Shelter
About shelter
Life is the first NGO in Croatia that built, is operating and managing a Shelter for abandoned animals.
Before, the members of the Association provided temporary shelter to abandoned animals in their homes, and thanks to our "hotline" in three years we managed to find home for more than 1500 animals.
The shelter was built through partnership with RSPCA, Association's reputation and co-operation with the city authorities that provided the land where the shelter is now situated. RSPCA helped with financial means so that we could provide conditions for 33 dogs and shelter staff.
Hence, with the existing capacities the solution for stray dogs in the region was found. The local authorities of Osijek are providing support through financial means for maintaining the shelter and "Belje" meat production is providing us with food for the dogs in the shelter. Unfortunately, we are not in a position to find donors for other types of dog food.
Ministry of Defence and in particular the Military Police Department assisted with donation of generators and dog cannels which can accommodated additional 10 dogs.
The shelter is providing space for homing even more dogs; since the opening of the shelter in February 2001, we were able to accept more than 60 dogs, with one third of them being placed in homes. The conditions for taking a dog through our Association are set in order to get to know the potential owner through interviews and by filling a questionnaire. Once the dog is placed into a home, we stay in touch with the dogs and their homes through a program run by our volunteers. Every dog receives rabies vaccination, vet check-up and, if necessary, receives treatment within the shelter.
The aim of our work is to implement a sterilization campaign but the present situation in Croatia does not allow our Association to fund such a project.
It is our wish to educate the public about the needs for having their pets neutered and further educate the community on:
- animal behaviour and treatment of animals
- basic, hygienic and other needs of an animal
- organize a youth camp where youngsters could obtain basic human and ethical skills in dealing with animals