About Us

About APS Samoa

Since 1994

Protecting your most vulnerable family members

Our History

The Animal Protection Society of Samoa is a non-profit, incorporated society that has been in existence since 1994. We work together with the Government of Samoa and communities to improve the health and welfare of dogs and cats in Samoa. APS dreams of a Samoa where all domestic animals are loved, well cared for and healthy.

APS is governed by a board of 10 dedicated volunteers. Board members are all passionate animal lovers and advocates for animal welfare who are driven by a desire to improve the quality of life for all Samoans through improving animal health and welfare.

In the last four years APS has helped many dogs and cats stay healthy through providing a range of important veterinary services.

FEMALE DESEXING

MALE DESEXING

Sick Pets Treated

PETS VACCINATED

PARASITE TREATED

PETS RE-HOMED

Be a Responsible Pet Owner – Give Your Pet:

Food and fresh water (every day)
Shelter
Veterinary Care
De-Sexing
Play and Companionship

Our Endeavour

APS Mission

To provide humane care and services to the domestic pet and stray animal population of Samoa.

OBJECTIVES:

To provide health and welfare services for the general wellbeing of domestic animals.
To provide education and awareness programs about pet ownership and animal welfare.
To advocate for responsible pet ownership and humane treatment of domestic animals.
To establish and strengthen partnerships with relevant government and non-government stakeholders to attain the objectives of APS.
To contribute to Samoa’s national vision to improve quality of life through the protection of domestic animals.

our

Partners

APS mission and goals synergise with those of various government departments. APS benefits from a close working relationship with the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries. We also collaborate with the Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development (MWCSD), Ministry of Police Dog Management Unit (DMU), Samoa Tourism Authority (STA) and Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE).

In recent years, APS has received several grants from some of Samoa’s Development Partners and support from international animal welfare organizations. This support has enabled APS to improve the range and standard of services offered from the Vailima Veterinary Clinic and extend our reach to outlying villages and Savaii. Grants have been gratefully received from the following organisations and used for the purposes indicated.

2023	Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries	WST50,000 for Drugs and Surgical Supplies
2023	South Pacific Animal Welfare (SPAW)	Desexing clinics in Savai’i
2023	Vodafone Samoa Ltd	Sponsorship Agreement with Vodafone Samoa for the provision of internet access at the clinic, loaded sim cards for volunteer vets, Bulk sms messages and free calls between APS Staff members (ongoing)
2022	Civil Society Support Programme (CSSP)	Grant of WST175,000 for “Healthy Animals for Healthy Resilient Vaisigano Communities” Projects Under the Ecosystem-based Adaptation Enterprises Development Programme Green Climate Fund
2022	Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries	WST50,000 for Drugs and Surgical supplies
2021	Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries	WST50,000 for Drugs and Surgical supplies
2020	British High Commission	Mass Vaccination Program
2020	New Zealand High Commission	Equipment for APS Clinic
2020	DFAT Direct Aid Program	Community Awareness Program
2019	South Pacific Animal Welfare	De-sexing clinics on Savaii
2019	US Embassy	Community Awareness Program
2018	SIFA	De-sexing clinics on Upolu
2019	Swiss Confederation	APS Kennel & Recovery Facility

Team

Our Staff and Long Term Volunteers

LEISHA AH SANG-LAFAI

Clinic Manager

I am currently residing at Vailele, but hail from the villages of Utualii, Solosolo and Niusuatia and Safata. I started working at APS in May, 2019 as Administrative Assistant/Receptionist and was subsequently promoted to the position of Clinic Administrator.

During my time with APS I have learned a lot. It has given me the chance to be involved with the work of our foreign volunteer Vets and Vet Nurses and has given me the confidence to work alongside non-Samoans. I have also gained a greater understanding of APS’s objectives and principles. Witnessing the improvement in the way our local people treat their animals is the greatest feeling. APS has also shown me the worth of working hard and organizing the outreach programs has given me the courage to communicate with more people outside my comfort zone. Such a blessing being a part of this organization with amazing people.

Laloua Rita Seuoti Esera

Administrative Assistant

Talofa, I’m Rita, 26 years from Malololelei.

I started working with APS in October, 2022 as a Receptionist/Administrative Assistant. In APS I’m the first person you see when entering the front door, answering phones, scheduling appointments, greeting clients and taking care of the clients when the clinic is busy especially during surgeries. I also complete the medical records for your pets and prepare the daily income reports. I love working at APS because I get to meet dogs and cats everyday as well as different breeds that clients have brought to Samoa from other countries. I also get to meet and know people with different personalities.

To be honest, I wasn’t an animal lover at first but since working with APS, it has given me the courage to love them like your own and treat them like they are a part of your family because they are the ones taking care of your home when no one’s around and they are also the ones greeting you every morning when you leave the house to go to work and then come back at the end of each day.

“When I look into the eyes of an animal, I do not see an animal, I see a living being, I see a friend, I feel a soul” (A.D Williams)

KOSETATINO MANASE TUIONETOA

Senior Veterinary Assistant

Call me ‘Tino’. I am from Faleula and Maagiagi. I was a First Aider and Community Worker with Samoa Red Cross for 10 years and then moved to Loto Taumafai Society where I worked with people with disabilities for 7 years.

I started working at APS in October, 2019 as a clinical Veterinary Assistant. Since coming to APS, I have learnt many new skills from the volunteer Vets ant Vet Nurses who have come to the clinic. I can now perform minor surgeries and assist with more complicated operations under supervision. I love working at APS because it gives me the opportunity to help the animals.

People should bring their pets to APS for fleas, ticks and worm treatments every month and also, importantly to vaccinate them against contagious diseases such as parvo-virus. Desexing is another reason owners should bring their pets to the clinic.

JOSEPH MURA-FA'ASAVALU

Veterinary Assistant

Oh? You’ve scrolled down to my panel? Well I suppose introductions are in order. My name is Joseph Mura-Faasavalu and although I maybe half Samoan and half Italian, I’m afraid I will not be able to hold a Samoan conversation with you.

I joined APS in 2021 as a volunteer, then I suppose the staff liked me and my love for animals enough to keep me around. I’ve always wanted a career in the veterinary world, and somehow, in a round about way, I’ve managed just that.

With the support of APS and the Government of Samoa, I have been given an opportunity to study Vet nursing and aim to become a nurse in the very near future. I hope that through this, I can help more animals in Samoa to live better, care-free lives and encourage others with the same passion to do the same.

RACHEL CRAWLEY

Part-Time Veterinary Assistant

Talofa Lava,

I am from Leone and I’m working at a religious organisation as a translator. I started working with APS in March 2023 as a part-time Veterinary Assistant. I have learnt a lot of new things since coming here. I love working with the APS staff, also the volunteer Vets and Vet Nurses because they are willing to share their knowledge and skills so I can perform well in my job as a Vet Assistant. I look forward to meeting the animals coming for their normal visits.

It’s always heartbreaking seeing sick animals brought into the clinic especially the ones that suffer severe illnesses, those that are hit by cars, etc…..That’s why for any animal lover out there: Please, I urge you all to bring your fur babies for regular checks in the clinic so they can be healthy and well taken care of.