ARC was set up as a direct response to the inhumane treatment of animals in South Goa (2005) and their mission is to rescue and treat ill or injured street animals and through their rescue inspire the community to care for the lives of all animals. 

To combat the lack of veterinary services and merciless ending of animal lives in South Goa, Janie O’Connor (UK born ex-model and Bollywood casting agent) set up a makeshift treatment and vaccination centre in the front room of her house. At the time the area was plagued by roaming packs of wild dogs and in a response to control their population the state of Goa performed an annual cull. Every year street and beach dogs were barbarically shot and their lifeless bodies burnt. Puppies were also drowned alive, set on fire and disposed of by local residents. These cruel actions were a result of a legacy of fear surrounding rabies and aggressive packs of dogs.

For 7 years countless dogs, cats, cows, birds, monkeys and leopards were treated by Janie, a team of local vets and a growing team of animal-loving volunteers. By 2012, Janie raised enough money to move ARC to the current location where Animal Rescue Centre continues to thrive today.

ARC Goa rely solely on donations from tourists and local fundraising events to keep the shelter running. You can donate money directly through their website which all goes towards keeping the shelter running.