Say hello to Mr. Chan Chow Wah, the compassionate founder behind Gold-D and Animal Human Alliance (AHA), enterprises dedicated to revolutionizing pet care and advocating for animal welfare.
Could you tell us a bit about yourself and how the Animal Human Alliance (AHA) and Gold-D came to be?
Mr Chan: Hello! I’m Mr. Chan, an anthropologist by training and the founder of Animal Human Alliance (AHA) and Gold-D. My journey into animal welfare began with the adoption of two cats with Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), Ken Ken and Gold-D, which inspired the creation of the Gold-D brand. Our mission is to promote adoption over purchasing animals, and we feature rescue animals on our products to advocate for this cause.
Additionally, we produce a series called ‘Food for Thought,’ which sheds light on various aspects of animal rescue work, such as prejudices against black cats and dogs and the challenges faced by female rescuers. You can find this series here: Food for Thought.
Has the use of rescue animals impacted the perception of pet adoption among your customers?
Mr Chan: Definitely! At exhibitions and roadshows, people are captivated by the adorable models featuring rescue animals. Witnessing the transformation from rescue to recovery through before-and-after photos resonates with them. I hope that exposure to the rescue animals’ stories will open up our perceptions about them.
AHA landed on the 2023 Singapore 500 SME Company list. Can you share some milestones or achievements that you are particularly proud of?
Mr Chan: I am proud of the launch of Gold-D’s cat wet food that was created to protect my FIV+ cats from ingredients that could pose higher cancer risks. Later on, we expanded with the AHA range of pet-safe homecare products, driven by the same commitment to pet health and well-being.
These products weren’t just made for profit; they were made because I needed them for my own rescues. It’s been incredibly rewarding to see pet owners, rescuers or shelters discover and support our brands, but what really touches my heart is when they come back to tell us how their pets’ health has improved because of our products.
As a business owner, I need continuous feedback to ensure we are on the right path; awards are feedback that we are doing something right with AHA and Gold-D. Some accolades we have received are:
- SME 500 Award 2023
- Brand of the Year 2022
- World Branding Awards, Animalis Edition
- Excellence in Community Service 2021, Communitas Awards
- Distinction, Business for Good 2020, Brands for Good Asia
- Best Feline Wellness & Protection Brand 2019, Lux Life Magazine Award
You have a passion for producing documentaries. Can you share more about the motivation behind your award-winning documentary Year of the Dog (2021)?
Mr Chan: I firmly believe that while our efforts are crucial in responding to immediate crises, we are not the ultimate solution. The real change lies in shifting public attitudes towards pet ownership and community animals. As a rescuer deeply involved in animal welfare, I felt compelled to shed light on the plight of abandoned and abused animals, particularly Singapore Specials like Molly, who battled cancer. Year of the Dog offers a glimpse into the world of Singapore Specials and the tireless efforts of those dedicated to their rescue. Through Molly’s story, I wanted to not only raise awareness but also propose how Singapore Specials could become a cultural export for our nation.
I also produced Saving Sawyer T. Rabbit (2023) to advocate against convenience euthanasia and promote compassion towards FIV cats. This documentary, featuring Singapore’s The TENG Company’s Little White Boat as its theme song, showcases the transformative power of love and care in rehabilitating sick animals like Sawyer.
Despite lacking formal training in filmmaking, the recognition these documentaries received—17 awards for Year of the Dog and 22 awards for Saving Sawyer T. Rabbit—validate my efforts to amplify the voices of these vulnerable animals on a global stage. Both documentaries are still in film festival circuits.
AHA specializes in palliative care for terminally ill animals, and you advocate against convenience euthanasia. Can you elaborate on the importance of providing end-of-life care for animals?
Mr Chan: We’ve encountered numerous cases where animals were in critical condition, facing imminent death. However, through our intervention and dedicated care, we’ve managed to stabilise them, enabling them to enjoy several more years of life before ultimately passing away.
For instance, Kenry was a FIV+ cat that also suffered from heart murmur and kidney issues when we rescued him from Dakota during redevelopment. Despite the grim prognosis given by the vet, we refused to give up on him. With diligent medical care and attention, Kenry went on to live happily for another three years before peacefully passing away. Then there’s Dillion, our beloved dog. When we adopted him, we were aware of his nerve degeneration condition. Through hydrotherapy and massage therapy, we’ve been able to enhance Dillion’s quality of life significantly. Despite his mobility challenges, he continues to enjoy a fulfilling life, surrounded by love and care.
My responsibility as a rescuer is to assess the condition of each rescued animal and provide the necessary resources for their recovery. I believe that every animal deserves a chance to heal and thrive, and it’s not within my righs to prematurely end their lives when there’s hope for recovery. Undoubtedly, providing end-of-life care can be emotionally and financially exhausting; the need for round-the-clock care and mounting vet bills can take a toll. Yet, we remain steadfast in our commitment to preserving the precious lives entrusted to our care because life is precious. Even abused animals deserve the chance to experience love, compassion, and healing.
What are the future plans for AHA and Gold-D? Any upcoming initiatives or expansions in mind?
Mr Chan: Our rescue work is self-financed, which can be quite stressful when vet bills accumulate. To ensure the sustainability of our rescue efforts, we aim to expand our business. We are currently seeking distributors who share our values to introduce our brands into more countries. Additionally, we’re gearing up for the launch of Gold-D in the US.
How can the public support AHA and Gold-D in their initiatives? Are there specific ways people can get involved or contribute?
Mr Chan: To support us, people can contribute to our food appeals for rescuers. Your donations help keep our animals healthy and assist us in clearing rescue vet bills. We regularly conduct these appeals on our Facebook page, so keep an eye out for them. We also welcome collaboration opportunities with companies to raise awareness of animal welfare issues. We’ve been invited to give talks to various organizations, providing opportunities for engagement and education.
In March, we’re excited to launch the Gold-D Café program in collaboration with Co. As someone with a background in perfumery, I have created a unique fragrance that captures the moment when a rescued cat realises it is safe and loved in its new home. Guests attending the event will receive a bottle of this limited-edition fragrance, making it a truly unique experience. If you’re interested in participating in the Gold-D Café program, you can find more information and tickets on Eventbrite.
What would you like readers to take away from your story?
Mr Chan: Respect every animal’s right to live. They share the same emotions as us and deserve compassion, not harm. Remember that behind the scenes, countless animal lovers work tirelessly to improve their lives.
Join the mission to champion animal welfare with Animal Human Alliance: Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | LinkedIn
About Animal Human Alliance
Founded in 2013, AHA has garnered recognition for its Gold-D line of products, meticulously crafted to eliminate any harmful ingredients. Renowned locally for its commitment to animal welfare, AHA specializes in providing palliative care to terminally ill animals, advocating against convenience euthanasia. Recognized for its contributions, AHA secured a spot on the prestigious Singapore 500 SME Company list in 2023. With a global presence spanning Asia, the USA, and Europe, AHA continues to make strides in promoting animal welfare.