A team of trained employees looks after the cats and dogs living at the facility and in need of a true home. To further assure care for different animals, the team also cooperates with private people and other welfare organisations. While it is generally easier to find new owners for younger animals, the shelter employees still look to find the perfect match for everyone involved.
Many factors should be considered before deciding to adopt a pet. Which size is most suitable in regards to the living arrangement. Are there other pets? Young children? In order to answer these questions, an employ from the shelter will start and inquiry and meet with the potential owners at their home. A trial period of two to three weeks can then be initiated, where the cat or dog can move into the new home. If all runs smoothly, the adaption can be approved.
Animals are moved to the Gasperich facility for various reasons, which can include allergies, divorces, illnesses, or simply lack of time. In some instances, people did not reflect sufficiently before adopting a pet and were then overwhelmed with the responsibility. The shelter also takes in animals that were mistreated and thus taken away from their owners. In those cases, a court has to sign off before an animal can be relocated.
The shelter welcomes people who want to take the time and take out dogs for walks around the area. Liliane Ferron, who is in charge of public relations at the facility, emphasises that guests need to respect the rules of the shelter. Only adults are allowed to get a dog and it is strictly forbidden for children to handle the leash, which has to stay on at all times. Contact to other dogs should also be minimised. Opening hours for walks are from Monday to Saturday, from 1.00 pm until 4.30 pm.
The animal welfare organisation usually also organises workshops and traineeships for students, which all had to be adapted due to the coronavirus. It is also noteworthy that they are officially recognised as an institution, meaning that all donations can be deducted from taxes. This money is essential for the preservation of the shelter.
