Sit on the end of the alley on Me Suot Street in Lien Chieu District, Da Nang, there is a 300m²house that rehabilitates and rehomes rescue dogs which have been saved by members of the Team16 animal welfare organisation. After a year of operation, volunteers have taken care of dozens of dogs and cats that were abandoned or had accidents on the street. In fact, they are doing amazing work to give unfortunate and even near-death animals second chances at life.

Organising exchange programmes is how Team16 brings abandoned dogs and cats closer to everyone.

In October 2021, animal welfare organisation Team16 was born in Ho Chi Minh City with the desire to promote more humane view of animals in the community. In November 2021, the project made its presence in Da Nang to carry out missions for rescuing and caring for animals.

As shared by Dang Minh Tam, a representative from Team16, the Da Nang-sheltered team faced many difficulties because it has to directly operate the project in Ho Chi Minh City.

In Ha Noi, Team16 collaborates with other organisations to expand the animal rescue community. During the operation, the group brought home many seriously-ill dogs and cats, whose injuries seemed to be incurable, but thanks to the love and care, they gradually became healthy.

"For dogs and cats with serious injuries, we take them to a veterinary facility for treatment and full vaccination. It is also difficult to care for them because many dogs and cats after being injured are often aggressive and avoid strangers. Therefore, volunteers have to be very patient. When they are completely healthy and friendly, we will find new owners for them," Tam said.

Team16 has more than 10 young volunteers, operating under the motto ‘Mission from the heart’, connecting the animal-loving community. As a non-profit organisation, the cost of rent, food, furniture, medical examination and treatment at about VND 30 million/month is largely funded by sponsors and contributions from group members.

According to Tam, the rescue activity helps each member practice a responsible and loving lifestyle. Whenever there is a rescue announcement, the group’s voluntary members rush to fulfill the task whether it is midnight, rainy or windy or even on holidays and at Tet.

It can be said that dog and cat shelters contribute to spreading the voice and awareness of animal adoption. Volunteer Lo Ngoc Bao Chau emotionally said, “Raising a pet helps me to be less lonely and forms good habits. Everyone in the group, in addition to working, also spends time and money raising dogs and cats, so they work even harder. I learn to balance my time between studying and working with participating in group activities because I understand that what dogs and cats need most is still love and care."

Stroking an old dog suffering from traces of violence, Chau said: “A month ago, this dog was brought to the shelter in a state of severe injury to his neck due to a leash with flickering breathing. The group immediately took him to a veterinary facility for examination and treatment. Fortunately, after the treatment period, the animal was healthy and turn active again."

It is the responsibility and love for animals that makes the team more careful in selecting their ‘adoptive or foster parents’. Despite many difficulties and hardships, rescue cases still take place regularly with the desire to be able to change people's views about animals, especially dogs and cats, and the responsibility of their breeders.

Adopting a rescue animal helps to prevent the uncontrolled and unethical breeding of dogs and cats for personal profit. If you can't adopt, you can foster; can't foster, you can sponsor; can't sponsor, you can volunteer, donate, or contribute in your own way by sharing information, knowledge on animal caring. Every contribution counts!

Reporting by GIAO THUY - Translating by A.THU