SAWI’s Second Pet Population Program: Building Skills for a Kinder Future 🐾💙

The Seychelles Animal Welfare Institute (SAWI) has proudly completed its second Pet Population Management Program, marking another important step forward for animal welfare in Seychelles.

After last year’s successful mass sterilisation campaign, this year’s two-week program in February 2025 focused mainly on training local veterinary technicians and several local vets. A team of six volunteer veterinarians from Russia worked side by side with Seychellois colleagues, sharing their experience and knowledge.

During the 10-day practical course, participants learned how to prepare animals for surgery, assist during operations, and provide proper post-operative care. The training also promoted responsible pet ownership, showing how education and teamwork can reduce the number of stray animals and improve the wellbeing of pets across the islands.

SAWI’s founder, Dr. Svetlana Broussova, said this continued collaboration shows what can be achieved when people unite for a good cause:

“Our goal is to build local knowledge and confidence so that Seychelles can manage its own animal welfare needs in the future.”

The program once again highlighted the power of partnership — combining international expertise with local passion. By investing in education and professional growth, SAWI aims to ensure long-term, sustainable change for the country’s animals and communities.

🌺 Special Thanks

SAWI would like to express its heartfelt thanks to the Ministry of Agriculture, Climate Change and Environment for their wonderful support and active participation throughout the program. Their cooperation made this project possible and showed how much can be achieved when we work together for the good of animals and the community. 🙏

A huge thank you also goes to the Russian Embassy in Seychelles for their continuous support, encouragement, and assistance in developing international collaboration in the field of animal welfare and education. Their help has been essential in connecting professionals and building bridges of knowledge between Seychelles and Russia. 🌍🤝

We also extend our deepest appreciation to Mayor Lydia Charlie, who visited the event, welcomed the SAWI team to her office, and showed exceptional kindness, enthusiasm, and genuine interest in animal welfare. Her encouragement and vision for continued cooperation — including future programs and scholarships for Seychellois students to study veterinary medicine in Russia — bring real hope for the next generation of animal care professionals. 💙🐾

Together, we can build a brighter, kinder, and more compassionate future for both people and animals across the islands. 🌴✨

Event Coverage in Local Newspapers and Media

Written by Dr.Svetlana Broussova
CEO and Founder, Seychelles Animal Welfare Institute