Datcha shelter

In 2000 the volunteers from Germany, Nuremberg heard about the atrocities happening to stray animals and they decided to help out, started a crowdfunding campaign.  Initially, funds were collected to feed the stray animals on the streets of Chisinau. Animal-loving residents, mainly women, would go out in the streets, feed the dogs or take care of injured dogs.

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Finally, in 2013 with the financial help from a small group of animal lovers in Nuremberg, Germany, a piece of land outside of Chisinau was bought and the dilapidated building on it converted into a humble shelter.

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Today, DATCHA is open to stray animals 24/7. Ira Marcu is the dedicated and passionate full-time director. Ira leads the rescuing and feeding of stray dogs and cats every day! Three additional caretakers take shifts to feed the dogs, clean the kennels and care for injured and freshly operated animals. One caretaker is on premise at all times to watch over the animals.

A veterinarian checks on the health of the animals one time per week and performs castration and vaccinations on location. A simple operating room was established with the donations and support of the partner community in Nuremberg.