(Above) Photo of Carlina Herselman (1940-2017), taken at home with some of the rescue dogs. June, 2016.

In the 1990s, a South African woman named Carlina Herselman arrived in Madagascar. What started out as a business trip ended up transforming not only Carlina's life, but the lives of countless people and animals. Upon arriving in Madagascar, Carlina very rapidly recognized how dire the situation for animals in Madagascar truly was. In 2003, Carlina opened the first fully operational veterinary clinic in Madagascar. By 2006, Carlina had rented a large property on the outskirts of Antananarivo to house unwanted, abused, and neglected animals. To this day, Animal SOS Madagascar continues to carry out Carlina's vision - dogs receive veterinary care at VetClinic, and receive socialization and training at SOS while they await adoption. Dogs that never find forever homes live out their natural lives being cared for by SOS staff and volunteers. Despite the tragic death of Carlina in 2017, her tireless work for the animals and her proud legacy lives on, thanks to the dedicated staff, volunteers, and donors that continue to make a difference for animals every day.

Since its beginning, Animal SOS Madagascar's actions have grown to include humane education programs, free spay-neuter clinics, and advocacy and emergency care for other abused and neglected animals, including cats, parrots, and horses.