Kampot Dog Sanctuary at High Tide
By Jason for Discover Kampot
Visit details
Cross the bridge from old town, head north along the river road, and turn right at the signs for the dirt road. High Tide is 150m down.
Getting there
Tuk-tuk from town costs around $2.50. Cross the bridge from old town, head north, and look for the signs on the right marking the dirt road turnoff.
Location
Get directions on Google MapsCambodia isn’t always the kindest place for dogs. Often neglected or abused, unwanted dogs are typically taken to the local pagodas where they don’t always receive the care they need. The only other option is euthanasia.
Nine years ago, Joe Pitman, an Australian known locally as “Pu Joe”, rescued his first dog: Bear. Thus began The Kampot Dog Sanctuary, based out of High Tide hostel and bar.
Quick Facts
Dogs on site
The official Kampot Dog Sanctuary site currently says there are 72 dogs on site.
Cost
No entry fee. The usual way to support the sanctuary is to buy a drink at High Tide.
Getting there
About 4km from Kampot old town. Most visitors come by tuk-tuk, motorbike, or bicycle.
Best time
Open from 10am until after dark. Morning or late afternoon is more comfortable than midday.
The sanctuary’s official site currently says there are 72 dogs on site. They roam freely and interact with guests. Joe works on their rehabilitation and, eventually, on finding them forever homes. All dogs are vaccinated and de-sexed before adoption, and new owners sign a care contract. Many rescues are now living happily with families around the world.
If you need a day to relax, there are worse ways to spend it than sitting by the river with a drink while dozens of friendly dogs come up to say hello. Some will even join you for a swim. Every drink you buy helps keep the sanctuary going.
How to Get to High Tide Dog Sanctuary
From Kampot old town, cross the bridge to the far bank and follow the river road heading north. After about 4km, look for signs on the right side of the road – they mark the turnoff for a dirt road that does not look like it leads anywhere. Turn right and follow it about 150m. High Tide is at the end.
A tuk-tuk from town costs around $2.50. Most visitors come by tuk-tuk, motorbike, or bicycle. There is no entry fee. Buying a drink at the bar is the standard way to support the sanctuary while you visit.
The official site says they are open from 10am until after dark. It works best as a slow morning or late afternoon rather than a quick photo stop: order a drink, sit by the river, and let the dogs come to you.
How Visits Help
The simplest way to support the sanctuary is to spend money at High Tide while you are there. Their official site says High Tide Hostel and Bar continues to generate much needed income to fund the sanctuary, even if it is not enough on its own. Drinks and visits help keep the place running, and they also make it easier for travelers to learn about the dogs without turning the sanctuary into a formal attraction.
If you want to help beyond visiting, contact them directly through their website and ask what support they need most before making plans around it.
You can find out more on their website or stop by and visit High Tide.
Further reading
The Kinky Tail of Cambodian Cats
Have you noticed that many of the local cats have stumpy, kinked tails? You're not the first.
