# European animal shelter occupancy and adoption efforts

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/european-animal-shelter-occupancy-and-adoption-efforts
> Updated: 2026-10-03T10:40:04.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 3.

Animal shelters across Central and Eastern Europe continue to face high occupancy levels and strained capacities. In the South Moravian region of the Czech Republic, shelters in Brno have reported a surge in arrivals, particularly kittens, noting a trend where pets gifted during the summer are returned to shelters as the school year begins.

In Slovakia, the Alliance of Animal Protection Associations is organizing the 15th annual ‘Find Yourself with a Shelter Animal’ event in Bratislava. Scheduled for October 4 at the Aupark courtyard, the initiative brings together eight shelters from across the country to facilitate adoptions through personal interaction and walks, aiming to combat low adoption rates and overcrowded facilities.

In the Czech Republic, authorities are investigating the abandonment of several litters of puppies in the Šumava region. Hunters and mushroom pickers discovered multiple groups of puppies left in remote forest areas. Local organizations, including the Borová Lada Info Center and AniCare Centrum-Azyl Nová Pec, have provided medical care to animals found with infections and parasites. While police have noted these incidents may not always constitute a criminal offense, local municipalities are filing criminal complaints to address the recurring issue of abandoned litters.

In Croatia, welfare efforts continue in Viškov, where the local shelter is celebrating International Animal Protection Day on October 4. The event includes workshops, sports games, and a flea market, featuring a dedicated area for over 30 recently arrived puppies.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-03: Animal welfare initiatives and abandonment issues rise in Slovakia and Czech Republic

Animal welfare efforts are intensifying in Central Europe as Slovakia hosts a major adoption event in Bratislava while Czech authorities investigate the repeated abandonment of puppy litters in the Šumava woods

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/animal-welfare-initiatives-and-abandonment-issues-rise-in-slovakia-and-czech-republic

### 2026-09-29: Animal shelters in Croatia and Slovakia host adoption events

Animal shelters in Croatia and Slovakia are hosting major adoption events and awareness activities this week to support animals in need and increase adoption rates.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/animal-shelters-in-croatia-and-slovakia-host-adoption-events

### 2026-09-14: Brno animal shelters seek adopters amid rising pet numbers

Animal shelters in Brno are facing high occupancy, including an influx of kittens and dogs, as families return pets following the summer holidays and the start of the school year.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brno-animal-shelters-seek-adopters-amid-rising-pet-numbers

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Cite as: European animal shelter occupancy and adoption efforts. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/european-animal-shelter-occupancy-and-adoption-efforts