The Fiji Hideaway Resort Team Attends Animal Welfare Training at The Pacific Animal Shelter and Hospital (PASH) in Nadi, the Fiji Hideaway Resort team began an enlightening and influential training session at the PASH in Legalega Lane on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. The Hideaway staff took part in a thorough “Animal Welfare & Handling Training” from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM to improve their knowledge and abilities regarding the care of animals on and around the resort grounds.
The training was led by professional trainers Dr. Prashanth, Susan Harris, and Onisimo Vasutava and facilitated by Renita Reddy. The PASH team emphasized the critical role that tourism partners play in advancing ethical animal welfare practices in Fiji.
The day began with a welcome and an overview of the training goals, setting the stage for a focused discussion on Fiji’s animal welfare landscape. This segment addressed the challenges posed by the current stray animal population and showcased the collaborative efforts of PASH Fiji and its community partners. It emphasized the significant importance of proper animal care, particularly within the tourism sector.
Following this, a session on “Why Desexing Matters” clarified common misconceptions about spaying and neutering, explaining their vital benefits for both the community and the environment.
A key part of the morning was the PASH Facility Tour. Participants explored the shelter, clinic, and “Catatorium,” gaining firsthand insight into the daily medical and care routines provided for animals under PASH’s protection.
After a brief break, critical information was shared on recognizing sickness and injury in animals. Trainers guided participants on how to spot subtle signs of illness and behavioral changes, stressing when and how to seek professional help. Real-life examples from the clinic made these lessons immediately applicable.
The afternoon sessions, following a well-deserved lunch, shifted to practical handling techniques. The team learned gentle handling methods, focusing on understanding animal body language, safe restraint for both dogs and cats, and strategies for building trust and minimizing stress during interactions.
The vital topic of trapping and transporting animals was also covered. Demonstrations showcased humane trapping techniques, and tips were shared on how to keep animals safe and calm during transit, especially when dealing with feral or stray animals.
Further insights were provided on nutrition basics, covering proper feeding for animal health and recovery, identifying budget-friendly food options, and underscoring the importance of clean water and safe food storage.
The extensive training concluded with a wrap-up and Q&A session. This open forum allowed the Hideaway Resort team to discuss how they could integrate their new learnings into their daily operations, reinforcing their ongoing commitment to animal welfare.
This PASH training session exemplifies the growing dedication within Fiji’s tourism industry to support animal welfare. The knowledge gained will undoubtedly empower the Hideaway Resort Fiji team to positively impact the well-being of animals in their community, fostering a more compassionate environment for both residents and visitors.
“This is an important step forward in addressing animal welfare, and these community partnerships represent a pivotal moment for both PASH and the broader animal welfare movement. We look forward to developing this partnership further and are excited to share our milestones.” Renita Reddy.
This collaboration with FIJI HIDEAWAY represents a pivotal moment for PASH FIJI. We are incredibly excited about the potential this partnership holds to create meaningful, lasting change. It represents an important step in recognising the role of community inclusion in achieving our animal welfare objectives. It’s a testament to what can be achieved when organisations with shared visions come together to create real impact.
Renita Reddy
Trustee – PASH FIJI.
We at FIJI HIDEAWAY are immensely proud to partner with PASH FIJI on this vital endeavor. Our shared commitment to creating awareness for the community and our guests, by taking responsibility for animal welfare with positive initiatives like sterilization and vaccination programs, we’re excited to see the positive transformation unfold.
Chris Green
General Manager Resorts, FIJI HIDEAWAY
