Give dogs a second chance and a loving home
Animal shelter dog
There are various reasons why dogs cannot stay at home and end up in a shelter. The dog might not get along with children, or the owner lacked the right knowledge or time. Unfortunately, this leads to dogs ending up in a shelter. Additionally, dogs are expensive, which can mean an owner is no longer able to care for their pet. Most dogs arrive at the shelter as ‘strays’. These dogs have been left on the street, and the Animal Ambulance brings them to the shelter. Once an animal is found, the dog department team starts looking for a new loving home.
Adopting a dog
Adopting a dog can be a wonderful way to start a new life within the family. It is important to be well-prepared before you adopt a pet. We would like to inform you about how you can adopt a dog and what behavioral issues can occur in dogs. Be well-prepared before you adopt a shelter dog and only do so if you can provide a nice, new home. By being well-prepared, you can ensure that a shelter dog gets a second chance.
Searching for dogs
If you’re looking for a dog, we recommend checking the websites of various animal shelters. On many shelter websites, you can see available dogs. These include a photo and a description, so you can see if the dog is a good match for your home situation. You can fill out a form on the website to make an appointment.
Dog adoption
During your appointment, the caretakers will give you all the information about the dog. During the dog’s stay, they have naturally learned a lot. How social is the dog with other dogs, cyclists, horses, and people? For example, does the dog fit well into a family with children, or not? How does the dog behave toward people they don’t know? During the appointment, you will also tell us more about your own family and living situation. If we believe you can offer the dog what they need, you can meet the dog. We do this in the exercise field or during a walk. It is important that every family member comes along. Sometimes it’s necessary for you to return a few times to build trust with the dog. The dog never goes home with you the same day, so you can sleep on your decision. Our staff will help you as much as possible during the process.
Dogs with behavioral issues
Besides dogs with health issues, we also take in dogs with behavioral problems. The dog department team gets to work on this immediately in an animal-friendly way. This means we do not use any corrective equipment. We reward desired behavior and do not punish unwanted behavior. All our dog caretakers are qualified behavioral therapists or are currently in training.
Donors and sponsors
The (medical) care of shelter dogs involves high costs. For the most part, we depend on donors and sponsors. Without your help, we cannot help the animals. Support us and become a donor. The Haags Dierencentrum has ANBI status, so your contribution fully benefits the shelter animals.
Frequently asked questions about adopting a dog at the Haags Dierencentrum
How can I adopt a dog from the shelter?
You can adopt a dog by taking a look at the animal shelter’s website. Go to adoptable shelter dogs, where you’ll find the available dogs with their personality traits and photos. You can then fill out the form. We will contact you to make an appointment.
Can I take a dog home immediately after the introduction?
No, the first introduction is usually followed by a short reflection period and possibly extra meetings. This gives you the chance to think carefully about the adoption and allows the dog to get used to you and your family.
What happens when a dog comes in as a stray?
When a dog is found as a stray, they are brought to the shelter. The shelter provides a medical check-up and first tries to find the owner, if possible. If that is not successful, we start looking for a new home after 14 days.
Do dogs with behavioral issues also come to the shelter?
Yes, some dogs have behavioral issues. Behavioral therapists work at the shelter to help these dogs and offer guidance if you adopt one.
How much does it cost to adopt a dog from the shelter?
Adoption costs vary per shelter and per dog. At the Haags Dierencentrum, the costs for adopting a dog aged 1 year and older are €280, and under 1 year €330.
How can I support the animal shelter?
You can support the shelter by becoming a donor or sponsor. Additionally, volunteers are always welcome to help with the care of the animals.
Can we help you?
Contact details Haags Dierencentrum
Please note: we are open by appointment only.
Address
Opening hours
We are open by appointment only.
- Monday to Saturday 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM
- Closed on Sundays
We can be reached by phone between 9:00 AM and 11:30 AM & 12:30 PM and 4:00 PM.
