Dogs, cats, birds, and reptiles are now being taken in at the new Rotterdam Animal Shelter. Residents can also retrieve lost pets in their city.
The shelter was opened today, Monday, January 13, by Alderman Tim Versnel (Animal Welfare) together with Ellen Bien, the general director of the Animal Protection.
Alderman Versnel stated: I am thrilled that Rotterdam has its own animal shelter again. It is crucial for owners of lost pets to know that their animals will be well taken care of. They no longer have to travel far to another municipality to pick up their pet, as they can now do so nearby.
Veterinarians and Play Areas
The new building has facilities for 40 cats and 20 dogs, and can also accommodate birds and reptiles. There is an outdoor area for hobby animals like goats and chickens. Dogs receive training and can run freely on five spacious fields. The shelter also has its own veterinary space for the necessary medical care of the animals.
The shelter is available if an owner can no longer take care of a pet or has to give it up unexpectedly. Additionally, it serves as the new base for the animal ambulances of Animal Ambulance South Holland South.
Stress-Free
The new shelter is designed with the well-being of the animals in mind. Ellen Bien: We are very pleased to offer all Rotterdam residents a place for care, advice, and assistance for their animals. As Animal Protection, we used our expertise in animal welfare during the design and setup. We aim to provide a natural and stress-free environment for the animals entrusted to us. I am particularly proud that we could realize this beautiful new location together with the municipality of Rotterdam.
By building its own shelter, the municipality goes beyond its legal obligations. Municipalities are responsible for animal sheltering but are not required to have their own facilities.
Sustainable and Fully Electric
In 2021, the municipality decided to build a new animal shelter. The building is a public asset of the municipality. Great attention was given to sustainability and circularity. The building is fully electric and has an energy performance label of A++++, thanks to good insulation and the use of solar panels and a heat pump.
The Rotterdam Animal Shelter is also very future-proof, taking into account the development of the Van Nelleknoop. Link opens an external page.
You can find the Rotterdam Animal Shelter at Abraham van Stolkweg 33. For more information and contact options, visit the website Rotterdam Animal Shelter. Link opens an external page.