A dry place to sleep. A roof to keep the rain out. Shelter when the wind picks up and the temperature drops.

At the Fântânele Animal Shelter in Romania, around 100–120 dogslive in 96 kennels. Many have been rescued from being put down or found vulnerable on the streets.

As winter approaches, we want to do something tangible for them.

We’re travelling back to Fântânele ourselves to buy materials and work on site to repair and refurbish the dog kennels where the dogs seek shelter, rest and spend their nights.

Our aim is simple: to ensure that as many dogs as possible have a drier, more weather-protected and more durable place to sleep before the cold season sets in.

Fântânele is about an hour and a half’s drive from Cluj-Napoca. The privately run shelter takes in dogs rescued from difficult circumstances, including dogs from the culling programme in Zalău and emergency cases taken in from the streets.

Local volunteers provide the dogs with care and human contact, and help arrange the veterinary care they need. This work includes vaccinations, treatments, neutering and support in finding them a new home through adoption.

But whilst the dogs wait, they also need something very basic: a proper shelter where they can sleep in the dry and escape the rain, snow, wind and cold.

Winters in the area around Cluj can bring sub-zero temperatures, snow, rain and high humidity.

For dogs that spend much of the day outdoors, the condition of their shelter is therefore crucial.

Many of the existing dog kennels need repairing and upgrading. Among other things, we want to be able to:

• repair worn walls and roofs
• improve protection against rain and moisture ingress
• seal against draughts
• repair or raise floors where necessary
• install insulation where appropriate
• replace damaged materials with more durable solutions

This isn’t about luxury. It’s about giving the dogs better basic protection against the winter.

Our fundraising target is €30,000.

The money will be used to carry out the refurbishment of the dogs’ shelters in Fântânele – primarily for building materials, but also for essential tools, local transport and the logistics required to carry out the work on site.

We do not take any salary from the funds raised. The work we carry out ourselves is done on a voluntary basis.

Planned budget:

• Repairs and building materials – approx. €18,000

Timber, board materials, insulation, roofing materials, screws, sealant, suitable wood preservative and materials for flooring and other necessary repairs.

• Tools and equipment – approx. €1,500

Tools, protective equipment and consumables required for the work.

• Travel, local transport and logistics – approx. €3,500

Travel to Romania, transport of personnel and building materials, and basic accommodation whilst the work is in progress.

• Contingency fund – approx. €3,000

For example, changes in material prices or damage more extensive than can be assessed in advance.

• Extended renovation – approx. €4,000

Additional huts, more extensive repairs or improvements that enhance sustainability, provided the groundwork can be carried out within budget.

Total target: €30,000

If we do not reach the full target, we will start with the dog kennels most in need of attention and continue as far as the funds allow.

If we raise more than is required for the groundwork, the project can be expanded to include more kennels and more extensive improvements.

We want both individuals and businesses who support us to be able to see how the money is being used and what their support actually achieves.

That is why the work will be documented on an ongoing basis, for example through:

• photographs and videos of the work
• before and after photos
• updates from the site
• documentation of materials purchased
• receipts and cost documentation where possible
• a summary of how the funds raised have been used

This enables donors to follow the project’s progress and see that their contributions are being put to good use.

Companies contributing to the project can also gain access to relevant documentation from the work as a basis for their own CSR – Corporate Social Responsibility – communications.

This can, for example, be used to demonstrate a concrete commitment to society towards employees, customers or other stakeholders via the company’s website, sustainability communications, social media or internal channels.

In the case of larger corporate donations, where practicable, we can also assist with tailored documentation of the work carried out so that the company can clearly demonstrate what its support has contributed to.

We do not promise abstract results.

We show the work.

Behind every dog shelter is an individual – with their own story, personality and, hopefully, a future in a home of their own.

We cannot change everything for all the dogs at once.

But we can make the place where they’re waiting drier, safer and better equipped for winter.

Make a donation today and help us prepare the dogs’ shelter for winter.

No donation is too small. Many small contributions together can provide timber, insulation, roofing materials, sealants and the other materials needed for the next round of repairs.

If you’re unable to contribute financially, please feel free to share the fundraising campaign. Helping us reach the next person or business can make a huge difference.

Thank you for helping us give the dogs in Fântânele a drier, safer and more sheltered winter. ❤️

Read about our work in Fântânele.