos: Huang Chenkuang, courtesy of the organizations