Romanian Animal Rescue and Shelter

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.

Wherever Disaster Strikes, animals need someone who is ready

A war in Ukraine. An earthquake in Venezuela. A crisis nobody saw coming, somewhere else tomorrow. In every one of these places, animals are left behind injured, starving, with no one trained or equipped to treat them. A single emergency kit becomes the difference between an animal treated in time, and one that isn't.

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.

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.

Join our challenge

Join the 20th anniversary #GiveHope challenge

ROLDA USA Joins the NYC 9/11 Memorial Ride to Honor America's Canine Heroes

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 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

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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.

Rescue, shelter, rehabilitate, rehome in Romania

Evacuate, feed and treat animals caught in crossfire of war in Ukraine

Emergency aid in Middle East

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.

Say I #givehope: Join ROLDA20 Global Challenge for Animals

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.

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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.

$20

Help us feed a rescued dog/cat for 45 days

Donate

$40

Help us buy blankets to keep 14 dogs/cats warm during wintertime

Donate

$60

Buy a vaccine to help puppies agains disease

Donate

$120

Stop suffering before it starts and help us pay for 2 sterilizations.

Donate

Help us transform the future for animals

The way we all dream it should be — starting with the first cage-free facility ever built for dogs in Romania.

1st Cage free facility ever built for dogs in Romania

Priorities 2030

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

They need a global parent

Blanca

Ceasar

Albita

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 age

Help us continue to #GiveHope to homeless animals that have nobody else

Take action and GiveHope

Be a voice for the voiceless!

Sign petition

Make a gift to GiveHope

Buy cute handmade gifts to help animals in need

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Become a volunteer

Join today as volunteer to donate your time and skills.

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Anniversary Tote bag

Celebrate with a personalized ROLDA Anniversary Tote bag in a variety of colors—simple, stylish, and meaningful.

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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.

Still have questions?

Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Please chat to our friendly team.

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Latest blog posts

October 14, 2026

How Adoption Stories Inspire More People to Help Animals in Need

One of our favorite online trends is the posting of pictures with happy dogs and their new families, with those big ‘ADOPTED’ signs! And it’s hard not to share in the enthusiasm. The adoptive family took their time setting things up; they got the floof ready, bathed, brushed, and smelling like a million bucks. And ... 20 years anniversary

How Sponsoring a Shelter Dog Can Change a Life Before Adoption

Adopting a shelter dog is the most beautiful act of kindness people could ever do in their lives. It is a gesture in which they take in a soul that was once abandoned and give it a home and a purpose. And then, they get to watch it thrive, and their lives grow richer and ... 20 years anniversary

Supporting Rescue Dogs Through Donations When Adoption Is Not an Option

And as the rescue van took the suffering dog away, the people in town sighed with relief, thinking the poor soul was now safe and off to live a better life. The End Cute, but wrong! As an organization dedicated to bettering the lives of dogs and animals in general, ROLDA’s mission is to get ... 20 years anniversary

Why Regular Donations Are Essential for Keeping Rescue Shelters Running

What do you think is the most expensive part of running a dog shelter? Some people might think it’s the dramatic animal rescue missions. Others might say it’s the complicated medical procedures needed to put the poor animals back together or even the latest recovery and rehabilitation therapies. Both groups are wrong. The most expensive ... 20 years anniversary

The Life-Changing Impact of Dog Adoption on Both Pets and Their New Families

Who benefits more from a shelter adoption? The dog that has just received a chance at the perfect life in a loving home with a caring family? Or the family that has just become whole with the addition of the cutest, most loyal, and most lovable member? Both sides will. It’s a win-win type of ... 20 years anniversary

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.

Donate monthly

Together, we fill this heart full for 20 Anniversary and beyond

Team

Volunteers

Adopters

What our team says

“Some might say that I have the easiest job at ROLDA because I basically prepare and evaluate them for adoption after they have been rehabilitated, but that’s not true. I also see the dogs when they first arrive at ROLDA, all scared, skinny, bruised…it’s painful to watch. No job is easy at a charity. It’s heartwarming to see a stray dog who’s been transformed into an adoptable pet, but it’s also painful to watch them continue to spend years here because no one adopts them. Please, choose to adopt.”

Flori, Dogs caretaker, August 2017

Meet our team

What volunteers says

“In October 2023 I had the pleasure of volunteering at the ROLDA in Galati, Romania. The dogs are moved on a rotating basis to an outdoor area, which is fenced-in, where they are allowed to play while their cages are being cleaned and disinfected. This is done by 2 dedicated and hard-working women, Flori and Aurelia. They work tirelessly, and their love for all the animals at the shelter touched my heart! Thank you to Flori and Aurelia for a wonderful experience!”

Vojo from Canada, Volunteer visitor, October 2023

Read testimonials

What adopters says

“I would like to thank you and your staff for blessing us with such a wonderful dog, Cookie is adorable. We got him in September and as the days passed settling in, delightful characteristics unfolded. His excited pant on greeting you, his nose erect then breaking out into a funny bellowing howl. Wriggling on his back contentedly alleviating his itch and his big paws shaking about, he resembled Baloo the hilarious gentle bear in the cartoon Jungle Book! Our Baloo had landed and certainly won a big place in our hearts! A BIG THANK YOU!”

Avril from UK, Adopter, December 2021

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Help us continue to #GiveHope to homeless animals that have nobody else