Vietnam · Companion Animal Welfare
Lữ Rescue Alliance is a US 501(c)(3)-registered organization dedicated to strengthening the animal welfare infrastructure in Vietnam through two main activities: conducting on-the-ground fiscal vetting for rescues so international donors can trust their money is in good hands, and raising money for rescue groups so they can focus on what they do best— save lives!
The Vietnam Opportunity
Vietnam is a nation of immense energy and potential. Pet ownership has grown rapidly over the past decade, driven by a rising middle class and an increasingly urban population that has embraced pets as part of family life. However, the demand for pets outpaces the growth of affordable veterinary infrastructure and preventive-care norms such as sterilization. This accessibility problem has created massive overpopulation in the country, leading to overworked shelters, inhumane population control methods such as poisonings and electrocutions, increased rabies risk, and a steady supply of animals trafficked into the dog and cat meat trade.
Luckily, the Vietnamese government has committed to the One Health framework, an initiative that sees the connection between human, animal, and environmental health, and promotes progress across all three areas. This signals that the government recognizes that animal welfare is not a minor concern but part of a national public health agenda. But perhaps most encouraging is the generation rising to meet this moment. Across Vietnam, young people are organizing! They are building rescue networks, advocating for stronger protections, and pushing for welfare standards that reflect a modern, compassionate society. By combining that local energy and cultural expertise with rigorous vetting and reliable access to funding, LữRA aims to accelerate this progress to build a healthier, more sustainable animal welfare ecosystem for all.
Did You Know?
In June 2026, local authorities intercepted an illegal cat trafficking operation in Ho Chi Minh City, saving around 400 cats from falling victim to the cat meat trade! Unfortunately, while these cats were rescued from a terrible fate, they were left stranded in overcrowded cages in intense heat for months while they waited to be identified and reunited with their families. Meanwhile, a small group of grassroots rescues had to take on the responsibility of managing the food, shelter, vet care, and reunions for these 400 cats, while desperately scrounging for limited resources.
Stories like this are exactly why LữRA exists. We aim to bridge the gap between the growth in cat and dog populations, and the current support infrastructure that exists in the country.
Our Approach
Two challenges stand between Vietnam's rescue network and the support it needs. Here's how we address each of them.
Vietnam's rescue network is driven by incredible passion and sacrifice, but the path to sustainable fundraising is almost non-existent, with international donors often hesitating to fund overseas groups due to a lack of financial oversight and accountability.
With backgrounds in financial auditing, controls testing, and finance, our team works directly in Vietnam to vet and monitor local rescues. Our Partner Selection & Due Diligence Policy sets the standard on who can become a partner and the expectations that come with it, and our Grantmaking and Foreign Expenditure Responsibility Policy governs how funds are approved, disbursed, and monitored once a partnership is established. All our policies have been created in strict compliance with US 501(c)(3) rules so your donation will safely and securely reach animals in need. Contact us for any questions about our vetting and monitoring procedures!
Grassroots rescuers uproot and dedicate their lives to saving abused and abandoned animals. They spend time building trust with their community and becoming a crucial resource for pet families. They of course also transport rescues to vets and care for all their medical needs, clean and repair their shelters, train staff and volunteers, and ensure all their residents have a good quality of life. All of this is done with very limited staff, so even when fundraising expertise is there, they rarely have the time or energy to run international fundraising campaigns. And when funding prevents them from taking in more animals or providing needed vet care, the whole community suffers.
We provide fundraising support so local experts can focus on what they do best: rescue, rehabilitation, and community care. Types of funding can include project-based support, sustainability and capacity support, and emergency support. We strongly believe that our partners know their own needs best, so we work together to ensure they're receiving the right type of aid. Our role is to oversee the use of funds and ensure they are used strictly for animal welfare purposes and in accordance with our relevant policies and grant agreements.
Here's the great part for international donors: because the US dollar is so strong in Vietnam and local operating costs are lower, your donation creates immense impact! A new dog intake can get examined by a great vet, sterilized, dewormed, vaccinated, tested for blood parasites, and receive flea/tick preventatives for around $100!
Does our mission resonate with you? Donate now to help rescuers spend their time saving animals instead of scrambling for funds.
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