ROTTERDAM, 13 January 2025 – Rotterdam has opened a new animal shelter to accommodate lost pets and provide a range of services, including medical care and outdoor spaces for various animals. The facility also houses the city’s animal ambulances, ensuring efficient support for animal welfare in the region.
Rotterdam opens new animal shelter
Rotterdam’s new animal shelter, Dierenopvangcentrum Rotterdam, officially opened its doors today. The facility is designed to accommodate pets such as dogs, cats, birds, and reptiles, ensuring that residents can now retrieve their lost pets locally. In addition, the building includes various features, such as a veterinary care unit and multiple outdoor areas.
The opening ceremony was attended by Alderman Tim Versnel, responsible for animal welfare, and Ellen Bien, general director of Dierenbescherming (Animal Protection). The shelter provides space for up to 40 cats and 20 dogs, as well as birds, reptiles, and even small livestock like goats and chickens. Dogs can be trained and exercised on five outdoor fields, while animals needing medical care can be treated in the shelter’s dedicated veterinary space.
Rotterdam opens sustainable animal shelter
A focus on animal welfare
According to Alderman Versnel, the return of an animal shelter to Rotterdam is a significant step for the city. "It’s crucial for owners of lost pets to have peace of mind, knowing their animals are well cared for. Additionally, they no longer need to travel to surrounding municipalities to retrieve their pets,” Versnel stated.
Ellen Bien highlighted the shelter’s focus on animal welfare. "We are pleased to provide Rotterdammers with a facility that offers care, education, and support for animals. The design reflects our expertise in animal welfare, ensuring that animals entrusted to us experience a natural and stress-free environment," Bien explained.
Sustainability and adaptability
The construction of the shelter aligns with Rotterdam’s commitment to sustainability. The fully electric building is equipped with solar panels, a heat pump, and high-quality insulation, achieving an A++++ energy performance label. The structure is also adaptable to changing needs, allowing flexibility in the types and numbers of animals it can accommodate, as well as compliance with potential future regulations.
The shelter, which also serves as the base for the Dierenambulance Zuid-Holland Zuid (animal ambulance), represents a proactive approach by the municipality. While Dutch law mandates municipalities to ensure animal care, owning a dedicated facility exceeds legal requirements.
