The problem of dog overpopulation in Romania has long been critical, with thousands of dogs routinely euthanized after only a short stay in most municipal shelters. This crisis remains largely out of control, which motivated Sara Turetta to found Save the Dogs and Other Animals. They operate in Romania and Italy, with the mission of improving the welfare of stray and owned animals through sustainable and ethical solutions.
A Sanctuary of Hope: Footprints of Joy
At the heart of Save the Dogs’ operations is one of their large shelter in Cernavoda, Romania, known as Footprints of Joy. This modern facility is more than just a shelter, it is a sanctuary for over 150 dogs, a cattery for cats, and a refuge for 70 horses and donkeys who have suffered abuse or abandonment.
Beyond sheltering animals, Save the Dogs actively promotes responsible pet ownership, offers free veterinary care, supports international adoptions, and aids vulnerable pet owners in the community.
Education and Innovation: Changing Hearts and Minds
Save the Dogs understands that lasting change requires shifting cultural attitudes toward animals. Since 2023, the charity has been part of the Roots & Shoots Global Movement, launching a unique educational program inside the penitentiary hospital of Poarta Alba. This initiative offered 219 inmates the chance to participate in workshops making toys for dogs and cats, and interact with animals, improving their own well-being and fostering empathy.
In 2019, Save the Dogs launched “Too Many Puppies – We Love Them, Therefore We Sterilize Them,” a stray prevention campaign targeting southern Italy. In 2021, they introduced “Friends on the Streets, Companions for Life” in Milan, providing free veterinary care and essentials to dogs owned by homeless people, highlighting their commitment to both animals and the people who care for them.
Vision for the Future
Save the Dogs envisions expanding their network of partner shelters throughout Europe to increase international adoptions and reduce the time animals spend in their Romanian shelter. One of their dreams is to build an Eco-Village at their Romanian shelter, featuring cottages for visitors and tourists, where guests can participate in animal-related activities.
They also plan to create an education center dedicated to raising awareness and fostering empathy for dogs, cats, donkeys, and horses. This hub for humane education will serve both local communities and tourists, educating children and adults alike.
Challenges
Save the Dogs faces numerous challenges, beginning with the overpopulation and lack of resources in countries like Romania. Since government support is limited, the NGO works to fill the gap. Changing deeply rooted attitudes toward animals requires overcoming cultural and legislative barriers, advocating for stronger animal welfare laws, and building strategic partnerships at both national and EU levels, efforts that require patience and long-term commitment.
Economic hardship in target communities also poses difficulties. Many people they assist live in poverty and struggle to care for their animals. While providing free veterinary care and education is essential, it is also resource-intensive. Like many charities, Save the Dogs relies heavily on private donations and international support, making stable and diversified funding crucial to their ongoing work.
Partnership with TGE
As Save the Dogs has grown internationally, joining Transnational Giving Europe was a natural step to offer tax advantages to their donors across Europe. Over the years, they have built strong relationships with supporters in Germany, Switzerland, and Sweden, countries where many rescued animals are adopted.
By partnering with TGE, Save the Dogs has enabled their international donors to support their work more easily, while benefitting from tax advantages in their home countries.
Their fundraising is centered on building lasting, trust-based relationships through meaningful, transparent, and personalized communication.
Why Support Save the Dogs and Other Animals?
Supporting Save the Dogs means giving a second chance to animals that have known only suffering. It means standing for ethical, long-term solutions to the stray animal crisis and helping people, many of whom live in poverty and struggle to care for their pets.
More than that, it means promoting a culture of compassion and responsibility. Most importantly, it means joining a movement that is transparent, effective, and deeply human. The team at Save the Dogs works tirelessly with professionalism and heart to create real change every day.