Belinda Carlisle
Co-Founder
About Us
and Our Mission
Learn more about our mission and the values that guide our work.
How a Simple Idea Became a Global Model for Compassion
Founded in 2016 by international recording artist Belinda Carlisle and NGO director Paul Harvey, APA began with a vision: to create a model where animal rescue and human empowerment could go hand in hand.
Starting in Kolkata, India, and later expanding to Chiang Rai, Thailand, APA has grown from a small grassroots idea into a cross-border nonprofit with lasting local impact.
our mission
Where Animal Welfare and Human Opportunity Meet
Animal People Alliance exists to protect vulnerable street animals and create meaningful employment for people who face barriers to opportunity.
Who We Serve
Animal People Alliance exists to protect vulnerable street animals and create meaningful employment for people who face barriers to opportunity.
Why It Matters
Our work saves lives, restores dignity, and helps build a more compassionate world, one community at a time.
Values
The Principles That Guide Us
At Animal People Alliance, our values guide every action we take. We believe in compassion, community, and empowerment for both animals and people.
Compassion
We rescue, rehabilitate, and protect animals in need, delivering life-saving treatments and preventative care. From our mobile ambulance in Kolkata to sanctuary support in Chiang Rai, we bring healing and dignity to injured, sick, and abandoned animals, ensuring every one receives compassion and care.
Community
Our work is rooted in strong community partnerships. Through outreach, education, and direct support, we empower local caregivers and raise awareness about animal welfare. From mass vaccination drives to training programs in underserved villages, we inspire collective action for animals and people.
Empowerment
We believe lasting change comes from uplifting people as well as animals. That’s why we recruit and train staff from the very communities we serve, over 75% of whom are women. By providing meaningful employment and skills, we create opportunities for individuals to thrive while transforming animal welfare.
Accountability
Transparency and responsibility guide everything we do. We are committed to using resources wisely, ensuring that every donation, treatment, and program directly reduces animal suffering and strengthens communities. Our teams work with integrity to build trust and deliver measurable impact.
Meet the APA Team
Paul Harvey
Co-Founder
Mark Harvey
Managing Director & Trustee
Ben Glenn II
Trustee & Secretary
Steve Denyer
APA Media Ambassador
Nancy Rucks
Volunteer Experience Ambassador
Join Us in
Making a Difference
Together, we can create a brighter future for animals and empower communities in need.