Dogs Trust is a charity and as such has no legal obligation to resolve the problem of stray dogs. However, as one of the largest dog welfare organizations in the to the world, Dogs Trust in accordance with its mission, available resources and capacities, since 2012, significantly helps Bosnia and Herzegovina through consistent implementation progressive and humane state law on the protection and welfare of animals, established self-sustaining dog population management system, improving both dog welfare, as well as the entire community, and solving the problem sustainably.
Dogs Trust carries out activities within the programs it finances, which were created so that in
in the context of the problems in BiH, they support humane, legally prescribed measures. Support yourself because of what
more efficient use of available funds and capacities, not individually, but exclusively
through these programs that are provided in accordance with all relevant local legislation and
standard procedures of the Foundation. More information is on our website.
From 2012 to 2021, the Dogs Trust Foundation operated in BiH through a representative office.
From 2022, as the largest part of the international family of the Dogs Trust Foundation (Dogs Trust
Worldwide), the Dogs Trust BiH Foundation is registered. This status change confirms
determination of the Dogs Trust Foundation to continue helping in Bosnia and Herzegovina and its activities
deepen, but also to use his experiences and available resources to help with parts
of South-Eastern Europe that are facing a similar problem as Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The London-based Dogs Trust Foundation and its international arm, Dogs Trust
Worldwide, are financed exclusively from donations that are still not collected in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Funds and activities of the program in Bosnia and Herzegovina are approved by the Board of Directors and trustees of the Foundation, which
represent donors.
Dogs Trust only supports those local authorities that have demonstrated
determination to work through the activities that are required to be carried out according to the law
exclusively on humane, legal, transparent and systemic solutions. Dogs Trust
understands the key role that local authorities play in achieving sustainable and systemic
solutions to the problem of stray dogs, and that's why he always tries to help both in advisory and
through its programs, in accordance with the available resources, goals and mission of the Foundation.
Dogs Trust enjoys the reputation of an experienced, reputable and successful organization that is an expert in
in the field of humane management of the dog population, which is mandated by the state Law on Protection and
welfare of animals in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Accordingly, it can provide local authorities and institutions
advice and assistance that is consistent with the available resources, goals, and mission of the Foundation, and
appeal to them to use our support, and to implement the law consistently and transparently
because they are mandatory and because this is the only way to solve the problem permanently, but it cannot control them,
nor order or forbid them to do anything. An important role in requiring that local authorities legal
activities are carried out consistently and transparently by citizens and local associations chosen by them
finance their representatives in government.
Dogs Trust supports and complies with the National Animal Protection and Welfare Act in force
since 2009. This law is progressive and harmonized with European standards, and
its consistent and transparent implementation is the only thing that guarantees the achievement of the goal which
is common to all - that dogs no longer live abandoned, but well and responsibly cared for, only
with owners who love them. The Law on the Protection and Welfare of Animals in BiH replaced the old one
a system that was based on mass destruction of abandoned dogs, which is not only
brutal and inhumane, but also completely ineffective in achieving a permanent solution because it is not acted on the main cause of the problem - irresponsible keeping and abandonment of dogs.
The sole responsibility and obligation for the humane and legal care of abandoned dogs lies
on local authorities who, through registered services and shelters, have a duty to
abandoned dogs in need of help are caught and transported humanely, provided to them
veterinary care, placement in a conditional, and humane, registered shelter, or other legal
a registered place under inspection supervision, where they will receive the care they need and
a chance for adoption.
Dogs Trust in Bosnia and Herzegovina does not have its own adoption center nor the conditions and resources to take care of dogs and
provides individual support and assistance outside of its programs.
Precisely in order to do as much as possible through the available means to help the well-being
dogs but also the well-being of the community, Dogs Trust support is organized through strict
defined activities and standard procedures. This includes advisory, technical and
practical help in accordance with the possibilities and available resources, and that exclusively
regions whose local authorities are already implementing humane and legal measures in a transparent manner,
and allocate and plan funds for the establishment and implementation of humane and legal
dog population management system.
