‘Adopting a street dog is… one of the best decisions I have ever made.’ - Otara Gunewardene

Embark is relentless in their multi-faceted efforts of adoption and re-homing, sterilization and vaccination, saving the injured, education and awareness programmes and igniting change in the lives of street dogs throughout the island. The financial year 2013-14 saw over 10,000 street pooches benefitting from their tireless efforts.

The brain-child of Founder/ CEO Odel Plc., and Sri Lanka’s Most Powerful Woman 2013, Otara Gunewardene, Embark is undoubtedly making a change - one paw print at a time. ‘With over 1900 sterilizations, 6000 vaccinations, 2200 rescues and nearly 40 adoptions a month – we are making a difference. The public is more aware of the impact the street dog has in our life and is therefore more involved in our efforts. The commitment and passion of our team, strengthened by the vets, foster parents and volunteers, place us that much closer to achieving our vision - to provide a better life for the street dog and give them the love, respect and most importantly - a place to call home.’

Recording a 34% increase in sterilizations for the year, the Maharagama 'Catch - Neuter - Vaccinate - Release' campaign was a tremendous success and not a single rabies case has been reported in the past 10 months – a big step towards a rabies free Sri Lanka. In addition, similar programmes have continued in the Gampaha, Galle, Puttalam and Colombo districts, including public places such as the Ayurvedha Hospital and the Maharagama Cancer Hospital – a mammoth 6000 vaccinations were recorded.

In addition, Beth Roberts, a veterinary physiotherapist and lecturer at Harper Adams University, England visited Sri Lanka to work with Embark and conducted workshops for local veterinarians, fosters and animal lovers which proved beneficial in improving the standards of veterinary care for dogs rescued by Embark, many of which suffer severe emotional and physical trauma.  Another highlight included the launch of Sri Lanka’s first animal ambulance in December 2013.

Education programmes were conducted in schools highlighting rabies awareness, dog bite prevention and the importance of responsible pet ownership. Embark too participated in the Animals for Asia Conference held in Singapore – the largest Asian animal welfare conference - a stepping stone in taking Embark’s efforts to the world. The ever popular ‘Adoption Day’ found homes for over 400 dogs, of which a significant number were with disability and adult dogs – gifting them a new beginning. The first ‘Adoption Day’ in the hill capital, Kandy was warmly received too this year!

Embark kept it fashionable and fabulous the past year,  with their biggest event, ‘The Street Pooch Pawty’ – a fun filled event to celebrate the passion that brings together street dogs and the ‘pashionable people’ who open their homes to them! In addition, ten animal lovers were bestowed the honour of being named as 2013’s ‘Pashionable People’ – Ambassadors for the cause, who epitomize everything Embark stands for.

Embark has been instrumental in uplifting the life of a street dog who may not have a home, but is undoubtedly part of our community. Apart from the direct benefits to the dog, the indirect benefits to society are immense. A flicker of hope, a chance at happiness; Embark is committed to making it happen – one tail wag at a time.