PHOTOS: First dog shelter in Croatia with underfloor heating

(Photo: Grad Osijek)

A dog shelter in the eastern city of Osijek has become the first in Croatia to install underfloor heating, setting a new standard for shelters nationwide.

“We’re proud to have the most beautiful and well-maintained dog shelter in Croatia. This accomplishment is the result of the dedicated, organised, and selfless efforts of the Pobjede Association and numerous volunteers, most of whom work at the Osijek shelter,” stated Osijek’s Mayor, Ivan Radić, during his visit to the Abandoned Dog Shelter in Nemetin on Wednesday.

He highlighted the strong partnership between the City and the Pobjede Association.

(Photo: Grad Osijek)

“Since I became mayor in 2021, we have allocated around 500,000 euros for the microchipping, vaccination, and treatment of abandoned animals. Today, we toured the shelter’s new recovery areas, where we invested 25,000 euros in renovations, making this the first shelter with underfloor heating. We also upgraded the electrical installations, water and drainage systems, and replaced windows and doors. We plan to continue supporting the shelter in this way,” said Mayor Radić.

(Photo: Grad Osijek)

He encouraged dog adoption and appealed to surrounding municipalities to establish their own shelters, as abandoned dogs from nearby areas add extra strain on Osijek’s shelter, which, under its agreement with the City, can accommodate 180 abandoned dogs annually. Last year alone, the shelter handled as many as 340 cases.

Ivana Crnoja, President of the Pobjede Association, emphasised the significance of the underfloor heating installation, calling it a historic day for the Osijek Shelter.

(Photo: Grad Osijek)

“This morning, we had our first frost, and we were able to switch on the underfloor heating. We’re the first in Croatia to have this, and it’s every shelter worker’s dream to finally have a warm space for sick dogs, where they can be properly cared for. We can rest easier, knowing they are comfortable. Thank you to the mayor and all the public companies in Osijek for every way they support this shelter,” said Crnoja.

“The support we’ve received is fantastic; every promise the mayor has made so far, he has kept. I hope this momentum continues, as we have some exciting plans. Many thanks as well to our residents, who help make this the best-loved shelter in Croatia. We have 80 signed volunteer agreements, and on weekends, there can be up to 200 people here,” Crnoja added.

(Photo: Grad Osijek)

The Osijek Shelter also made an appeal today, urging citizens to open not only their hearts but also their homes as winter approaches, and to choose adoption over buying, especially for older dogs and puppies

(Photo: Grad Osijek)

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Visitors are welcome at the shelter daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. to spend time with or take the dogs for a walk.