Ocean Acres Animal Sanctuary is a Registered Charity helping sick, injured, abandoned and homeless cats and dogs in Barbados. These animals have so much to give, and ask for so little. Running a proactive adoption program, education program and spay and neuter initiatives, we believe is the best approach to improving the welfare of dogs and cats in Barbados. We work tirelessly to rehabilitate animals from traumatised backgrounds, and to heal the wounded. Our care and support is ongoing for the animals and for the people who welcome them into their lives. We educate and assist so that the special bond between humans and animals can be enjoyed to the fullest.
Our History
A previous animal charity called The Hope Sanctuary could no longer operate due to the founder’s poor health. They could not provide for the animals in their care. On the 1st of January 2020, Ocean Acres took over the full responsibility of the sanctuary. This was left in an extreme dilapidated condition and we’ve been working tirelessly to improve this. At the time of take-over, there were 69 cats and 45 dogs. Our figures change daily as we rescue and re-home, we shelter in the region of 400+ animals: an average of 250 cats and 150 dogs.
The Founder
Karen Whittaker is Ocean Acres Founder and CEO, originally from the UK and living in Barbados since 2003. Karen has a background in horses and has personally rescued, rehabilitated and re-homed many animals. It’s always been Karen’s ambition to help animals on a greater scale. Forming Ocean Acres is her ultimate accomplishment. Karen is 100% dedicated to the welfare of animals, and pursuing the benefits well cared for animals bring to society.
Our Team
We are so very proud of our amazing team and feel lucky they’re part of The Ocean Acres Family. Dedicated, hardworking, loyal and committed sanctuary carers with a genuine love and compassion for animals. Then there’s our wonderful volunteers, foster carers, fundraisers and those who donate. All involved, everyone who helps and supports us, we couldn’t do what we do without you.
The Sanctuary
Ocean Acres is located in Newcastle in the Parish of St. John on the beautiful and rugged East Coast of Barbados. We’re set on 4.5 acres of lush land, a tropical paradise setting of rolling hills and greenery with a breathtaking sea view. The sanctuary consists of a small staff work-area, 33 kennels, 2 isolation blocks, exercise paddocks, a 5400 square foot open-plan cattery, and a 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom main house with a separate one bedroom, one bathroom apartment below. The main house offers accommodation for visiting volunteers and also office space for our staff and a small veterinary clinic room. We’re continually working to expand and further improve the facilities, we’ve come a long way since January 2020. Ocean Acres has a truly captivating quality, it really is a magical place to be.
The Future
Ocean Acres is proactively promoting and educating on the importance of animal welfare and the benefits that has to communities. We strongly advocate spay and neuter as a means to control over population. Our vision is that cats and dogs will live in a loving homes where they are treated with the kindness and respect they deserve, and that Barbados can benefit from the integration of companion animals into society. We have paramount goals and objectives to create a brighter, happier, healthier future for the animals and people of Barbados. If you’d like to be part of our amazing journey, please contact us, we look forward to hearing from you.
