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About the shelter

Cztery Łapy Żychlin is a charitable animal rescue initiative operating under the Association for the Development of the Żychlin Municipality “Sówka.” Established in 2015, the initiative was created to prevent animal homelessness and provide safe refuge for animals harmed or abandoned by humans. It is important to the team that their work is not confused with a municipal shelter. Cztery Łapy functions as an independent sanctuary and adoption-focused rescue, operating entirely on donations, 1.5% tax contributions, and fundraising campaigns. The organization has no contracts with municipalities and receives no public funding for daily animal care. Local municipalities may cover the costs of sterilization, castration, or emergency veterinary treatment in specific cases, but the ongoing maintenance of the animals depends solely on private donors. 
The initiative is run entirely by volunteers—a small group of dedicated individuals who care for animals before and after their regular jobs. The team is led by the president of the association, Matylda Jakubowska-Czaja. Each year the organization helps approximately 300 homeless animals, and since its founding, it has placed over a thousand dogs and cats into permanent homes across Poland and abroad. In 2020 alone, nearly 400 animals found families through their efforts. 
Cztery Łapy operates an asylum for homeless dogs and cats, supported by a network of foster homes and temporary care facilities. At any given time, the team cares for around 50 dogs and 40 cats. Every animal undergoes quarantine, receives full veterinary diagnostics and treatment when necessary, is vaccinated, sterilized or neutered, and provided with preventive care. Many animals arrive sick, injured, or severely underweight, requiring intensive medical support. Socialization is a key part of their work—animals are carefully prepared for life in a family environment, and the team’s close knowledge of each individual allows them to responsibly match animals with suitable adopters. 
Beyond rescue and adoption, Cztery Łapy promotes volunteer engagement, organizes educational outreach in schools and kindergartens, shares informative content online about responsible pet ownership, and conducts interventions in cases of animal neglect or abuse. The organization cooperates with other animal welfare groups and continues to expand its infrastructure, working toward the creation of a larger adoption center to help even more animals in need. 
Cztery Łapy Żychlin exists thanks to the commitment of volunteers and the generosity of private supporters. Their mission remains clear: to prevent homelessness, rehabilitate animals in need, and ensure that every rescued dog and cat has the opportunity to find a responsible, loving home.