Who we are

Marianne Guillet began rescuing animals in Bhutan in 1997.

Founded in 2013 by Marianne Guillet, who is now President, Bhutan Animal Rescue & Care (BARC) is based in Tshaluna, Thimphu, Bhutan. BARC provides rescue, veterinary care, and rehabilitation for Bhutan's homeless and injured animals.

In 2026, BARC will begin construction on phase one of the Center for Animal Happiness, which will offer additional services for animals and living spaces for visiting medical staff. Phases two and three will include educational and community services.

Our founders

A woman with brown hair in a red coat holding a baby monkey with brown fur, in front of pink roses.

Marianne Guillet

Founder and President

Born in France, Marianne was awarded the National Order of Merit Gold by His Majesty the King in 2016. She is known across Bhutan as ‘Rochi Ama.’ Mother of Dogs.

A man with brown hair and a green jacket holding a small monkey close to his chest outdoors, with trees and a blue sky in the background.

Hendrik Visser

Treasurer

Dutch engineer and sociologist, dedicated to the harmonious co-existence of humans, animals, and nature. Has lived in Bhutan since 1997.

Blessed Valley

BARC is situated in the Tshaluna valley, home to the Tshelung Ney Monastery, a place of deep spiritual significance. This sacred valley holds deep spiritual significance: the land was blessed in the 8th century by the Second Buddha, Guru Padmasambhava, and has since been a site of spiritual healing in Bhutan.

Veterinarians performing surgery on a dog in a veterinary clinic with a young girl observing.

Our journey

In 1997, Marianne arrived in Bhutan and began treating stray animals.

A timeline marker with the year '1997' inside an oval shape, suspended from a vertical line.
Two women surrounded by various puppies and dogs outdoors on green grass.

In 2008, Marianne received the Coronation Medal from His Majesty the King for her work with the animals. She is one of the rare foreigners recognized in this way.

A timeline marker showing the year 2008 with a vertical line extending above and below it, on a black background.
A coin featuring a portrait of a person wearing a traditional hat with a peacock figure on top. The coin is inscribed with text around the edge and marked with 'Nu. 100' and the year '2008'.

In 2009, Marianne received the Shining World Compassion Award from Supreme Master Ching Hai in recognition of her dedication to animal welfare.

A vertical timeline with a black background and a brown vertical line running from top to bottom. Towards the middle, an oval shape contains the year "2009" in bold, brown text.
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In 2013, BARC was formally established as a registered nonprofit.

A timeline graphic showing the year 2013.
A woman interacting with a monkey holding a small banana in an outdoor setting, with children observing nearby.

In 2016, Marianne received the National Order of Merit Gold from His Majesty the King. This is the highest civilian medal for service to the nation.

A graphic timeline marker with the year 2016 displayed inside an oval shape.
Two people standing outdoors, smiling. The person on the left is dressed in traditional Bhutanese attire and holding a plaque. The person on the right wears colorful traditional clothing with a red embroidered sash. Behind them, a large colorful tapestry or thangka featuring a Buddhist deity or figure is displayed. There are other people in traditional clothing in the background, with mountains and clear blue sky overhead.

In 2026, construction begins on the Center for Animal Happiness.

A timeline graphic showing the year 2026 in the center.
A two-story house with traditional wooden window frames and a sloped roof, set in a green, wooded area.

Meet the Team

Our board members, staff, and volunteers.

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Our Partners

Organizations that support our mission.

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Frequently asked questions

  • BARC tracks concrete annual indicators: animals treated, vaccination coverage, veterinary students trained, percentage of non-grant income, and formal partnerships secured. We review these quarterly and adjust openly when something isn't working — whether that means reallocating resources, renegotiating partnerships, or extending timelines. Transparency with donors about both wins and setbacks is core to how we operate, and we see our collaborations as co-learning processes — spaces to reflect, learn, and adapt together.

  • Free-roaming dogs and stray animals in communities and on roads are common sights in Bhutan, but many lack access to basic veterinary care when sick or injured, especially in more remote areas. BARC was established to better provide services to these animals, to increase outreach to those in need, and to promote structural approaches to animal welfare.

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