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About the shelter

Labās mājas Animal Shelter — whose name means “Good Home” in Latvian — is one of the country’s most respected and progressive private animal shelters. Founded and operated by the nonprofit Juglas Dzīvnieku aizsardzības grupa (Jugla Animal Protection Group), the shelter has been a lifeline for thousands of stray, abandoned, and abused animals since 2012. Its origins go back even further, to the early 2000s, when founder Astrida Karklina, an engineer by profession, turned her compassion for animals into a lifelong mission. Located in Riga, the shelter was designed as a purpose-built, modern facility. It can house up to 90 animals at a time — approximately 50 dogs and 40 cats — in clean, well-ventilated enclosures with access to exercise yards and adjacent forest trails. Each animal receives proper veterinary care, vaccinations, deworming, microchipping, and, when appropriate, sterilization. A veterinary suite on-site ensures that even animals requiring surgical or specialized treatment are cared for without delay. The shelter’s philosophy is strictly no-kill, meaning animals are never euthanized due to space or time limitations. What sets Labās mājas apart is not only the quality of its facilities but its deep commitment to the emotional and behavioral rehabilitation of its animals. Dogs are walked daily by trained volunteers and slowly re-socialized — a key factor in preparing them for adoption. Special programs such as “Robina akadēmija” focus on teaching basic commands and helping dogs overcome fear and past trauma. For cats, gentle handling and enrichment help them adjust to indoor life and human contact. The team works tirelessly to match each animal with a responsible, loving adopter. Labās mājas operates entirely on donations and community support, without regular government funding. Around 90% of the animals in their care receive no state assistance. The shelter relies on private donors, volunteers, partner businesses, and grants from charitable foundations. One of its key supporters is the Boris and Ināra Teterev Foundation, which has helped fund veterinary care, infrastructure improvements, and operating costs. Corporate donors also contribute through fundraising campaigns and donation drives, especially during winter when heating costs rise. Despite ongoing financial challenges — including a 40% drop in donations during the COVID-19 pandemic — the shelter has never turned away an animal in need. Since its founding, over 15,000 animals — including dogs, cats, and even small mammals and birds — have been rescued, rehabilitated, and rehomed. Labās mājas also runs sterilization and release programs for stray cats across Riga, having sterilized nearly 3,000 community cats between 2013 and 2024. In addition, the shelter has hosted over 80 educational events and children’s camps, nurturing a new generation of animal advocates. Behind all of this stands Astrida Karklina, the shelter’s founder and director. She is the heart of Labās mājas — present every day, overseeing operations, speaking with adopters, coordinating volunteers, and shaping policy. Her leadership has made Labās mājas not just a shelter, but a model of ethical animal care and community engagement in Latvia and beyond.