The HDC team

Team Dog

The dog department team consists of staff members Anita, Björn, Kim and Naomi. They are certified canine behaviorists or in training to become one. We stand behind the positive education and guidance of dogs and that is how we work. Training is provided by cynological center Quiebus.

Our daily tasks include cleaning, feeding, grooming, observing and positively guiding our shelter dogs. On average, there are about 50 dogs with us. In addition, we get to know the dogs during their stay. We do this together with the volunteers who share our love for the dogs. When necessary, a customized therapy will be written and applied for a dog to redirect unwanted behavior to desired behavior.

Prospective owners are informed in detail about the dog they wish to adopt during the introductory interview. In this conversation, they also indicate what they have to offer a dog and what their expectations are. With this information and in combination with the knowledge we have gained during the stay of the dogs, we look for the perfect match. Again, we start from the specific needs of the dog!

Team Cat

The cat department team consists of caretakers, Naomi, Saskia, Carlijn, Cassandra, Killian and Layla. Together with the volunteers, we keep all shelter cats happy. We are there for the daily care such as feeding and keeping the enclosures clean. But also to detect any diseases in time, give medication or an infusion. We monitor our guests well, in terms of health, as well as behavior.

Is the cat scared or just a little defiant, social with other cats or would rather keep to himself. Does he/she like to be cuddled, or is it better to wait until asked? If we are dealing with an active animal, a garden at the future home is a must. Will the kitten fit into a family with small children? We record all these characteristics so that we can rehome the cat or male in a suitable environment and inform the new owner in detail.

All caretakers are certified behaviorists or in training for this. If we see a behavioral problem in an incoming cat, we will deal with it in an animal-friendly way. We would like every shelter cat to have a nice home again.

Team Clinic

Working in our clinic are veterinarians Nadine van der Jagt, Jasmijn Vos and Allie Mahdmina. Along with assistants Mirjam and Jessica. Our volunteers Joke, Edith and Anneke complete the team.

The HDC’s clinic provides care for all shelter dogs and cats. This ranges from examination, chipping and vaccinating upon entry and starting a treatment plan if needed. But necessary operations are also performed regularly.

Detailed information can be found here

Monthly medical article.

Team Reception:

The hub of the organization, consists of two permanent staff members Ellen and Irma. At the reception desk, all shelter animals are registered and signed out.

The reception staff tries to find out the owner of a found animal and make contact so that the animals do not have to stay with us unnecessarily long. Found animals are reported to Amivedi daily.

When an animal is adopted, the front desk clears paperwork and payment. After placement, the chip is registered to the new owner’s name. Of course, the reception desk is the first point of contact upon entry. This is also where in-kind donations are received.

The front desk will handle your e-mail and phone call as soon as possible, and you can come to us to purchase food and other dog and cat items.

The teams are managed by:

Mirjam Smit (operationall manager).

Regular consultations are held with external parties such as the municipality and other animal welfare organizations.