CARA gets dozens of rescue requests every week, sent to us via email or Facebook messages. CARA is not a government agency. CARA is a non-profit and lean organization run in large part through volunteers, and we are unable to respond to each inquiry immediately.
At the moment, we have about 20 active volunteer leaders and only a handful are in animal rescue. We volunteer in different teams, you see.
As there is only one individual replying to various concerns (partnerships, adoptions, events, operations, rescues, et al.), please take note of the following information first or visit www.caraphil.org in case we are unable to provide an individual response as fast as we would like.
- Although we are an animal welfare organization, we focus on operating a low-cost clinic and promoting spaying and neutering and responsible pet ownership.
- Please note that we do not operate a shelter. We are able to assist in rescuing an animal if you or anyone you know are able to adopt the animal after rescue.
- Please report cases of animal abuse to a police officer. Make sure you have complete documentation and details of the offense. Animal abuse is punishable under the Animal Welfare Act of 1998 (RA 8485).
- You may also post pictures of the animal on social media sites to see whether someone is willing to adopt the animal
- You can do your part by helping the animal directly: talking to the owner yourself, securing the animal in some way, etc. while waiting for help to arrive.
- We may be able to provide assistance through medical treatment.
- We are able to provide direct assistance on a case-to-case basis.
When you make a rescue request demanding that CARA take the distressed animal off your hands and conscience, we’d probably not be able to accommodate if your intention is just to report and disappear because we require your cooperation. Many reporters often disappear from the scene after reporting and we are left scrambling for details (such as the exact location of the distressed animal) and for assistance (such as securing the animal). It would be a great help if reporters will assist in re-homing and fund-raising.
In a nutshell, we need to help each other. CARA’s volunteers are just like you, doing the best we can for animal welfare as we go about our daily lives. We’re actually doing a lot but we can not do everything. Currently, we are taking care of 91 pit bulls* rescued from a dog fighting syndicate and we have over 100 rescued cats and street dogs in our custody. Medical and feeding expenses run into the hundreds of thousands monthly!
*Originally, there were 266 pit bulls. But many have died from their injuries. A few have been adopted.
We rely on donations but if we run out of funds volunteers often cash out or we go into debt so we can pay the bills.
So, can’t you help us a little, minimize the ranting, and be more proactive? Volunteers need a little love sometimes, you know. Please educate others about responsible pet ownership, spay or neuter your pets, and do your part when it comes to rescuing distressed animals.
In our experience, first responders are actually the reporters themselves.
We invite you to volunteer with CARA or other animal welfare organizations. There are so many ways to help!
Want to help? Adopt or foster a rescued pet? Wish to donate? Please click these links:
Photo taken by Yoshi’s adoptive family