This summer, too, many four -legged friends have lost their home at the beginning of the holiday. Because their owners could not or did not want to organize vacation care, countless dogs were simply suspended. This reports Janet Bernhardt, 1st Chair of the Hamburg Animal Welfare Association from 1841 e. V.:
“Again, before the start of the summer vacation period, we had to take out numerous dropouts in our shelter. It is so sad that every year unscrupulous people accept great suffering or even the death of their pets by simply exposing it before they go on vacation.”
She adds admiringly: “If you do not want to or cannot spend the best time of the year with your animal companion and find a temporary accommodation option, you should show a minimum level of responsibility and give the animal the opportunity to become happy in a new home. Timetisms such as our skills help.”
The situation in the Hamburg animal shelter is not an isolated case. This is proven by the data from the large Purina animal shelter report. The pet food manufacturer has carried out a representative survey and asked 227 German animal shelters how the location on site is up to date. More than a third reported a tightened situation in the summer months.
More animal levies
The other survey results of Purina animal shelter report confirm that the situation is tense throughout Germany: the number of animals recorded has therefore grown significantly in the past two years. 81 percent of the animal shelters recorded an increase, 42 percent even a strong increase. Petra Gerigk, animal shelter manager of the Cologne animal protection association 1868, says:
“In recent years, we have recorded significantly more taxes, especially old and sick animals. Despite clarification, many still underestimate the responsibility associated with animal husbandry. It is important that we create more awareness together.”
The reasons to give up your pet in the shelter are diverse. 67 percent name personal or health circumstances, 66 percent behavioral problems of the four -legged friends. Overwhelming, lack of time and financial burden follow.
But not only by the increased number of animals cast has tightened the location in the animal shelters, the mediation is also becoming increasingly difficult. Almost half of the facilities surveyed indicate that the responsibility of an animal adoption is often underestimated. In addition to conflicts with fur noses already living in the household, many placements fail because the adopters lacked preparation and experience.
The study clearly shows that German animal shelters need help – on many levels. 77 percent require financial support, 71 percent suffer from lack of space, 62 percent complain about a lack of staff. In addition, there is often a lack of volunteers and donations in kind.
Benedikt Schaumann, Corporate Communications Director at Purina, explains the intention of the animal shelter report against this background:
“Our clear goal was to make it visible with resilient data where the biggest challenges are – and how targeted support can look. The results of our Germany -wide survey are a clear wake -up call for more help, more attention and for the good of the animals.”
Prominent support
The pet food manufacturer is a good example and not only supports animal shelters and animal boards all over Germany with several hundred tons of feed donations annually, but also provides comprehensive educational work and offers concrete help for adopters. As an exclusive sponsor of “Bark Date” for the live events in Cologne, Stuttgart and Frankfurt, Purina helps, for example, to make animal owners more visible and give them a second chance of a loving home.
Together with prominent partners such as Jochen Bendel, Purina also draws attention to the dangerous location in the animal shelters. The moderator himself has taken up a dog from animal welfare and knows: “It is a wonderful feeling to give four -legged friends a loving home. Our snoopy was considered difficult to convey, for example – such dogs are particularly important to me and earn a second chance.”
Partner dog in an interview with Jochen Bendel
The moderator and Purina brand ambassador lives with the now ten-year-old silver-lailler dog Khaleesi and Snoopy, an American Staffordshire Terrier.
Jochen Bendel: Snoopy was conveyed to us through the Cuxhaven animal shelter. There the employees do a great job and with a lot of dedication, the waiting time for the animals as pleasant as possible. Before we got to know Snoopy, we received the call that a young list dog is urgently looking for a home. Today we know that he is the perfect addition to our fur family – the animal shelter had just the right feeling for us.
Why did you choose Snoopy?
For many years I have been committed to dogs that are on the edge of our society, called discriminated races, combat dogs or list dogs. Many of these animals already have several stations. As a new adoptive man, you need a lot of patience and experience in such cases. My husband and I are trained dog trainers and knew that we can offer Snoopy. Nevertheless, the decision was not easy-after all, Khaleesi and our senior mop Gizmo already lived with us, and we also wanted to take your needs into account.
How did the acclimatization in the new home go?
Snoopy brought a lot of energy – a blatant contrast to Gizmo, who was already a real pensioner at the time and unfortunately left us last last year. This mixture of temperament and calm has changed our everyday life quite a bit. In the beginning, Snoopy even had to wear a muzzle, but everyone quickly found their rhythm and became a committed team.
How would you describe the character of your two remaining dogs Khaleesi and Snoopy?
Khaleesi is incredibly relaxed and looks like a trace in our home. Snoopy, on the other hand, is a real explorer: full of energy, curious and sometimes also causes turbulent surprises.
Do you have a tip for all those who want to adhesive?
An adoption is beautiful, but must never happen spontaneously. Nothing is worse for animals than having to go back to the shelter. We also took a lot of time, integrated our environment and considered all aspects. Anyone who gives a shelter dog a home takes responsibility for a living being with their own history – and gets an infinite love back. But consider beforehand who will take care of the dog if you have to work or go on vacation, and whether you have enough time and financial means. Donations, sponsorships or walkers also help animal shelters enormously.
Partner dog in an interview with Laura Wontorra
Laura Wontorra is a moderator and Purina ambassador.
Laura Wontorra: Yes, many people hesitate whether they should give an animal protection dog a home or prefer to go to the breeder. That's why I was happy to support the “Bark Date” initiative together with Purina. The format offers the opportunity for dogs and potential owners to get to know each other and to sniff each other. I have been there twice and think you get a feeling for each other. Of course you sometimes feel the past of the dogs, but I find it just totally important to give these dogs a chance anyway!
Why did you choose Milo back then?
At Milo, chemistry simply voted from the start. It was noticed that he was a bit reserved at the beginning, but at the same time broadcast so much trust. I had the feeling that we fit together and he was my companion on four paws.
How would you describe his character?
Milo is an incredibly trusting and open dog. He loves contact with people and quickly finds trust, whether with friends or in people he does not yet know. And everyone love him! He also accompanies me very relaxed on professional trips and is always curious and open -minded – my best buddy, which I can rely on everywhere.
Would you recommend other animal lovers to adopt an animal from the shelter?
The acclimatization and upbringing of animal welfare dogs can sometimes be more challenging than with a puppy from the breeder. These animals often bring traumatic experiences with them, which is why it takes patience and time to gain their trust. It is important to be aware of this responsibility to avoid disappointments. But if you manage to open your heart, a connection is created full of love – a bond that is simply unique and irreplaceable.
Purina Tierheimreport Germany 2025
A representative survey by Purina* Shows: Many animal shelters are at the limit and the summer brings additional loads.
- High occupancy in the occupancy: 66% of the animal shelters are currently at the limit, 17% of all animal shelters surveyed are even overcrowded.
- Strong increase in recordings: 81% of the animal shelters report a significant increase in animals recorded in the past two years. In addition, about half of the animal shelters estimate that keepers often underestimate the responsibility of an animal adoption.
- Reasons for animal levies: Personal or health reasons 67%, behavioral problems 66%, financial burden 55%, lack of time 52%.
- Stricter situation in the summer months: 36% report on a clear peak during the summer months, the recording is relatively balanced throughout the year (60%).
*Regional representative study by Purina, carried out by The Weber Shandwick Collective Analytics & Intelligence. Survey of 227 animal shelters, quoted by federal states, in the period from 05.02.2025 to 07.04.2025.