Animal Welfare Network

Founded in Port-of-Spain in 2000, the Animal Welfare Network is a registered charity whose mission is to reduce pet overpopulation and promote respect and care for animals across Trinidad and Tobago. AWN's vision is a stray-free country where animals are treated with dignity. All programmes are delivered by volunteers and funded entirely through donations, membership fees, and fundraising events.

Rather than operating its own shelter, AWN places rescued animals with partner veterinary clinics, TTSPCA facilities, and volunteer foster families until permanent homes are found. The model keeps overheads low while enabling a nationwide reach, built on partnerships with over 30 local vets, the TTSPCA, and the Trinidad and Tobago Veterinary Association.

WEPTT and AWN have worked together through difficult situations on the ground. In August 2019, AWN raised the alarm after toxic bait was laid for feral cats at Caroni Bird Sanctuary. Multiple cats, a crab-eating raccoon, a golden tegu, and a yellow-headed caracara were found poisoned at the site. WEPTT joined AWN volunteers to remove the carcasses, which were subsequently tested to confirm the source of the poisoning and prevent the threat from spreading further through the sanctuary.

AWN has also been there during WEPTT's oil spill response work, helping raise funds and source equipment for the rescue and rehabilitation of wildlife affected by spills. Both organisations have co-signed coalition letters on animal protection legislation and collaborated on the animal cruelty amendment. Ours is a partnership defined by consistent mutual support, as much in advocacy as on the ground.