WAG has been helping rescue, rehabilitate and rehome Rwandan dogs for almost 10 years. The last 3 years we have based ourselves in a dedicated space at a private vet business as we successfully trialed a pilot dog shelter. We've long outgrown this space, and with more needs than ever, we urgently need to relocate to our own independent property. We have identified a well suited rental but to responsibly move, we need to secure funds to renovate and cover rent and utility costs for our 1st year.
Firstly, we are desperate for more room, specifically quarantine space for new dogs. Our wait list has never been longer and we receive daily requests for support of dogs in need of rescue. The new space will allow us to comfortably host more than DOUBLE the amount of dogs than our current space, with more than 10 isolation spots. Secondly, operating our own independent space gives us full operational control about what happens on our site, ultimately improving our dogs' welfare.
We need to move to increase our capacity and provide better care for our dogs. This fundraiser will provide us with funds to secure and renovate the site. Specifically, we are raising money for 1) Rent and utility costs for our first year (Jan 2024-Jan 2025) 2) Fencing for 3 dog exercise pens 3) Minor renovations to customise the space 4) A small pool of funds for unexpected costs. This money doesn't cover food, vet care or existing salaries for staff: it is specific to enable us to relocate.
WAG has BIG long term plans - including constructing a fully operational, custom built dog shelter on land we own in the coming years. We are taking steps towards realizing this vision and this move is part of that process to help us help more dogs. Our goal is to remain on this new site for 2-3 years as we prepare for our forever move. That next step requires government support, significant funding and the expertise of key stakeholders, all of which are in process.
