Empathy starts at home.
The CDRS Benji Project is the animal welfare and rescue division of CDRS, a humanitarian organisation serving Pakistan since 2005.
How Benji began
The CDRS Benji Project came into being in January 2021, when our team received a large grant to take its animal welfare work to the next level. We had always done our best to ease the suffering of animals on the streets, and with Benji we could finally help far more of them with rescue, medical treatment and food.
The funding let us build much larger TNVR facilities, launch Pakistan's first national animal ambulance fleet, and support fellow rescuers who struggled every day to keep their work going. The grant ran for two years and gave the programme a national profile and a proven record of effective animal welfare and rescue.
Kindness for the voiceless
To inspire empathy for the voiceless in Pakistan, and to teach basic kindness and tolerance towards society's voiceless residents.
We give safe sanctuary to animals in need, and humanely trap, neuter, vaccinate and release Pakistan's street animals to control their numbers and, in doing so, save their lives. Shooting, poisoning and cruelty only make the problem worse. Compassion, done professionally, is what works.
Firsts for Pakistan
Since 2021 the Benji Project has set new standards for animal welfare in the country.
- Pakistan's first facility dedicated to TNVR of stray dogs and cats
- Pakistan's first animal ambulance fleet for street animals
- First animal welfare organisation in Pakistan to fund multiple shelters and rescuers
- First nonprofit to sign a formal agreement with a district government to end dog killing and work together on TNVR
- First nonprofit to form a TNVR partnership with a housing society
- First nonprofit to work with an embassy (Thailand) on TNVR
Ambulances for animals
Our nationwide fleet of animal ambulances works across key cities so that we can reach an animal in need at any time. Pakistan had never had one before.
The vans carry rescue crates and kit, so injured animals can be stabilised on the spot and brought to our clinics. We hope to add more vehicles and reach more of the country.
Report a rescueThe people behind the paws
A vibrant mix of people from all walks of life who come together, day and night, through heat and storm, for one goal.
Karachi
Islamabad
