A quiet but determined movement is underway in Bali, where a non-profit organization has made it its mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome the island’s often overlooked street dogs.
The Bali Adoption and Rehabilitation Center for Balidogs (BARC4BaliDogs) is a registered Australian-Indonesian charity based in Ubud that has been working for years to address the welfare of Bali’s native dog population.
Founded by Linda Buller, BARC operates as a no-kill shelter, providing medical treatment, sterilization, and adoption services to dogs that might otherwise be left to fend for themselves.
Protecting an Ancient Breed
At the heart of BARC’s mission is the preservation of the indigenous Bali dog, a breed with genetic roots tracing back over 12.000 years. The organization not only offers direct care to rescued animals but also carries out community education programs aimed at encouraging better treatment of animals and promoting responsible pet ownership.
BARC’s street sterilization initiatives help curb the overpopulation of unwanted puppies, while its basic clinic in central Ubud offers non-emergency treatments to animals in need. The charity also operates an adoption center and a series of fundraising shops, with proceeds channelled directly into animal care.
Building a Sanctuary for the Future
Beyond its work in Ubud, BARC is building what it calls Warrior’s Legacy — Bali’s first multi-species sanctuary — located in Tabanan. The sanctuary currently houses over 170 rescued dogs along with other animals such as a pig and several monkeys.
Designed as an open-air, natural habitat, the sanctuary represents a long-term vision for animals who might not be suitable for adoption but still deserve a safe and peaceful life.
Opportunities to Support and Volunteer
BARC encourages those who are interested to get involved through a range of programs. Adoption and fostering opportunities are available for individuals willing to provide homes to rescued animals.
For those unable to adopt, BARC offers a virtual adoption program, allowing supporters to sponsor an animal’s care remotely.
Volunteering options are also open, ranging from single-day experiences to more extended commitments. Volunteers typically assist with feeding, cleaning, walking dogs, and providing companionship to the animals.
Financial and in-kind donations are welcomed as well. Items such as dry dog food, toys, cages, and cleaning supplies are among the essentials needed to keep daily operations running.
A Lifeline for Bali’s Forgotten Animals
BARC’s headquarters, known as Serenity House, is located at Jalan Sandat No. 24 in Ubud.
The organization can be reached via WhatsApp at +62 813 2107 4278 or by email at balidogrefuge@gmail.com.
More information about their work, adoption procedures, and volunteer opportunities is available on their website at barc4balidogs.org.
Through years of dedication, the Bali Adoption and Rehabilitation Center continues to serve as a lifeline for street dogs across the island — offering second chances to animals that many others have forgotten.
