What happens in an animal shelter in The Hague?
Why do animals end up in an animal shelter?
An animal shelter is much more than just a place where dogs and cats stay temporarily. As soon as an animal arrives, a careful process of registration, medical care, observation, and preparation for adoption begins. At Stichting Haags Dierencentrum, one goal is central: giving every animal the best chance at a safe, suitable, and loving home.
Animals can end up in the shelter for various reasons. Some dogs and cats are found on the street and are brought to the animal shelter by the animal ambulance. Other animals have been abandoned, neglected, or seized. It can also happen that an owner can no longer care for an animal due to illness, moving, or financial problems.
When an animal is found, the animal shelter first tries to find out who the owner is. Finding the owner is the priority in this phase. The animal is registered and checked for a chip. In the Netherlands, stray animals usually stay in the shelter for fourteen days so that an owner has the chance to come forward. If no owner is found, the shelter prepares the animal for a new home.
Step 1: registration upon arrival
The Haags Dierencentrum is a trusted name in The Hague and South Holland. The foundation has built up extensive knowledge about dogs, cats, adoption, and responsible pet ownership. The center helps people make the right choice and provides clear information about what an animal needs.
At the Haags Dierencentrum, adoption is not about rehoming as quickly as possible. A good match between the animal and the adopter is central. Staff and volunteers look at the animal’s character, the new owner’s home situation, and the care required. This increases the chance of dogs and cats finding a warm home.
The Haags Dierencentrum is therefore not only relevant for residents of The Hague, but also for people from the South Holland region looking for reliable information about adoption, animal welfare, and animal care.
Step 2: medical check-up and treatment
A veterinarian examines new animals for injuries, illnesses, and their general condition. Many shelter animals receive vaccinations and deworming upon arrival. Where necessary, additional medical care follows, such as medication, surgery, dental treatment, or sterilization.
Some dogs and cats arrive neglected or in poor condition. They need more time to recover before adoption is possible. During that period, the animal shelter offers rest, good nutrition, and daily care. Only when their well-being is sufficiently stable is relocation considered.
Step 3: daily care
Daily care consists of feeding, cleaning, and health checks. Dogs are walked and get exercise. Cats are given a safe place and opportunities to play or retreat.
Staff and volunteers ensure the enclosures are clean and provide support to the animals. With dogs, they watch for tension during walks. With cats, they see how the animal reacts to contact and sounds. This creates a clear picture of what each animal needs.
Step 4: behavior and guidance
An animal doesn’t always show how it normally behaves right away. The new environment, unfamiliar smells, and missing an owner can cause stress. Dogs and cats are therefore given time to settle in. Staff observe their behavior during feeding, walking, and contact with people.
Dogs with anxiety or behavioral issues may need guidance. For dogs with more serious behavioral problems, extra time is required. Behavioral experts and experienced staff work on trust and socialization. Cats with behavioral issues can also use extra support. This approach helps the animal shelter find a good match with a new owner later on.
Step 5: creating an adoption profile
When an animal has recovered sufficiently and its behavior is clearer, the shelter creates an adoption profile. This states what kind of character the animal has, how much exercise is needed, and whether living with children or other animals is possible.
For dogs, energy levels, trainability, and behavior in different situations are considered. For cats, the need for peace, independence, and experience with other cats play a role. The goal is not to find a new owner as quickly as possible, but to find a suitable home for dogs and cats.
How does adopting from the shelter work?
Adopting usually starts with an initial introduction. An interested person talks about their living situation, experience with animals, and expectations. The shelter then assesses whether the situation fits the needs of the animal. For dogs that need time to build trust, multiple meetings may be necessary.
If the situation fits, the animal shelter discusses the practical arrangements. The adoption fee often helps cover part of the costs for vaccinations and checks. After that, the animal can go with its new owner. A careful process increases the chance that the new owner and the animal will have a lasting future together. The animal shelter doesn’t just want to find anyone, but an owner who truly fits.
When is an animal ready for a new owner?
An animal is ready for placement when its health is stable, its behavior is well-understood, and it’s clear which environment is suitable. Some dogs are ready to be adopted quickly. Other dogs must first recover or train. Cats may stay temporarily longer if they need rest or extra support.
