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Shelter 1: Transform the small shelter
As we celebrate our #ROLDA20 anniversary, we couldn’t think of a better gift than investing in transforming this place. And it’s not like spending to make us or our animals “a gift”, we are always careful how each donation is used but this will be a giant step toward the recognition of dogs as family members, helping them stop see the World from behind cold bars. This project will transform the ROLDA small shelter into Romania’s first cage-free facility for dogs, designed to provide a more natural, humane environment while supporting rehabilitation and adoption.
Dogs Ranch
At the heart of this vision is Dogs Ranch, a new space where dogs will live in open, thoughtfully designed areas rather than traditional cages.
Each dog space will measure 3.15 x 3.85 meters (12 m²) and will include a 16 m² covered terrace, allowing dogs to enjoy outdoor space while remaining protected from sun and rain. A total of 14 units will be built as part of this initiative.
Supporters will have the opportunity to sponsor these spaces, with options to sponsor a full unit for $25,000 or co-sponsor for $ 5,000.
Puppies Land
The renovation will also include Puppies Land, a dedicated area designed specifically for mother dogs and their puppies.
This space will include three larger units, each offering 16 m² of indoor space and a 16 m² terrace, providing a safe and quiet environment for nursing and early development.
EcoVillage
Another component of the project is the ROLDA EcoVillage, which will support both staff and volunteers. The EcoVillage will include staff housing and four volunteer studios (two on the ground floor and two in the attic), each with a private bathroom, designed for short-term volunteer stays of up to two weeks.
Located in one of Romania’s most vulnerable communities, the EcoVillage will promote sustainability and community engagement, integrating environmental and social values into its design.
Features will include renewable energy solutions such as passive solar design, waste reduction systems, and opportunities for dogs to become comfortable living in a home-like environment.
Additional elements of the EcoVillage will include play areas built from recycled materials such as straw bales and repurposed tires, a sensory garden designed to help rehabilitate dogs, and volunteer-led workshops such as yoga with dogs, “Chefs for Pets” program and dog training and behavior sessions.
Together, these initiatives will transform the original ROLDA Small Shelter into a modern, humane, and sustainable community space for dogs, volunteers, and supporters alike.
First 200 donors of $500 (or more) will receive a limited-edition Founder Certificate, symbolizing not just their role in helping rebuild the ROLDA Small Shelter, but being the founders of cage-free design for animal shelter.
The cage-free concept will definitely raise the standards that modern shelters should meet in Romania in the future, exactly like we did 20 years ago when we introduced the notion of insulated kennel following the British style which many followed.
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Estimated cost $1300000
Wall of fame
- Erik $100
Check these other ones
While ROLDA continue to lobby for government and law enforcement in Romania & Worldwide, we are committed to do more to eliminate puppy mills structures where animals are abused and exploited.
#FriendsForever was created by ROLDA to help seniors keep their pets healthy and prevent them from being forced to abandon the only friend they may have.
Whilst Romanian law currently prohibits the sterilisation of stray dogs (and their returning to the wild), ROLDA are operating sterilisation campaigns in poor communities, targeting the pets of low- income families who could not afford private veterinary care. These campaigns tackle abandonment– one of the primary contributing factors to the national homeless dog crisis – in two key ways.
In a shelter with hundreds of dogs, highly contagious diseases – such as distemper – could be devastating. This is why ROLDA imposes a strict quarantine period for all new rescued dogs, during which they receive broad-spectrum vaccines before they are let socialize with current residents of our shelter. However, vaccinations must be ‘topped-up’ annually with booster shots.
