Christmas at the animal shelter: Otero is looking for a loving home!

Christmas at the animal shelter: Otero is looking for a loving home!

On December 25, 2025, a day that for many is characterized by family warmth and festive gatherings, the Christmas feeling will also arise at the Rather animal shelter in Düsseldorf. There, Otero, a 12-year-old male, is lying relaxed on a sofa. His story is sad: Six months ago, after being confiscated by the public order office, he was brought to the animal shelter because his previous owners, who found it annoying due to his age, even considered putting him down. It was a mild winter day, and while many are spending time with their loved ones, shelter staff are hoping Otero will find a new home, ideally on the same level and as an only dog, to give him a stress-free life. Melanie Gordon, who has taken over the management of the Rather animal shelter since April, and Winnie Bürger, the new chairwoman of the Düsseldorf Animal Welfare Association, are passionate about ensuring that Otero and other animals like him finally get the love and care they deserve.

The thought of Christmas and the pursuit of loving homes for animals in need go hand in hand. Hannelore Zschech from Team Gassi is also regularly active at the animal shelter and gives the dogs variety through walks. Such commitments are of great importance in Germany's animal shelters, because many facilities are working at the limits of their capacities. This form of voluntary work is not only beneficial for the animals, but also enriches the lives of the helpers.

Volunteering at an animal shelter: a valuable task

More and more people want to help animals in need and are looking for ways to put this into practice. Volunteering at animal shelters can be extremely fulfilling and allows volunteers to become part of a community of animal lovers. These volunteers make a crucial contribution to improving the welfare of the animals and relieve the burden on permanent staff. The tasks range from direct contact with animals, such as walking or petting cats, to supporting activities such as cleaning and organizing in the animal shelter.

In order to become active, those interested should follow a few steps: contacting an animal shelter, an information conversation to clarify the tasks and regular commitment are crucial. Qualities such as reliability, patience and empathy are also important, especially when it comes to animals with difficult backgrounds. The need for such support is becoming increasingly urgent, as around 32 million pets are registered across Germany, including around 8.6 million dogs and 13.4 million cats. This number reflects the need for educational work to prevent uncontrolled reproduction and abandonment of animals.

Overcrowded animal shelters and the need for adoption

Every year, animal shelters in Germany care for around 400,000 animals, a quarter of which stay in the facilities permanently. The reasons for this overcrowding are many: unwanted pets, financial constraints and lack of awareness about animal adoption are just a few of the challenges. According to TERRA MATER e.V., there are up to 1,400 animal shelters in Germany that take care of the needs of animals and carry out important preventive measures such as castrations.

Shelter animals usually receive good veterinary care and are carefully checked before they are placed with new families. The organization encourages people to visit animal shelters and consider adoption to give an animal in need a new home. So Otero, who is lying on a couch in the animal shelter on this special holiday, could still have the chance to find a loving family. It is stories and efforts like this that bring hope for a better life for many animals.

In a country where many pets are waiting for homes, the message remains clear: everyone can help, and there are countless ways to get involved in animal welfare, whether through volunteering or adopting an animal. Together we can make a difference, not only for Otero, but for many other four-legged friends who are eagerly waiting for a loving home.

For more information about the current situation in animal shelters and how you can help, read more on RP Online, Animal hearts and TERRA MATER.