Weiden animal shelter celebrates success: million-dollar project for 2026 completed!

Weiden animal shelter celebrates success: million-dollar project for 2026 completed!

An exciting chapter in animal protection is currently being written in the heart of Weiden. After an intensive planning and construction phase, the Weiden animal protection association looked forward to the new shell of its modern animal shelter with great joy. With a total cost of between 4.4 and 4.7 million euros, this project is a huge step for the region, supported by the city and district, which are each contributing 1.7 million euros. The association itself finances the rest through its own funds, donations and inheritances, which proves how committed the community is to animal protection. The association currently has 937 members, a number that is constantly growing, which shows how popular the work of the animal protection association is.

The first chairwoman, Mariele Junak, recently opened the annual general meeting and was able to present an impressive annual report. The feedback from the various partners was also noted - a network of veterinarians, police and finders worked excellently during the construction phase. In total, the animal shelter recorded 225 animal arrivals in 2024, including 18 dogs and 133 cats, which underlines the animal shelter's important function as a contact point.

Inauguration and events

The shell of the new animal shelter was completed in fall 2024 and the dogs have been housed there since then. The official inauguration is scheduled for November 14, 2025, which will be accompanied by a series of interesting events. An “open day” is planned for May 2026, where visitors can get to know the animals’ new home and how the association works.

The new premises offer 1,600 square meters of space for 25 dogs, 50 cats and 30 small animals. Quarantine rooms, training rooms and barrier-free paths are also available. The animal shelter has also adapted to future needs, and in the interest of the public, tours, workshops and a “walker’s license” are being planned in the coming months. This shows that the Weiden animal shelter offers a lot not only for the animals, but also for the people.

Current offers and challenges

Although the animal shelter is already well equipped, the association still insists on the public's help. A call for donations for new equipment, veterinary costs and food has been launched. Pets are currently being accepted again, although there may be a shortage of space. Appointments for the animal shelter are currently only available by telephone and the opening times are from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on weekdays by appointment by telephone. The popular offers for walking and cat petting are scheduled to start again in autumn.

In order to cope with the important daily work, the animal shelter is planning to continue public campaigns to raise donations. City councilor Dagmar Nachtigall and city councilor Karl Bärnklau have already praised the association's commitment, which is of immense importance for the community. Jutta Böhm, a long-time employee, is also retiring soon, which will mean an exciting transition period for the team.

The Weiden animal protection association is faced with major challenges, but also many positive developments. The community shows that it cares about the welfare of the animals. For everyone who would like to get involved and for animal-loving visitors, every commitment will be needed in the coming months to support the new animal shelter and to offer the animals a nice home. Further information, including about the events, can be found on the official animal shelter website.