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For 20 years, we have been committed to help the most vulnerable animals.
ROLDA USA Joins the NYC 9/11 Memorial Ride to Honor America's Canine Heroes
The commemorative brooch is a small token with a larger promise: that the working dogs who comforted, searched, and served alongside first responders on September 11, 2001, are never forgotten. It is our way of honoring the human-animal bond, and the courage it so often carries.
Another Journey to the Front
In June, Dana returned once more to the troubling front lines of Ukraine. I’ve tried here to retell her latest journey across the border as she shared it with us… The air back in Ukraine carried the same tension as always—nervousness, insecurity, and the expectation that everything could become very bad in a second.
Discover more about Little Haven
ROLDA’s first-ever dog shelter set to become Romania’s only cage-free dog sanctuary. This pioneering transformation will provide dogs with a freer environment and set a new benchmark for animal welfare standards in the country.
ROLDA Brings Hope to Animals in Venezuela
On June 24, 2026, the earth trembled in Venezuela. In that terrifying instant, the world changed not only for families but also for thousands of voiceless souls—dogs and cats—who had no way to save themselves from the chaos.
41 new dogs saved from puppy mills
Recently, 41 more dogs were rescued from puppy mills, frightened, neglected, and desperately needing a second chance. Some had never touched grass. Some had never known kindness from a human hand.
Inside a front line evacuation in Ukraine
When people imagine animal evacuations in a war zone, they often picture urgency and spectacle: shattered buildings, animals pulled from debris, vans racing against time. That does happen.
Join the 20th anniversary #GiveHope challenge
Dreaming costs nothing. Making your dreams a reality requires sacrifices. Not everyone is able to turn their dreams into reality. But it's thanks to YOU that we do it every day. Join ROLDA's challenge and help change the future of animals in need.
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A better World for animals in numbers
Our Global work
ROLDA’s vision is to build a better world for animals, where they are no longer abandoned, abused or suffer as a result of natural or human made disasters, a world where every pet is considered a family member and disadvantaged communities are supported to look after their pets. That’s why we work internationally as well as in Romania.
In the spotlight:
Transforming lives
Meet Franka
We rescued Franka at ten years old from a puppy mill, where she had spent her life being used for breeding. When she arrived, she was in poor condition and suffering from a painful hernia that required surgery.
Like many dogs trapped in puppy mills, Franka had never known safety, affection, or life beyond confinement. Her early years left both physical and emotional scars. Today, Franka has left that life behind. She is healthy, secure, and thriving with her forever family, finally able to experience comfort, care, and love. Her journey is a powerful reminder of why adoption matters, and how rescue can completely change a life.
Meet Tripod
Tripod was found in Ukraine with a severe leg injury caused by shelling. He was in extreme pain and fighting for his life when our ROLDA Heroes, an independent rescue team we support, reached him. He was rushed to the nearest veterinary clinic, where he received urgent emergency care. Despite the trauma he had endured, Tripod showed an incredible will to survive. Thanks to fast action and community support, Tripod underwent lifesaving surgery and had his injured leg removed. He is now recovering safely in foster care, free from pain and surrounded by people who care for him. His recovery continues under close supervision as he adjusts to his new life.
Meet Cris
Cris was rescued after her elderly owner passed away, leaving her alone with her sisters in a village yard. While her sisters were quickly adopted, Cris remained in foster care when her health suddenly deteriorated. Emergency tests revealed that Cris was battling both FIP and a mycoplasma infection, a life-threatening combination that required immediate and intensive treatment. Her condition was critical, and for days her survival was uncertain. Today, Cris is thriving. She has completed treatment, gained weight, and her bloodwork is stable. She is now in foster care and continues to grow stronger each day. Cris’s story reflects ROLDA’s commitment to helping not only strays, but also vulnerable pets whose families cannot afford lifesaving care.
Join ROLDA20 Challenge for a better World for animals
At ROLDA, we work tirelessly to help shape the world we all dream of – a world where justice includes animal rights and the environment is protected.
We are committed to changing mindsets about animals, rekindling the human–animal bond, and ensuring every pet is recognised as a beloved family member. We will not stop until this vision becomes reality.
20 years of ROLDA
What we've achieved #ROLDA20 milestones
1998
It began after a chance meeting with destiny in a park
Dana rescued her first dog, Printz, from illegal dog fights. He was a mix-German Shepherd who opened Dana’s eyes to the cruelty facing millions of dogs in Romania. Nursing the wounded Printz back to health, Dana found a purpose for the rest of her life – and dared to dream of a time when animals in Romania would be appreciated and respected. She did not shy away from the scale of the challenge in a country with a couple of million unsterilized strays breeding freely; murderous official dog pounds where dogs were electrocuted and skinned alive for profits; and authorities who looked the other way.
1999
Dana sought out like-minded people
Living near Galati, the country’s fifth largest city, Dana set up a group she named ROLDA, standing for Romanian League in Defence of Animals. The focus was on homeless dogs because there were around 30,000 trying to survive on wasteland and in the streets – where they were regularly hit by traffic that rarely stopped. Dana taught herself English online to network so she could learn how to set up and fund a charity-run shelter.