Dogs Trust in Bosnia and Herzegovina does not have its own center for adoption, but in order to raise awareness about
the importance of quality adoption and to save and happily adopt as many stray dogs as possible,
implements the Fostering Adoption Program. This program can only be implemented with
the invaluable support of our Fostering volunteers, dog lovers who are ready to
they temporarily care for the dogs that Dogs Trust adopts. Dogs Trust covers all costs for
dogs in this program, including veterinary treatments, supplies, food, etc., doc
Fostering volunteers give love and attention to the dogs they care for in their homes.
In order to implement the program as efficiently as possible, the dogs in this program are identified through
partner veterinary stations, and dogs are selected that are estimated to be stress-free
to get used to life at home well.
Our experts evaluate the needs and character of these dogs, so according to the information that
interested foster parents provide insurance in the application form, choose the owners in whom they will live
the style and capabilities of the dog fit best.
In addition to finding rescued dogs a permanent, happy home, this program has
a significant impact on raising awareness of the importance of responsible dog sourcing and its benefits
adoption.
Those interested can view our dogs for adoption on the website, and information is available
they also publish on social networks.
In order that the results of the assistance it provides are not at risk of being invalidated due to
insufficient implementation of all legal measures, from 2022 Dogs Trust is changing its approach and
it starts helping only regions whose local authorities have already clearly demonstrated
commitment to the implementation of humane, systemic and legal measures. In accordance with
available resources, support is provided in accordance with available resources and capacities
regions that met these criteria in stages, targeting first parts of the country in
which Dogs Trust programs have never been run before, and focusing primarily on
dogs on the streets. The goal is to sterilize stray dogs in the regions of activity to reach approx
80% of this population, which according to dog population management experts represents
an excellent basis for implementing other legal measures, especially responsible ones
ownership, solve the problem so that it does not happen again. Information about the regions where
Dog sterilization campaigns are available on the website LINK ABOUT STERILIZATION.
Despite the desire to help as many dogs as possible find a happy and permanent home, Dogs Trust in BiH
does not have the capacity or resources to permanently care for dogs that undergo a mass sterilization program.
Mass sterilization is a measure that helps both dogs and the community: dogs, because they are so new
uncared for puppies will not end up suffering life on the street, females living on the street will not have
health consequences of numerous births, and sterilization also prevents certain diseases that
dogs that are not neutered can get; community, because the dogs treated in this way are healthier, and theirs
behavior is not influenced by reproductive hormones, which can prevent risks for
the community.
This measure, which is fully funded by the Dogs Trust, is a particularly valuable aid
competent authorities and institutions that are actually obliged to organize themselves and
they finance the mass sterilization of dogs, so the funds they save can be used to
finance other measures of the law such as care and adoption, and responsibly
dog ownership.
According to Dogs Trust rules, and in accordance with local regulations, a dog that has been caught for
sterilization, after processing and recovery, it is returned to the same location where it was caught, which
engaged veterinary stations Dogs Trust coordinators confirm in the documented
reports.
However, it is important to note that dogs living on the street often change their location in search
for food or following other dogs. That is why it is possible for a dog to be caught in one
such a search, and not in the location where he usually stays, and that he should be returned accordingly.
This can be avoided if the help of citizens who feed and care for the dog is available
to the community.
However, if foster parents or citizens notice any irregularity, please let us know immediately
send the number of the dog's ear tag, and other documentation you have (photos of capture
and/or releases, etc.) to [email protected].
Dogs Trust does not have its own veterinary station, so it does not have the conditions to carry out veterinary services
processing dogs directly. Our activities are coordinated from the office, and sterilization campaigns
dogs that we finance are carried out through partner veterinary stations whose experts
have completed training which is also funded by Dogs Trust, and which is carried out in cooperation with
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sarajevo. Stations that apply for participation
they must also satisfy all legal regulations, as additional conditions that as a financier
put up by the Dogs Trust.
You can only take advantage of the Dogs Trust pet sterilization program if it is in the region
available where you live, which you can check on our website. In that case, necessary
is to directly contact one of the partner stations whose contacts are also on this one
website, and to schedule the procedure, noting that you want to use Dogs Trust
program.
