By Prerna Priyanka
The sounds of barking, meowing, and the gentle hum of conversation greet you as you enter Animals Fiji‘s main clinic in Nadi.
While the air carries the distinct scent of animals and antiseptic, the reception area buzzes with activity from pet owners seeking veterinary care to volunteers attending to the needs of their furry friends.
Dogs and cats are marked with blue or pink collars to indicate their gender. Animals ready for adoption wear green collars.
Each animal also bears a name tag; it’s clear every creature is known and valued in the shelter.
Established in 2011, Animals Fiji has four permanent clinics located in Nadi, Lautoka, Savusavu, and Labasa.
The organisation aims to provide services beyond veterinary care for both domesticated and wild animals, all while striving to build a society free from animal cruelty.
“We’re not just a veterinary clinic; we’re aiming for a movement towards a better future for animals in Fiji,” says Nigel Abello, Animals Fiji’s marketing specialist.
He says the challenges faced by Fiji’s animals are significant, with stray dog and cat populations becoming epidemic in villages, towns and rural areas.
In response, Animals Fiji provides de-sexing (spay/neuter) programmes aimed at reducing overpopulation.
“It’s a long-term solution that benefits both animals and humans,” states Abello.
“This proactive approach not only benefits the animals’ health but also fosters better community relations, as desexed animals are generally more obedient and less aggressive.”
One of the organisation’s most impactful initiatives is its outreach programmes. Recognising that many areas lack access to veterinary and animal welfare services, it provides care and education in these communities.
Animals Fiji recently visited Lautoka, Ba, Tavua, Rakiraki, Sigatoka and Navua, examining and treating hundreds of animals in need.
These services include flea, tick, and intestinal worming (deworming) treatment, consultation, desexing and vaccination for pets and livestock.
Meanwhile their veterinary centres shelter surrendered, stray, or abused animals.
“Here, we rehabilitate animals, treat them with love and care, and eventually put them up for adoption,” Abello shares.
“Our shelter is a sanctuary for these animals; we see cases ranging from skin conditions caused by ticks and fleas to more severe injuries from accidents or abuse. Every life we save is a victory.”
While the day-to-day challenges are significant, Animals Fiji also confronts more harrowing cases of animal abuse.
“We occasionally come across animals with collars embedded in their skin or injuries from car collisions,” says Abello.
“It’s heartbreaking, but it drives us to work harder and advocate for stricter animal welfare laws.”
Funding remains a constant hurdle for Animals Fiji, as they rely solely on donations, grants, and treatment costs.
The organisation receives no government assistance.
“Being a charity organisation means we operate on a tight budget,” Abello admits. “But the support from our donors, both locally and internationally, keeps us going. Every donation, no matter how small, makes a difference.”
Animals Fiji is looking to innovations, including the building of a mobile veterinary outreach clinic—a bus equipped with all the necessary facilities for on-the-go veterinary services. The organisation aims to raise FJ$40,000 to fully outfit the bus. It is halfway there.
Animals Fiji is also committed to environmental sustainability projects.
In a recent collaboration with the Ministry of Forestry, Fiji Airways, International School Nadi, and Tourism Fiji, the organisation embarked on a reforestation project at its Nadi property.
“We’re replanting a whole acre of land at our Nadi clinic and shelter, transforming it back into a native tropical dry forest,” says Abello.
“This initiative not only restores biodiversity but also mitigates climate change effects and provides a sanctuary for our wildlife rehabilitation.”
To support their cause and experience the work of Animals Fiji firsthand, tourists and locals are encouraged to visit the Nadi clinic, which is 2.5 kilometres from the Nadi International Airport.
Visitors can choose from a variety of tour options, ranging from a behind-the-scenes look at the clinic’s daily operations to private tours tailored for families or groups.
The tours not only offer a unique insight into animal rescue and welfare but also contribute to the organisation’s ongoing efforts to improve animal lives in Fiji.
With their efforts and the community’s backing, Animals Fiji continues to make a lasting impact, one animal at a time.
For shelter visits and tour bookings, visit animalsfiji.org