2003
First shelter for dogs
Offering a safe physical shelter ROLDA worked tirelessly to raise the money to purchase land in the village of Smardan near Galati where ROLDA built a small shelter to be a dog sanctuary – and a real alternative to the officially supported Catch & Kill camps (public shelters). By contrast, ROLDA’s policy was ‘No Destruction’ of any dog that had the slightest hope of surviving. The small shelter welcomed 60 dogs in its first month.
2006
Becoming an accredited charity – around the world
We became an NGO by registering the ROLDA Foundation in Romania. In the same year, on the 4th of July, ROLDA became an incorporated charity in the United States as Romanian League in Defense of Animals, Inc. In the same year, ROLDA was able to buy more land for a second, bigger shelter.
2007
ROLDA began a partnership with the local giant steel producer to help humanely solve their stray dog population, estimated to 10,000 dogs.
2008-2015
Approx 10,000 stray (according to the steel plant management) were captured, feed, housed and rehabilitated when needed. A significant percentage was adopted across Europe in forever homes. During this period, using only humane methods, ROLDA was able to decrease the number of strays from the steel plant giant from 10,000 to 1,000.
2012
After Romania and the United States, we open a new branch in Norway, under the name ROLDA – Gatehunder fra Romania.
2014
ROLDA starts new branches in Switzerland (Association ROLDA Suisse), Sweden (Association ROLDA Sverige) and Australia (ROLDA Inc).
2015
ROLDA starts new branch in UK (ROLDA UK).
2021
Spreading the love – and the expertise
It was only right that we would pass on our expertise and support animal rescuers elsewhere in Romania – in the way we were helped by individuals and organisations when we started out. We connected rescuers in other Romanian cities, starting with Tulcea where we helped a small cat rescue organization. We also run sterilization campaigns there.
2022
Emergency support for #UkraineAnimals caught in crossfire in the war zone.
ROLDA coloring books are distributed in schools across Romania.
2023
The construction of a sanctuary for disabled & senior cats welcomed its first guests.
#FriendsForever program started to support seniors with pets in Romania.
2025
Over 100,000 animals helped since ROLDA was founded.
ROLDA started to save dogs from puppy mills, in the first 18 months over 200 dogs were rehomed successfully in Europe.
2026
ROLDA celebrates 20 years anniversary. The transformation of our 1st shelter for dogs into a cage-free facility is revolutionizing the concept of animal sheltering in Romania. The change of name to “ROLDA – United for Vulnerable Animals Worldwide” reflects our current focus to help animals affected by natural and human made disasters, as well as animals in Romania.
Back
20 years · 20 ways to help
Give in honour of our anniversary
Every amount is a multiple of 20 — chosen to mark 20 years of rescue work, and to show exactly what your gift makes possible.
For every animal saved from bombs, bullets, natural disasters, indifference, or cruelty, we fight with everything we have. And we will keep fighting, because every life saved is a victory.
The fight for dignity and the right to life for animals will not be lost, not as long as we stand together.
With every new person that joins our mission as a donor, volunteer or ambassador we will become stronger, bigger and reach more animals in need, faster. In a World in constant rush, the love and loyalty are for special people who choose to stand up.
#GiveHope to what you always cared for#GiveHope to those who have little to hope for#GiveHope when nobody else does#GiveHope to the voiceless#GiveHope to feel alive
Sponsorhip
What it means to be a Global Parent?
Soft, easy-to-digest food for animals with missing teeth
Treatment — supplements or injections — for joint pain
Love and affection every animal deserves, at every ageHelp us continue to #GiveHope to homeless animals that have nobody else
Take action and GiveHope
Be a voice for the voiceless!
Make a gift to GiveHope
Buy cute handmade gifts to help animals in need
Become a volunteer
Join today as volunteer to donate your time and skills.
Anniversary Tote bag
Celebrate with a personalized ROLDA Anniversary Tote bag in a variety of colors—simple, stylish, and meaningful.
Discover ROLDA
Who is ROLDA?
We work 24/7 to rescue your new best friend. On the grounds of an old and deserted factory plot in Galati, Romania, a wounded stray dog struggled to survive. The dog could only watch and whimper as the larvae moved around inside his rotting wound. We rescued him and gave him his name, Rambo. We provided shelter, treated his wounds, and helped him trust people again. After some months, he was adopted in Sweden.
Read Rambo’s story
What does ROLDA do for animals?
We save animals in need! ROLDA is an internationally supported nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating animal suffering, primarily in Romania and Ukraine. Our mission is to create a world free from unwanted, neglected, or abused animals by tackling the root causes of pet abandonment, providing rescue, shelter, and rehabilitation, and supporting responsible pet ownership in impoverished communities. ROLDA exists to give hope to neglected, abused animals, and the people who care about them. ROLDA has a strict no-kill policy. Our key focuses are rescue, rehabilitation, rehoming, spay/neuter, social programs, and education.
