More than 50 dogs of the municipal animal shelter in Chisinau found a home in the first three months of the year. The adoption trend has expanded, but the cases of abandonment have also increased against the background of the massive emigration of the population. The owners abandon the dogs in the municipality of Chisinau, hoping that they will survive in the city. Captured near schools, parks and other places where they try to find food, the animals are taken to the shelter located at 205/6 Uzinelor St.

Animals of different sizes and ages, waiting for a family

In the shelter managed by the municipal enterprise “Supervision and Protection of Animals”, there are over 600 dogs of different sizes and ages. Among them are such purebred dogs as Alabai, German Shepherd or Husky.

The administrator of the municipal enterprise, Ruslan Darie, said that not only dogs captured on the street are taken to the shelter. It also happens that the owners bring them if they can no longer take care of them.

“If the owner changes the domicile or has health problems and voluntarily hands over the four-legged friend, we thank them because most of them abandon their pets on the street and it is more difficult to catch them and bring them to the shelter,” said the administrator.

Not only aggressive dogs are taken to the shelter, but also those hit by the car, sick ones or even immobilized ones. Weekly, the employees of the municipal enterprise capture an average of 30 dogs.

Constantin Zarichnyi, division head at the municipal shelter, said that each dog is examined, photographed and a presentation form is drawn up for them. For 14 days, the dog is in quarantine. After sterilization, they join the other animals. Violent dogs are kept in separate cages, on a chain.

Employees start their working day at 08:00 a.m. by feeding the animals and cleaning the cages. The dogs eat dry food, purchased through tender contest once a year, or canned food donated by volunteers. The dogs to be offered for adoption are taught to walk on a leash, to interact with humans, said Constantin Zaricinii.

The cages house up to 20 animals and more, but there are also cages for one or two dogs. A permanent veterinarian monitors the health of the dogs and intervenes if necessary.

Funding and volunteering

For the maintenance of the shelter, 4.5 million lei is allocated annually from the municipal budget. The municipality supplies the shelter with everything necessary. Vehicles for transporting animals, hoses for cleaning spaces, water tanks were purchased. At the moment, works are being carried out to expand the veterinary office.

The construction of new cages is also planned. The capacity of the shelter is about 800 animals.

A significant contribution is also made by volunteers, through donations of food, duvets, mattresses. Some also bring medicines.

However, the care and love that is shown to these dogs remains the most necessary thing for them. Volunteers come to the shelter on days off to communicate with the animals, help them socialize. Each newcomer is trained before interacting with the animal.

Constantin Zaricinii said that many volunteers come to the shelter regularly, even entire families come. Some change, but at least 20 people always come.

The shelter also organizes trips for children, who learn to interact with animals.

Adoption doesn’t cost anything, but is worth a lot

Anyone who is ready to adopt a dog must sign an adoption contract.

“When a person comes with the desire to adopt a four-legged friend, we, first of all, analyze whether he/she is ready to maintain a dog or not. There were cases when we did not give the stray dog because we understood that the person is looking for a toy and will not take care of the animal,” said Constantin Zaricinii.

Rarely is the adopted quadruped returned. It can happen, however, if this cannot adapt in the family due to the psychological traumas suffered before reaching the shelter.

A few years ago, on a street in Chisinau, an abandoned quadruped was found tied to a fence. The dog was very fond of humans. The employees sedated it and brought it to the shelter. It took a year of adaptation before a volunteer could enter its cage, as it was very aggressive. Little by little, it started to interact. Later it was even adopted, but after a while it was returned to the shelter, said administrator Ruslan Darie.

The employees of the enterprise selectively monitor the animals and, after adoption, they make visits to the homes of the new owners.

The Chisinau City Hall, together with the municipal enterprise and volunteers, organizes activities to promote adoption on social media and through various public events. In 2023, around 70 quadrupeds found a new home, but last year the figure rose to 250 dogs. Some went to families abroad.

Following a dog show held last year in Chisinau, six dogs were adopted. This year, an event entitled “Hand in hand with paws” will be staged on April 24, in “Valea Trandafirilor” Park, between 11:00 and 15:00.

People who are looking for a devoted friend are expected to come to the shelter from Monday through Friday, from 08:00 to 16:00, or on Saturday, from 08:00 to 13:00.

Milena Macarciuc, IPN