Supported by
Visit website

Compassion on the island

Associação Ajuda a Alimentar Cães is one of the most active animal welfare organizations on the Portuguese island of Madeira. What started as a small initiative to feed stray dogs has grown over the years into a professional rescue organization that saves dogs from extreme neglect, abuse, and kill shelters, giving them a chance for a new and safe life.

Visit website Donate now

Why

Although Madeira is known as a beautiful vacation island, the mountains and backstreets hide a harsh reality for hundreds of dogs. Many of them are left on short chains, dumped in ravines, or abandoned without food or medical care. AAAC exists to combat this invisible suffering, expose injustices, and provide dogs with the medical care and love they legally and morally deserve.

Impact

Mission & goals

The mission of AAAC is to create an island where no dog has to suffer from hunger or know fear. Their main goals are:

  • Emergency rescue operations: Locating and freeing dogs from life-threatening situations or illegal chaining conditions.
  • Medical rehabilitation: Caring for dogs with severe injuries, infections, or deep traumas in collaboration with local veterinarians.
  • Sterilization and education: Reducing the number of unwanted puppies on the island by offering sterilization programs and educating the local population.
  • International adoption: Finding loving families on the mainland of Portugal and in the rest of Europe (such as the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany).
Actions
  • Street food aid: They provide dozens of stray dogs and colonies at fixed locations with food and water every day.
  • Shelter and socialization: Rescued dogs are accommodated in their shelter or with foster families, where they gradually learn to trust humans.
  • Legal action: AAAC does not hesitate to report abuses via social media and official channels to the police to prosecute owners who mistreat animals.
  • Adoption guidance from A to Z: The organization takes care of all medical checks, vaccinations, the European passport, and flight assistance to the dog's new home country.

“Saving a dog doesn't change the world, but when we free a dog from a short chain and see it run for the first time, it changes its whole universe. That's what we fight for every day.”

Mariana Nóbrega – Founder of the Association Help to Feed Dogs

How your donation helps

Your contribution helps AAAC to respond immediately to acute emergencies in Madeira. The costs for veterinarians, surgeries, and medications for severely neglected dogs are incredibly high. With your support, they can purchase high-quality food, cover medical expenses, and fund transports to adoptive families in Europe. This literally breaks the chain of a dog in need and gives them back their freedom.

Popup content