Tails of Freedo

Tails of Freedom (ToF) is a Sri Lankan non-profit founded in 2018 by Shilpa Samaratunge, building on years of prior involvement in animal rescue. The organization was created in response to the rise of abandoned and abused purebred dogs and the lack of legal protection for animals in Sri Lanka. What began as a small rescue initiative has grown into a comprehensive movement dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming animals, while also advocating for greater public awareness and policy change. ToF’s work extends beyond rescue to include education programs, community engagement, and advocacy for improved regulations, aiming to create lasting impact for animals across the country.

Tails of Freedom is committed to alleviating animal suffering through a three-step approach: Rescue, Rehabilitate, Rehome. Every animal taken in is treated, vaccinated, sterilized, and carefully matched with a suitable family. The organization stays connected with adopters to ensure both animals and families thrive. Beyond direct care, ToF addresses the root causes of animal neglect through education and advocacy. Core values such as compassion, accountability, and long-term animal welfare guide daily operations and strategic initiatives, ensuring that the organization’s impact is meaningful, ethical, and sustainable.

Tails of Freedom operates a variety of programs aimed at rescuing animals and raising awareness about animal welfare in Sri Lanka. Its initiatives include Awareness Campaigns that educate the public about unethical breeding practices and neglect, using social media, school sessions, and community outreach to inspire change. Fundraising projects support the organization’s operations and rescue efforts through events, merchandise sales, and creative campaigns. The Little Island Sanctuary provides long-term care for animals who may not thrive in typical homes, offering enrichment, socialization, and hands-on support. ToF also engages in strategic planning and administration to strengthen organizational capacity, sustainability, and legacy. Each initiative contributes to the organization’s mission of creating safer, happier lives for animals while fostering informed, compassionate communities.

Tails of Freedom welcomes both local and remote volunteers to contribute in meaningful ways. Remote support includes social media content creation, fundraising campaigns, donor outreach, and assisting with graphics or storytelling. In-person volunteers (Colombo-based) can help at fundraising events, assist with merchandise sales, visit rescued animals in hospital for socialization, or provide daily care and enrichment at The Little Island Sanctuary. Volunteers with skills in communication, social media, graphic design, animal care, or fundraising are especially encouraged, but all willing participants make a difference. Even small contributions of time help Tails of Freedom continue rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming animals while educating the public and advocating for better animal welfare policies.

Tails of Freedom’s current projects focus on creating direct impact for animals while building awareness and community engagement:

1. Awareness Campaigns (Colombo) – Short-term (1–3 weeks) initiatives to educate the public about unethical breeding and animal neglect, through social media, school sessions, community events, and fundraising interactions. Volunteers help create and review content, engage with audiences, and support educational efforts.

2.Fundraising – Short- and mid-term initiatives to raise critical funds for rescues through events, pop-up sales, and creative campaigns. Volunteers assist with planning, event execution, merchandise sales, and brainstorming new fundraising strategies.

3.The Little Island Sanctuary – Mid-term projects focused on hands-on care for long-term residents. Volunteers help with feeding, enrichment, socialization, minor medical care, and documentation, ensuring animals receive daily support in a safe environment.

4. Strategic Planning, Legacy & Administration – Mid-term initiatives to strengthen organizational capacity, systems, and sustainability. Volunteers collaborate with the board to improve processes, define long-term goals, and support documentation, ensuring efficient, accountable, and lasting impact.

Each project aligns with Tails of Freedom’s mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome animals while fostering awareness, compassion, and community involvement across Sri Lanka.