The state-of-the-art shelter built by Network for Animals in Bosnia and Herzegovina is a vital lifeline for desperate dogs

In 2021, Network for Animals (NFA) took a huge step to save the forgotten street dogs of Trebinje in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

In the old shelter, dogs were living in squalid, unhygienic conditions – adjacent to a rubbish dump, festooned with flies and breathing the stench of rotting garbage. Credit: NFA

When we found Ljupce, the situation was heartbreaking.

What began as an effort to save one sick and dying little dog turned into a $320,000 (£257,000) mission of hope. Credit: NFA

Scores of dogs were crammed into a crumbling facility on the city’s garbage dump. They were covered in flies, starving, sick and frightened. We knew we had to save them. Credit: NFA

The transformation of Azil Danica

With the shelter in such an awful position and in terrible disrepair, we had to start from scratch. Working with local authorities, we designed and constructed a modern shelter from the ground up.

With the help of our supporters, construction began on a well-equipped shelter for dogs of Trebinje. Credit: NFA

In May 2023, the new, state-of-the-art Azil Danica facility opened its doors.

An aerial view of the state-of-the-art shelter, built thanks to our supporters’ donations, where dogs are given high standards of care and accommodation. Credit: NFA

Thanks to your support, nearly 100 once-forgotten dogs now live in safety in a region where animals are generally badly treated.

Fiona Sawney, NFA’s Balkan coordinator, and David Barritt, NFA’s executive director, at the official opening of Azil Danica – a proud moment for Network for Animals and our dedicated supporters. Credit: NFA

The dogs get the care they deserve: Nutritious food, medical treatment, vaccinations, and perhaps most importantly, love.

Every single one now has a chance at a brighter future, and one day, a loving forever home of their own.

A shelter that sets the standard

In April 2025, NFA’s executive director, David Barritt, traveled to Trebinje to visit Azil Danica.

Joined by Trebinje’s Mayor, Mirko Ćurić, David toured the facility and praised the work being done by shelter staff and volunteers.

The City works in partnership with Network for Animals to care for the region’s street dogs. Credit: NFA

“This shelter is a victory for animals; it is well-equipped and tightly managed,” said Barritt. “We hope it will be a model that other cities in the Balkans can use.

“The city of Trebinje gives us full cooperation and representatives from NFA and the City sit together on the shelter management team.”

It was encouraging to see young City volunteers, like Ognjen and Anđela, actively involved in caring for the dogs. Credit: NFA

One of the most moving moments was seeing the NFA-funded rescue van in action. 

This dedicated vehicle is used to take the shelter dogs out for walks in the community, to collect sick, injured and abandoned dogs, and to transport dogs that have been adopted to their forever homes.

With the help of our supporters, the shelter is now equipped with a rescue van that is used to collect sick, injured and abandoned dogs. Credit: ATVBL

The work is far from over.

While the shelter’s success is deeply encouraging, David and the mayor also discussed a key challenge: The shelter is at full capacity. 

But the solution isn’t to build a bigger shelter; instead, we must focus on smarter, long-term solutions.

David and the mayor agreed to act without delay.

Together with the authorities, we are now working on a bold new phase of this life-saving project, which will entail:

• Expanding the shelter’s staff to improve care, speed up adoptions, and reduce the length of stay for rescued dogs.
• Improving adoption efforts through volunteer initiatives such as our City dog walks, to help shelter dogs find lifelong homes and create space for more rescues
• Encouraging responsible pet ownership so fewer dogs end up on the streets.

Implementing a spay and neuter program to prevent suffering before it begins.

Ljupce was found missing a rear leg and near death at Trebinje’s former shelter. Thanks to our team, she has found a forever home in the UK. Credit: NFA

Your donations made Azil Danica possible. One of the best things about this is that we have set an example of what can be done. 

Representatives from other cities have already visited Trebinje to study our achievements and implement the same strategies in their regions. It is completely true that our supporters have helped shape the future of animal welfare in the region.

Please help us keep this miracle alive by donating to this ongoing project today.