The reasons why animals are brought to the shelter are very different. From financial emergencies to excessive demands on the animal owners. But no matter what experiences the animals have had in the past, the shelter staff lovingly cares for their protégés and find them new homes with responsible people.

Moving in an animal should not be rushed. As a pet owner, you take responsibility for a living being for the next few years. Before adopting, find out about the housing conditions and needs of your chosen pet and consider whether the animal will suit your lifestyle. Plan enough time to take care of your future roommate and, if necessary, ask the landlord if dogs or cats are allowed.

When visiting an animal shelter, it is easy to see that most animals are well behaved, socialized and friendly. Very often, animals behave differently at the shelter than they do after settling into their new home. A shy animal can really blossom with a lot of care and attention!
Future pet owners and animals must be a good match. As a rule, the animal shelter asks interested parties to fill out a self-disclosure form in order to place the animal with the right people and in a suitable environment. Questions to be answered include the living situation, the planned cohabitation with the new pet and previous experiences with animals.

You should gather as much information as possible about the animal before moving in. Prepare your apartment/house for the impending move in: Food, bowls, baskets, blankets, lead, collar, brushes, toys etc. should be ready.

A visit to the animal shelter gives you the opportunity to get to know your pet better and to get advice from the shelter staff. First and foremost, the animal keepers want to find out whether the prospective owners are aware of the responsibility they will be taking on for the next few years or decades. It is very important that you are patient and understanding towards the animals and give them enough time to gain their trust. Always plan enough time for your visit.

Once the desired animal has been found, usually a contract is concluded with the new pet owner. The contract includes, for example, details of the new owner, the most important information about the animal, its species-appropriate husbandry, special features, legal issues and the agreement that the animal shelter staff may check the new place.

The placement fee for shelter animals is primarily charged to protect the animals. It is intended to prevent animals from being acquired frivolously or as gifts and serves as a contribution to the costs incurred by the animal shelter. Usually the animals are neutered, vaccinated, wormed, chipped and treated by a vet. In addition, there are the shelter’s costs for food, baskets, blankets etc. The amount of the protection fee varies depending on the animal shelter. It only covers a small part of the shelter’s expenses for looking after and caring for the fosterlings – especially in the case of problematic pets that have to wait a long time for a new home.