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About the shelter

Penkta Koja is an animal welfare organization based in Lithuania, operating since 2010. Founded by a group of dedicated individuals aiming to reduce the number of stray animals in the country, the organization has grown into a structured and legally registered non-governmental entity. Its name, which translates to "Fifth Paw," reflects its mission to support animals who have lost their place in the world and need a second chance.

 Its main facility is located in Linksmakalnis village, where the organization has repurposed a former warehouse into a functional shelter space. Although its physical presence is localized, Penkta Koja’s rescue activities extend throughout the country, with volunteers regularly responding to alerts and retrieving dogs in distress from across Lithuania.

 The shelter has grown significantly and now houses over 300 dogs at any given time.
The facility includes heated indoor kennels, dog walking zones, food and medical supply storage, and a basic veterinary room for initial examinations, vaccinations, and simple treatments. More complex medical cases are referred to partner veterinary clinics. The shelter infrastructure is still under development, and assistance with building materials or volunteer labor is actively welcomed.

 Penkta Koja operates solely on charitable support. It receives no consistent government funding and relies on individual donations, corporate sponsorships, and 1.2% income tax allocations (GPM) from Lithuanian taxpayers who choose to support the shelter. Financial stability remains a challenge. In recent years, the shelter has been under increasing pressure due to a shortage of space and resources, which has been exacerbated by mounting debts and rising operational costs.

 In addition to rescue and daily care, the organization is committed to public education. It hosts awareness campaigns on humane treatment and responsible pet ownership and organizes school visits and educational events. One of its most impactful efforts is a long-standing sterilization program. All adult animals adopted from Penkta Koja are neutered or spayed to prevent unwanted litters, making sterilization a core principle of the shelter’s no-kill philosophy.

 Penkta Koja also plays a notable role in international dog adoption efforts. In partnership with animal welfare organizations abroad, particularly in Finland and Sweden, the shelter successfully rehomes many of its rescued dogs to families outside Lithuania.

 Despite space limitations and financial struggles, Penkta Koja stands firm in its commitment to saving lives. The shelter adheres strictly to a no-kill policy: no healthy or treatable animal is euthanized due to lack of space. This principle defines their work and reinforces public trust in their mission to provide care, dignity, and hope to every dog they rescue.