Hamburg. Animals as Christmas presents? No thanks! The Hamburg Animal Protection Association of 1841 eV (HTV) will not provide animals from December 20, 2025 to January 3, 2026 inclusive. The animal shelter will be closed on Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. The animal shelter can be visited during regular opening hours on December 21st, 22nd, 28th and 29th and January 2nd, 2026.
“Our animals shouldn't end up under the Christmas tree as ill-considered gifts and then possibly back in our animal shelter – that's why we're taking a break from adoption again. In this way, we ensure the quality of our adoptions and protect our animals from being abandoned after the holidays,” explains Janet Bernhardt, chairwoman of the HTV. Placements will be possible again from January 3, 2026. The animal shelter will then reopen on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and Sundays from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
“An animal needs lifelong care, time and attention – this also has to be explained to children who have an animal friend on their wish list. It must be clear in advance who will look after the new family member in the event of illness or on holiday. Unfortunately, the costs and time required are also often underestimated: a dog usually lives well over ten years old, and a cat often even over 20 years old,” emphasizes Janet Bernhardt. An animal family member should also be able to settle into their new home away from the holiday hustle and bustle.
Be careful with offers on online platforms: behind supposedly serious animal sale advertisements there are often catastrophic keeping and breeding conditions. This doesn't just apply to illegally traded puppies, as animal welfare violations unfortunately occur with all animals and the sales advertisements are often (fraudulent). In addition, every purchase stimulates “animal production” while animal shelters and killing centers around the world are full.
About the HTV
The Hamburg Animal Protection Association of 1841 eV (HTV) has been campaigning for animal welfare issues for more than 180 years and has around 4,200 members. More than 100 employees provide care at the Süderstraße animal shelter (ham), The second largest animal shelter in Germany, around 9,000 dogs, cats, small animals, birds and reptiles every year, but also so-called farm animals and wild animals. The HTV is recognized as a non-profit organization and would not be able to carry out its tireless efforts to protect animals to the extent necessary without donations and inheritances.
HTV donation account: Hamburger Sparkasse, IBAN: DE93 2005 0550 1111 2161 96, BIC: HASPDEHHXXX. Help online now!