What does ROLDA do for the community and abandoned animals?
● Operate two no-kill dog shelters and a shelter for senior/disabled cats
● Rescue, treat, rehabilitate, and re-home animals - over 100,000 helped to date.
● Provide veterinary care, spaying/neutering, and education.
● Support impoverished pet owners with emergency aid and food.
● Extend humanitarian relief and animal rescue to conflict zones in Ukraine and Worldwide, where they suffer because of natural and human made disasters.
● Rescue, treat, rehabilitate, and re-home animals - over 100,000 helped to date.
● Provide veterinary care, spaying/neutering, and education.
● Support impoverished pet owners with emergency aid and food.
● Extend humanitarian relief and animal rescue to conflict zones in Ukraine and Worldwide, where they suffer because of natural and human made disasters.
Still have questions?
Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Please chat to our friendly team.
Get in touchLatest blog posts
September 11, 2026
How Adopting a Rescue Dog Supports a Larger Mission of Animal Welfare
There are millions of ways in which people can say ‘We are in this together’ and just as many ways in which others can show they understood the assignment. When it comes to animal rescue, we are aware that our activity carries a heavy emotional load – both for the people directly involved and for ... 20 years anniversary
Read more
6 minutes read
September 8, 2026
The Untold Stories of Dogs Waiting for Their Forever Homes
When ROLDA first started as a Romanian animal rescue organization, its mission was to save as many dogs as it could. In doing so, they also managed to change the perspective on what animal rescue truly was, and how it could be done to the best of people’s ability and toward the best possible outcome ... 20 years anniversary
Read more
6 minutes read
September 6, 2026
How Community Support Helps Rescue Organizations Save More Dogs Every Year
As a rescue organization that has managed to take thousands of dogs from dangerous living conditions, help heal and rehabilitate them, and find them homes with responsible owners, both in Romania and abroad, we can say the most important thing we have learned from our experience is this: we are only as strong as the ... 20 years anniversary
Read more
6 minutes read
September 3, 2026
Why Shelter Dogs Need More Than Food and Shelter to Recover
What would it take for you to think that a stray dog was safe? You would probably expect someone to take that poor dog, feed it, give it a place to live, away from other dangerous dogs and away from abuse and speeding cars. And that’s about it, right? Is that all there is to ... 20 years anniversary
Read more
6 minutes read
August 28, 2026
How Monthly Donations Create Lasting Change for Shelter Animals
Most people imagine an animal shelter relies financially on large sponsorships and emergency appeals. How else could someone afford to feed hundreds of animals every month? But what if we told you it’s actually small monthly donations from thousands of people, not a few large donations from a handful of companies or wealthy individuals? That ... 20 years anniversary
Read more
5 minutes read
Monthly giving
Why do we need your monthly help?
Donate as much as you want for as long as you want.
- Slow adoption rate across Europe impacts our adoption programme.
- A steady budget enables us to know in advance how many animals we can shelter and pay for medical bills.
- Not be forced to turn down homeless animals or pet owners from disadvantaged communities.
- Continue to look after senior dogs and cats in our no-kill facilities.
- Speed the building of cage-free facility where who spend longer time in our care won’t feel „incarcerated“, reducing stress and improving their life quality.
Together, we fill this heart full for 20 Anniversary and beyond
Help us continue to #GiveHope to homeless animals that have nobody else
Ways you can help end animals hunger and abuses
Say I GiveHope
Share on social media – become Ambassador
Take action and GiveHope
Be a voice for the voiceless!
Make a gift to GiveHope
Buy cute handmade gifts to help animals in need.
Meet the buddies
Do you know that a regular gift will enable ROLDA to budget more efficiently the rescue mission and help more animals in need?
Why do we need your monthly help?
- Slow adoption rate across Europe impacts our adoption programme.
- A steady budget enables us to know in advance how many animals we can shelter and pay for medical bills.
- Not be forced to turn down homeless animals or pet owners from disadvantaged communities.
- Continue to look after senior dogs and cats in our no-kill facilities.
- Build no-cage facilities at PawzUp Center where animals who spend longer time in our care won’t feel „incarcerated“, reducing stress and improving their life quality.
What it means to be a Global Parent?
What is that you provide
- Soft food easy to digest for animals with many missing teeth
- Treatment (supplement pills or injection) for joints pain
- Love and affection from our team that every animal, at every age deserves.
More ways to get involved
PawzUp Center
Help us build PawzUp. PawzUp Center is a state-of-art center for dogs, cats, horses, donkeys… and humans!
Anniversary Tote bag
Celebrate with a personalized ROLDA Anniversary Tote bag in a variety of colors—simple, stylish, and meaningful.
Other ways to get involved
Donate crypto
Donate to ROLDA in crypto currencies or NFTs.
Gift in your will
Leave a gift in your will to change the future of animals and people who look after them.
Teaming
Join the Teaming group for only 1 E/month.