The moment a new owner can be found varies per animal. The animal shelter doesn’t just look at whether someone wants to adopt the animal, but especially whether the situation fits. This increases the chance that the owner and the animal will make a safe start together.
What happens to animals that stay longer?
Animals stay in the shelter until a suitable new home is found. A long-term stay doesn’t mean there is no perspective. The team continues to search for a suitable owner and can adjust the guidance or the way the animal is brought to people’s attention.
For dogs that stay longer, structure, exercise, and familiar caregivers are important. Cats benefit from peace and a predictable environment. Volunteers help by walking dogs, playing with cats, and giving animals positive attention. In this way, the shelter continues to work on recovery and a second chance. The team also continues to find new homes for dogs that need more time.
What do you do in an animal shelter?
Working in an animal shelter means taking in, observing, and guiding animals. Staff register data, arrange care, and look for a suitable new home. Volunteers support with feeding, walking dogs, and socializing cats.
The work requires empathy and professional distance. Many animals have been through a difficult period. At the same time, the team must objectively determine what support is needed and which owner fits the animal.
Which animals does Stichting Haags Dierencentrum take in?
Stichting Haags Dierencentrum mainly takes in dogs and cats that need help in The Hague and the surrounding region. Animals come in, for example, via the animal ambulance after being found on the street or because an owner can no longer care for the animal. Animals can also end up at HDC after neglect or a seizure.
Upon arrival, the team looks at the health, behavior, and needs of each animal. Some dogs and cats can be prepared for adoption after a short stay, while other animals first need medical care, rest, or behavioral guidance. The goal always remains to find a suitable and loving new home.
I would leave out the general figures about Dutch shelters and the cooperation with the Dierenbescherming here entirely. They distract from the story of the Dierenbescherming. There are about a hundred pet shelters active in the Netherlands.
The role of Stichting Haags Dierencentrum
Stichting Haags Dierencentrum takes in dogs and cats from The Hague and the region. An animal comes in, for example, via the animal ambulance, because an owner surrenders it, or after the animal is found on the street.
From registration and checks to behavior, support, and rehoming: the process is aimed at finding a suitable new home. What happens next depends on the needs of the animal. When a new owner is found, it shouldn’t just be a quick fix, but above all a loving home where the animal is settled for the long term.
A second chance for every animal
An animal shelter offers temporary housing, but the ultimate goal is permanent. Every animal deserves a second chance with an owner who understands what is needed. Sometimes a new owner is found quickly. Sometimes it takes longer before the right owner comes forward.
By carefully looking at health, behavior, and the environment that fits the animal, Stichting Haags Dierencentrum increases the chance of a successful placement and helps the team find a suitable owner for dogs. This way, dogs and cats can leave the shelter for a safe and loving home.
Frequently asked questions about the Haags Dierencentrum
How much does a dog or cat from the shelter cost?
The adoption fee you pay at the Haags Dierencentrum covers part of the costs already incurred for the animal, such as medical check-ups, vaccinations, deworming, and care during their stay. The exact contribution may vary per animal and is discussed during the adoption process.
How much does it cost to bring a cat or dog to the shelter?
There are usually no costs associated with bringing an animal to the Haags Dierencentrum. Please contact us in advance so the team knows the situation and the animal can be properly received.
Where can I surrender my cat or dog in The Hague?
You can contact the Haags Dierencentrum for this. The team will discuss the situation and explain how the transfer works, so that the animal is properly taken in as quickly as possible.
Where can I volunteer at an animal shelter in The Hague?
At the Haags Dierencentrum, you can help as a volunteer with, for example, walking dogs, socializing cats, and supporting daily care. You can sign up via the foundation’s volunteer page.
Where can I adopt a cat or kitten?
The Haags Dierencentrum website features an up-to-date overview of cats and kittens ready for adoption. After an initial introduction, the team assesses whether there is a good match with your situation.
What happens to a found dog or cat?
A found dog or cat can end up at a shelter via a report or an animal ambulance. Its health, behavior, and registration are then checked, and potential rehoming is considered.
Can I take a shelter animal home immediately?
Usually not. Shelters often work by appointment and first assess whether the animal is a good fit for your situation. This gives the animal a better chance of a permanent new home.
How can I support animal shelters in South Holland?
You can help with a donation, volunteer work, sponsorship, or by sharing dogs and cats looking for a warm home with others.
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.