The current priority of support through the Dogs Trust Dog Sterilization Program is stray dogs, and in
with the aim of preventing the influx of new illegals onto the streets that no one can care about, and how to
this population stabilized as an important prerequisite for a permanent solution. Sterilized and vaccinated
dogs that temporarily live in the community are healthier and most often peaceful, and people care
they fight back by defending "their territory" from new dogs that may or may not come
spayed, which may be sick or aggressive, thus posing a risk to the community.
As part of the Dogs Trust Dog Sterilization Programme, the rabies vaccine is included, but
only with sterilization of dogs. In the package with sterilization, in addition to the vaccine against rabies, each
dogs in the Program receive treatment against intestinal parasites and a microchip, and stray dogs
additionally an ear tag.
Marking stray dogs with a microchip and an ear tag allows for better monitoring
to dogs temporarily living in the community by competent services, fosters and locals
organization. For example, in case someone wants to adopt a dog, or if the dog has to be caught because
is injured or sick, the ear tag confirms that the dog is chipped, sterilized and
vaccinated, and by scanning the microchip, the veterinary organization has insight into information about
all treatments that the dog received up to the moment of capture.
If you have decided that you want a dog and are ready to take good and responsible care of it until
at the end of his life, giving a chance to a rescued dog is not only a noble deed, but
and a great way to get a grateful and loyal pet that will never let you down.
And through the Dogs Trust Fostering program, our experts will help you get a pet
which is made just for you! Your lifestyle and possibilities will be in line with your needs
dog, and taking care of him and your life together will be hassle-free.
Note: For now, this program is taking place in a limited capacity, due to limited numbers
resources, for now only in the regions of Canton Sarajevo and East Sarajevo.
The advantages of adoption within the Dogs Trust program are significant and numerous, first of all, because
so you have the support of experts in choosing a dog that will best suit you and fit in
your lifestyle, and then because the dogs in the Dogs Trust program come to the owner with a veterinary examination
processed, vaccinated, sterilized, clean and tidy, and with initial experience and habits for
home life.
In addition, when a Dogs Trust dog goes to its permanent home, it brings many gifts with it
necessities, as well as initial supplies of food, and the owner has the advisory support of ours
experts in the adjustment period. Dog owners who adopt a rescued dog through our
program have priority in the Dog School, so they can immediately teach their new pet
to listen with pleasure! Check out the available dogs on the Fostering link of this page
pages and read the characteristics of the dog you are interested in to decide on
which dog you want to fill out the application. Tag that dog and fill out the application in its entirety. Ours
experts will contact you for the first interview and explain other details. Follow us on
social media for the latest information on available dogs!
A Dogs Trust Fostering volunteer is actually a temporary owner who takes care of a rescued dog
while Dogs Trust is looking for a happy and permanent home for him. These are noble people who love dogs and have them
enough time, conditions and love needed to responsibly care for one
to a rescued dog. During this period, Dogs Trust covers all expenses for the dog - from veterinary
processing, vaccinations, examinations and other necessary treatments, to food and other necessities.
This is also a great opportunity for individuals and families who have considered getting a dog but haven't
sure how they will permanently cope with the dynamics of caring for a pet! If you like it, you know you do
are you ready to adopt the most faithful furry friend, and if you decide that it is permanent
commitment is not for you at this time, you can still enjoy temporarily taking care of
one of the dogs we adopt, and have the immense pleasure of having helped in
saving the innocent lives of these noble animals.
Dogs Trust primarily adopts dogs that have been rescued from the streets, so they are usually mixed breeds.
Even if a rescued dog looks like it's a certain breed, Dogs Trust can't
confirm.
Unfortunately, Dogs Trust currently does not have the capacity or resources to take care of dogs whose owners can no longer care for them.
In this case, we advise you to contact one of the local organizations that may be able to help.
Dogs Trust still fully funds the training at the Dog School, if it costs the owners nothing other than the obligation to attend classes regularly and strictly follow the trainer's instructions.
Changing the appointment at the Dog School must be done at least 24 hours before the scheduled class, and by contacting the coach directly, via phone or Viber. Coach contacts are available on the website.
