Projects
Our Work in Myanmar
We are building Myanmar's first sustained, locally led solution to the rabies and street dog overpopulation crisis.
Myanmar is home to millions of free roaming dogs, most with no access to veterinary care, no protection from disease, and no control over their fate.
Let's Save The Strays International operates ongoing, monthly TNVR programs in Mandalay and Yangon to change that.
We are the only locally run and led TNVR program operating at this scale in Myanmar. Our veterinary teams work directly within the communities where these dogs live, providing care that has never existed before.
Through TNVR (trap, neuter, vaccinate, return), we vaccinate against rabies, stop the cycle of uncontrolled reproduction, and treat animals suffering from painful and often fatal diseases. TNVR produces healthier, more stable dog populations and reduces human-animal conflict.
We also treat cats, although our primary focus is on dogs, as dog bites are the main source of rabies transmission to children.
This work is changing not only the lives of individual animals, but entire communities.
How Our Program Works
Every animal we treat receives the same standard of care — from anesthesia and surgery to vaccinations, parasite treatment, and monitored recovery. We also track population health over time to confirm our programs are working.
Treatment & ImpactOur Goal
Our goal is to create a locally led TNVR model that replaces ineffective and inhumane methods such as poisoning, and to demonstrate that humane, sustained care can successfully manage rabies and overpopulation.
This model can be replicated in other parts of the world facing similar crises.
Why Myanmar
Myanmar has more than 8 million dogs, a number that is likely underreported. Most are free roaming, and only an estimated 20% are vaccinated against rabies.
This has led to one of the highest rabies death rates in Southeast Asia. Rabies is fatal but entirely preventable through vaccination.
Myanmar is also the poorest country in Southeast Asia and remains in the middle of the world's longest ongoing civil war. Veterinary care for free roaming dogs is extremely limited.
Dogs are often poisoned as a means of population control. This does not stop reproduction or prevent rabies.
Despite this, the people of Myanmar care deeply about their free roaming dogs. Street dog feeders and community volunteers care for them every day and want a humane alternative to poisoning and neglect.
The response to our TNVR programs has been overwhelmingly positive. Communities actively request our help and work alongside us. This support has allowed our program to grow rapidly and create lasting change.
We began this work in Mandalay, where communities first asked for help.
8M+
Myanmar has more than 8 million dogs — most are free roaming.
20%
Only an estimated 20 percent of Myanmar's free-roaming dogs are vaccinated against rabies — a fatal but entirely preventable disease.
Where We Work
Our Projects in
Myanmar
Click on a location to learn more
Community Education
Teaching Children to Stay Safe
TNVR addresses the root cause of overpopulation and disease — but education is what changes behaviour. Our community education program teaches children in high-risk neighbourhoods how to interact safely with street dogs, avoid bites, and understand why humane care matters.
Education ProgramWe launched our first formal education program in Mandalay in January 2025 and expanded to Yangon in August 2025. Today, our teams teach more than 100 children per month in each city.
Each year, more than 4,000 children die from rabies in Myanmar. Education paired with TNVR is the only approach that addresses both the animal population and the human risk.
Every animal saved is thanks to people like you.
Every donation makes a difference. Please consider supporting our organization and the important work we do to improve the lives of animals in underserved communities around the world. Your generosity will help us to continue our TNVR program and make a lasting impact.