OUR CAT & DOG PARKS
SAVE A LIFE - ADOPT, DON'T SHOP.
Our team’s goal is to improve as many animals live's as possible through
preventative health care, rescue, rehabilitation and re-homing.
WHY DO WE HAVE A CAT AND DOG PARK?
Our parks are sanctuaries for the most vulnerable and at-risk animals. They provide a safe haven for them to rest, decompress and recover, or to live safely if we know they won’t thrive on the streets.
For some, the parks become a permanent home.
We look after over 50 animals in our two parks, both of which are tucked away in the heart of the forest in Üzümlü.
WHAT DO OUR PARKS OFFER?
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Warmth in winter and shade in summer
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Safety and protection
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Respite for the sick or injured
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A sterile environment; hygiene is paramount, and we clean the parks regularly
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Fresh water and food daily
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Daily monitoring of health and wellbeing requirements
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Training and assessments for adoptions
HOW DO WE RUN THEM?
Our parks are managed by our park managers and their teams of volunteers.
Two people are needed to go to the dog park each day to check on the animals, feed and water them, and clear up the penned areas. Cat park volunteers can go alone as the animals are smaller and easier to manage.
OUR PARKS ARE SPECIAL PLACES
Volunteering at our parks is so rewarding. Not only are you in the middle of nature, surrounded by birdsong rather than traffic or city centre bustle, but you are caring for animals who really appreciate your time and attention.
They always greet you with a wagging tail or a purr - no wonder it's our volunteers' favourite part of the week! Thinking about volunteering? Read more HERE.
HEALTHCARE
It's a priority to ensure all our park animals are neutered, vaccinated and protected against parasites.
With so many animals living in close proximity, we make sure their health and wellbeing are protected. We have a great vet who regularly attends our parks to carry out health checks.
PARK ELIGIBILITY AND PROTOCOLS
We have strict protocols in place when accepting new animals into the parks as well as an eligibility criteria and this gets accessed on a case by case basis.
Our protocols are in place to protect our volunteers, while also taking into consideration the needs and vulnerabilities of our animal residents already in our parks and our potential future animal residents.
Factors we have to consider are:
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We have a maximum capacity rule to protect the animal residents and our volunteers - there are only so many animals our team can safely manage.
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We are limited to space/quarantine pens which control our capacity intake. Some animals are suited to park life, and some aren’t. The team has to manage the dynamics of the parks and we can’t just take any animal in and allow them to 'fight it out'.
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We only have so many quarantine pens. Each animal goes into quarantine for a set amount of time before being released into the parks.
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If an animal has a disability, this could potentially make them vulnerable if not managed effectively.
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We have to consider and assess the animal's wellbeing as sickness or diseases that some animals could be carrying would then be brought into the park if not managed accordingly.
HOW ARE OUR PARKS FUNDED?
Our parks are funded through donations and sponsorships. We try to secure at least one sponsor per animal to help pay their monthly costs.
Sponsorship funds contribute to parasite treatments, vaccinations, fresh water and food, as well as medical bills. They also go towards park maintenance and necessary supplies such as new feeding bowls or materials to mend damaged enclosures.
Donations enable us to work tirelessly to make a lasting impact on the lives of Üzümlü's homeless and neglected animals.
Your donations, no matter the size, make a real difference and goes towards providing food, shelter, and medical care and together, we can create a better future for these innocent creatures.
Read more about our sponsorships here and click the buttons below to meet the cats and dogs looking for sponsors.