Participants who do not show up for more than two classes will be automatically excluded in order to
the time could be used for participants who are waiting for an appointment, and if they want training after the break
to continue, they will need to complete the application on the website again and go through the process
appointments as the first time.
In addition to irregular attendance at appointments and failure to complete tasks assigned by the trainer for practice
with a dog at home does not guarantee successful training, so it is in the interest of every student to
fulfills the agreed obligations.
Dogs Trust Dog School has only one permanent location, in Semizovac. Unfortunately, Dogs
The Trust does not have the resources or capacity to launch this program in multiple regions. However, in accordance with the available capacities and resources, and with the aim to also through this program help as many owners and their pets as possible, School for dogs once or twice during the course in other regions of the country. Follow our social networks for notification about visits by the Dog School!
Dogs Trust does not have the resources or capacity to provide individual assistance, and apart from sporadic ones
of individually announced actions when the resources allow it, unfortunately it cannot give
individual assistance to dog owners. In situations where this kind of help is needed,
we advise you to contact local organizations that may have the resources to provide
help.
Dogs Trust BiH does not have its own adoption center, nor any other place where dogs can be
stay. Dogs Trust adopts rescued dogs as part of its fostering program
which is carried out with the help of Fostering volunteers link.
Inadequate and irresponsible dog care can cause negative changes in health and
to the dog's behavior. If you notice that someone treats their dog inappropriately (do not perform
him enough, shouts at him or punishes him, starves the dog, teaches the dog to behave aggressively,
etc.) be sure to contact the veterinary inspection and provide the competent authority with as much as possible
information about the owner, as well as any details you have about the inappropriate behavior.
The veterinary inspection will carry out supervision and take appropriate measures.
If you have been bitten by a dog, whether it is the owner's dog or a stray dog, it is necessary to
seek emergency medical help as soon as possible and report to the anti-rabies clinic.
Then, as soon as possible, inform the authorities about the incident with as much information as possible
veterinary inspection and MUP. They will explain all the details of the further procedure
veterinary inspection.
If you have noticed the inadequate conditions of the shelter or other place where dogs are kept, important
is that, if you are able, document the inadequate condition through time
marked photos or videos that clearly show the place where
dogs find, and/or people who treat dogs inappropriately, and to submit copies
Veterinary Inspection, Municipality and MUP. If it is a shelter or boarding house from which dogs are taken
adopt outside the borders of Bosnia and Herzegovina, send the application to the Veterinary Office of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Competent
institutions are obliged to carry out supervision, and feedback should be transparent.
If your dog is lost, report the chip number and other details to the Veterinary Inspection, a
you can certainly publish the search on social networks, providing as direct as possible
contact information in case someone sees the dog. Dogs Trust will be happy to on their channels
share your lost dog report if you are willing to share your direct contact as well.
It is the duty of every owner to always keep his dog on a leash in public, and to let him out
"running out" and playing only in a fenced and safe area. Never let your dog go
in nature if he has not mastered to come immediately when you call.
Dog owners are obliged to mark their dog with a microchip immediately after adoption or another
the method of acquiring a dog, and get an owner's booklet that confirms that ownership has been entered
to the state database. The veterinarian will familiarize you with your duties and responsibilities
according to your pet. By scanning the dog, the veterinary organization or inspection takes readings
microchip, thus gaining insight into all information about the dog and establishing the ownership of the dog. Microchip
entered into the state database helps to identify the owner anywhere in the territory
Bosnia and Herzegovina and beyond.
Unfortunately, Dogs Trust BiH does not have its own adoption center or another place where it can be adopted
take care of dogs, and does not have the opportunity for volunteering that such places normally offer.
Volunteer opportunities we currently have include:
Fostering volunteering - temporary care of a dog in the Dogs Trust fostering program
adoption while we look for him a happy, permanent home. Dogs Trust funds all things dog
required during the period of stay with the fostering volunteer, whose obligation is to give the dog a good life
care and love, and if possible, start training the dog at the Dog School. Find out more
sign up on our website.
Dogs Trust BFF group - is a less formal way to help with your commitment
improving the welfare of dogs and our work, and includes educating your environment and
friends about our activities and work, and sharing our content on social media
networks. Learn more and apply on our website.
