Founded by animal behaviourist and therapist Muhammad Nurarrifin Tan Abdullah @ Jeffrey Tan 18 years ago, Wooff – short for World Of Our Furry Friends – has transformed the lives of countless animals, many of whom arrived scared, injured, and in desperate need of care.
With a free-range setup that lets dogs play, roam and make furry friends, Wooff offers a unique home for animals that have often known only hardship.
But today, Wooff faces a critical challenge. The sanctuary’s landowner has sold off the property, and Wooff must raise some RM380,000 to relocate or face the heartbreaking possibility of closure.
“If people can really help, by all means, help. You’re not just helping me, you’re helping the rest of the animals here. You’re talking about more than 150 lives, not just mine,” Tan, 54, told FMT Lifestyle.
“We’re the only animal shelter on the island. I take in injured animals, help them rehabilitate, and give them a space wherein they can recover.”
If the funds aren’t collected by the end of December, Wooff’s furry residents will lose the only real home they’ve ever known.
“I could release them back to the streets, but they might not survive. They’re so used to being taken care of. They would be in more pain being mistreated by people,” the Melaka-born Tan said sadly.
“In the worst-case scenario, I’d have no choice but to euthanise every single one of them, because I don’t see any other options.”
This potential loss is even more heartbreaking when you consider what Wooff truly represents: a place of second chances. Every animal here receives specialised care, allowing them to live, play, and heal at their own pace.
The sanctuary has saved dogs in need of treatments from amputations to hydrotherapy for nerve damage, and each recovery is a small victory celebrated by Tan and his volunteers.
A former accountant, Tan moved to Langkawi 18 years ago after his first rescue. Since then, he has dedicated himself to Wooff.
Most days he works alone, starting before dawn. After a strong coffee and a hearty breakfast, Tan begins his day: cooking food, feeding the animals, cleaning, disinfecting, and rehabilitating those in need.
By the time he finishes, it’s often 10pm. On good days, volunteers join to help lighten the load.
This dedication has built something special at Wooff. Visitors can feel the positive energy radiating from its residents as dogs and cats of all shapes, colours, and personalities roam together, forming a quirky, lovable family.
Tan shared one of his happiest memories involving a stray puppy that had been brought in after losing mobility due to a nerve issue.
“I spent a week or two rehabilitating him, and after that, he started walking. Recently, a volunteer adopted him, and he’s going to live in the Netherlands. This is one of my biggest achievements,” he said proudly.
With Wooff’s future now uncertain, the sanctuary is reaching out to supporters in Malaysia and beyond. Wooff has been a place where animals heal, people learn, and a community rallies for a kinder world.
Tan and his team hope that, with some help, their story of resilience, recovery and compassion will continue for years to come. “Who knows, a miracle can happen. You never know,” he concluded.
If you wish to donate, please do a bank transfer to CIMB account number 7048 1633 92, name Muhammad Nurarrifin Tan Bin Abdullah (Swift code: CIBBMYKL).
Alternatively, click here or contact Jeffrey Tan at 013-500 1522.
Find out more about Wooff Langkawi here, and follow Wooff Langkawi on Facebook and Instagram.