War Paws is an animal shelter in Erbil, Iraq operating alongside Animals of Kurdistan.
Our objectives are to support and provide veterinary care for the many stray dogs in, and around, the area.
We also provide care for cats in a secondary unit.
Vaccination, spay and neutering, is vital work and, where animals are injured, we provide veterinary care and sheltered support.
War Paws offer voluntary placements to local people who care about the welfare of the animals.
Sometimes, we are asked to care for an animal found by a contractor and oversee the health and vaccination of the animal prior to deportation to their home.
We sometimes will offer the adoption of an animal, through thorough examination re: temperament etc, for public adoption where there is a process in which any application is inspected and, if accepted, supported there after.
Our aim is to educate the local area to care for animals in a dignified and caring manner. Through many years of conflict the population of strays has increased by huge numbers and are often dismissed as vermin.
We are making steady gains within Erbil and it our delight that people who own dogs in further towns are travelling to our shelter to seek our advise and care.
We have a very active following on social media and have been reported in many animal articles due to our vital work.
Fundraising is achieved by constantly updating our ideas and provide opportunities for the general public to engage and support.
We have a voluntary shelter manager for whom we ( War Paws) provide a rented vehicle.
We have managed to gain a grant to secure a veterinary surgeon and support for a veterinary assistant.
Six kennel staff work at the shelter caring for over 150 dogs.
One UK member of staff who overseas the welfare of staff and animals in Iraq by daily contact and twice yearly overseas visits.
Over 180 dogs spayed/neutered in, and around, shelter area
