←→

1 / 21

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

About the shelter

MTÜ Saaremaa Lemmikloomade Turvakodu is a registered nonprofit animal shelter located on the island of Saaremaa, Estonia. Founded in 2005 by a small group of dedicated volunteers, the shelter specializes primarily in rescuing and rehoming cats. At any given time, the organization cares for between 150 and 200 cats, with over 200 cats finding new homes each year. 
 Most of the animals come from the streets, barns, forests, or are surrendered by families who can no longer care for them. Every cat taken in receives full veterinary care — including vaccination, spaying or neutering, parasite treatment, and microchipping — before being adopted. The shelter strictly follows a “no-kill” policy, ensuring that no animal is euthanized unless medically necessary or in extreme cases. 
 The shelter is officially registered in the Estonian nonprofit registry under number 80217914. As an MTÜ (Mittetulundusühing), it operates solely in the public interest and does not pursue commercial profit. Governance is managed by a board of three active members: Edit Annusver, Iia Mölder, and Eva Kips — all of whom are deeply involved in the shelter’s daily operations. 
 While the shelter has received some limited support from local authorities — particularly for housing stray animals for a fixed period — it currently relies almost entirely on private donations. The shelter runs various fundraising campaigns and collaborates with other animal welfare groups and veterinary clinics to cover its operational needs. 
 Thanks to nearly two decades of committed volunteer work and community support, Saaremaa Lemmikloomade Turvakodu has become a respected and vital part of Estonia’s animal welfare network. Its compassionate no-kill approach and long-standing presence make it a sanctuary of hope for countless animals in need.