Dominique
The Haags Dierencentrum will remain a safe haven for stray animals in The Hague in the coming years. The Municipality of The Hague and the Haags Dierencentrum have extended their partnership, ensuring the animal shelter remains responsible for the intake, care, and rehoming of stray dogs and cats in the city.
Thanks to this renewed agreement, stray animals can continue to count on professional care, medical support, and a new chance at a loving home in the future.
Collaboration between the Municipality of The Hague and Haags Dierencentrum
The Haags Dierencentrum was founded in 1877, making it one of the oldest and largest animal shelters in the Netherlands. For years, the shelter has worked closely with the Municipality of The Hague to take in and protect stray animals.
Alderman Robert Barker (Animal Welfare, Outdoor Space & Environment) emphasizes the importance of this collaboration:
“The Haags Dierencentrum is an indispensable partner for The Hague when it comes to animal welfare. Animals are fellow residents of our city and deserve good care and protection. Thanks to the expertise and dedication of staff and volunteers, stray dogs and cats receive shelter, medical care, and guidance toward a new home.”
With the extension of the agreement, this essential care remains guaranteed for the future.
Complexity of care for stray animals remains high
According to board member Sophia Schwarz of the Haags Dierencentrum, the complexity of care for stray animals is not decreasing:
“Many animals arrive with a heavy care profile. Thanks to the strong partnership with the municipality, we can continue to provide these animals with professional care in the future. We are very grateful to the municipality, the alderman, and everyone who contributed to these new agreements.”
It is precisely because of this collaboration that the Haags Dierencentrum can continue to invest in specialist care and guidance.
Animal welfare always comes first
The welfare of the animal is always central to the intake and care of stray animals. That is why the new agreement stipulates that dogs with dangerous or complex behavior receive extra guidance and training.
In addition, sick animals, mother cats, and kittens receive intensive and tailored care. In this way, we look at what each animal needs to recover and be as well-prepared as possible for the future.
More than just a shelter
The Haags Dierencentrum offers more than just temporary housing. The animals receive medical care, training, and resocialization. They are examined and treated in the internal clinic, after which they are closely monitored by veterinarians and caretakers in the quarantine department.
Subsequently, the original owner is always sought first. If reunification proves impossible, the rehoming process begins, and a new, suitable, and loving home is sought.
In addition, all animals are microchipped, registered, and, if their age allows, spayed or neutered. This increases the chance that animals are reunited with their owners more quickly and prevents renewed shelter stays as much as possible.
