Who we are &
How it all started
Dr. Marianne Guillet
Born in France, has accomplished an MSc in Architecture, an MSc in Geography, a Post-MSc in Human Geography and Town Planning. Her life of compassion in action has led her, however, to become dedicated to the rescue and treatment of animals as certified Veterinary Technician. Marianne has conducted thousands of surgeries, from sterilization to cancer removal. Marianne believes that happiness can only truly exist through the happiness of others around us, humans and animals alike.
Marianne received, in 2008, the Coronation medal for service to the country from His Majesty the King of Bhutan. In recognition of her love and compassion for our animal friends, Marianne was presented in 2009, with the Shining World Compassion Award by Supreme Master Ching Hai.
As President of BARC, Marianne was honored in 2016 by His Majesty the King of Bhutan with the Order of Merrit Gold.
Hendrik Visser
Born in the Netherlands, has an MSc in Civil Engineering, an MSc in Sociology and certification in primate rescue and reintegration. Hendrik is a visionary change facilitator, with over 30 years of experience in systems-based capacity development, local development models, public sector reform, climate change adaptation, and community empowerment.
He is known for a holistic, people, animal and nature centered approach in his work aiming for transformative change towards a more harmonious and happy society. Hendrik is passionate about animal welfare and he believes that true happiness can be achieved through generosity and inspiring others to act for the benefit of all.
Marianne and Hendrik both live in Bhutan for the past 30 years.
How it all started
1997: How It All Started
When Marianne arrived in Bhutan in 1997, she was delighted to find a Buddhist society where street dogs lived freely—sleeping in the sun, cared for by compassionate locals who named them and, fed them. But she soon discovered a harsher reality: too many of the street dogs were sick, injured, and starving.
Marianne began feeding and treating dogs, bringing the most critical cases home for extended care. She rescued countless cats and dogs suffering from infected wounds, broken bones, severe skin diseases and sexually transmittable tumors.
Gradually, her home transformed into a makeshift hospital. No matter how cramped the space became, she never turned away a sick animal.
In March 1997, she rescued Pilou, a baby monkey found at the Thimphu market. Marianne couldn’t have known then that little Pilou would inspire her life’s most meaningful work, the caring for Bhutan’s stray dogs and cats, while providing a haven for injured wildlife and any animal in need.
2013: Bhutan Animal Rescue & Care (BARC) Established
In June 2013, Marianne, Hendrik, and their committed supporters formally established BARC as a civil society organization to meet the growing demand for animal treatment and care. Their work continues to depend on a caring and supportive network of friends, volunteers, and donors.
2016: BARC receives the National Order of Merit Gold from His Majesty The King.
This is the highest civilian medal for service to the nation. The medal was given to BARC “For volunteering time and effort towards promoting humanitarian values, our culture and tradition, and our national objectives; for working passionately and tirelessly for the benefit of others, for taking on the responsibility to provide support and assistance wherever the government is unable to reach, and for keeping alive the sacred values of compassion and empathy.”
In late 2022, BARC was forced to relocate its animal rescue centre which it established in 2010 on rented land. The animals now have a home on Government lease land and BARC is in the process to establish once more all animal treatment and care facilities as part of the new Centre for Animal Happiness
2026: The Center for Animal Happiness Begins Construction
Plans are now underway to build a new facility, including an animal treatment and rehabilitation building, an education and visitor centre, animal enclosures and staff accommodation. Designs are ready and construction is expected to begin in 2026. In the meantime, BARC is operating under difficult circumstances, using a small temporary clinic that falls short of optimal standards. Despite these challenges, the team remains dedicated, providing 24/7 rescue and veterinary care to animals in need.
What We Do
2013: Bhutan Animal Rescue & Care (BARC) Established
BARC’s guiding vision is the promotion of Animal Happiness, a concept that mirrors Bhutan’s national development philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH).
Our vision emphasizes the respectful, kind, and compassionate treatment of animals, aiming to nurture a harmonious relationship between humans and animals.
At our core we provide animal rescue and treatment services, and through advocacy, education, and awareness initiatives, we also seek to raise broader animal welfare. In all our work we aim to inspire compassionate, humane actions toward all living beings.
The medical treatments we provide:
- Veterinary surgery and sterilization
- Disease and wound management
- Intensive care and long-term inpatient treatment
- 24/7 emergency service
- Infectious disease treatment
- Rehabilitation from starvation, neglect, and abuse
- Physiotherapy
- Wildlife rescue
Animal Rescue and Care Center
Mission & Operations
- We are dedicated to rescuing and caring for Bhutanese stray dogs and cats, as well as any other animal in need while also providing a safe recovery haven for injured wildlife.
- We operate a 24/7 emergency rescue service responding to distress calls throughout the community.
- We on average shelter and care for 230 dogs, 20 cats, numerous rescued large animals, 70 macaque monkeys, and a variety of other wildlife.
Medical Services Provided
- Comprehensive veterinary treatment, surgery, and sterilization.
- Emergency services, Intensive Care and long-term inpatient care.
- Infectious disease treatment and wound management.
- Physiotherapy and rehabilitation from starvation, neglect, and abuse.
- Wildlife rescue and treatment.
Care Philosophy
- We have a duty to prevent and alleviate the suffering of animals.
- Every animal deserves the best care possible, at any time required.
- Rescued animals deserve a safe and cosy place to call home.
- We’ll keep our rescued animals in our sanctuary until they’re ready to be released back into the streets on in the wild.
- We support stray animals to have a safe place to live, within a caring community.
- Human compassion and kindness is to be strengthened to create a more harmonious society.
Advocacy & Education
- We welcome visitors seeking to deepen their understanding of animals, animal welfare and compassionate practices.
- We provide animal welfare classes to school children and have them engage and connect with animals.
- We support human mental health through animal therapy programs.
- We hope to inspire individuals and communities to become active participants in creating a kinder world.
- We promote a harmonious relationship between humans, animals and nature.