Rescuing Dogs & Cats in Syria · Reem Lajin

The Rescuer: Reem Lajin

While most people fled Syria during the war, Reem Lajin did the opposite — she moved there. An American who spent over 25 years in Virginia, Reem returned to her native Syria because that’s where she felt animals needed her most. She founded her non-profit and sanctuary, Animals to Safety, in 2021. Her sanctuary is currently located 15 km outside Aleppo, where she and a young female student care for 50 dogs, 48 cats, and a tortoise. Reem and Bayan provide all the medical care, food, shelter, and daily needs with virtually no resources.

(Photo top, left to right: Roxxy, Chance, and Phoenix). Chance is available for adoption and one of Reem’s favorites. He was a victim of a hit and run. He is neutered and uses the litter box.

How I met Reem. I saw Raven’s video. Reem was at maximum capacity when she saw an abandoned puppy whose ears had been cut off — a common practice in the Middle East.

The Challenges Reem Faces

There is no reliable electricity, infrastructure, or running water. There is no postal service, nor ATMs, credit cards, or street signs. She fills 4,000-liter tanks from her roof. Power and internet are very limited.

An unreliable 26-year-old car for transportation. When Reem first arrived, she had no vehicle. The used car she purchased was bombed. Her property was also bombed.

Severely limited veterinary resources and daily struggle for basic supplies. Reliable, up-to-date, veterinary care is virtually non-existent. There is no humane euthanasia. Painkillers and other medications along with medical supplies are scarce or unavailable. There are no emergency veterinary clinics.

Ongoing Community hostility. Syria is a predominately Muslim country. Dogs are considered ‘dirty’ or ‘filthy’ and are widely feared and misunderstood. Street dogs, mixed-breeds, and stray cats are never adopted or kept as pets. Few people understand dog or cat behavior or basic animal care. Pet dogs and cats are solely purchased from breeders.

Animal abuse and neglect are widespread. Deliberate cruelty is normalized. Stray animals are everywhere. Dogs and cats are regularly poisoned on the street. Just this past week, Reem found street dogs she’s cared for suffering seizures and spasms, foaming at the mouth. Familiar street cats have disappeared. https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1GTZqMpDVX/

She’s a single woman working alone.

International Adopters

All of Reem’s sanctuary animals are available for adoption. Animals must first travel to Lebanon as no airlines will transport from Syria. Flight volunteers are needed to accompany dogs and cats during the flight.

Reem Needs Volunteers

Immediate Needs

A new property and sanctuary space. Reem found the perfect property on Feb. 11, 2026, but it is currently beyond her budget. Despite conditions, real estate in Syria is expensive.

Grant writers and fundraisers.

Social media support. Reem needs help creating and maintaining TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube content, including videos of her animals and sanctuary.

Media & press outreach. Promoting and sharing her story and the animals’ stories.

Website support. Updates, maintenance, and optimization

Veterinary support. Veterinarians or vet techs who will provide remote guidance or hands-on assistance. Many animals arrive severely injured or ill, and Reem is their sole care-giver. She is eager to learn.

Volunteers to assist onsite.

Flight volunteers to accompany dogs and cats to adopters.

Transport and rescue partners.