Save the Dogs and Other Animals

Save the Dogs and Other Animals was founded in 2002 by Sara Turetta, to address the urgent needs of animals in Romania. The crisis of stray dogs and cats in the country has spiraled out of control, and abandoned dogs are collected and killed by the thousands in municipal facilities. 

Horses and donkeys are exploited for labor. Because of poverty as well as a widespread lack of knowledge of animals’ needs, many of these animals are deprived of basic care and are continually overloaded and overworked. Tragically, many farmers cannot afford veterinary care or farriers (hoof trimmers) for their equines, resulting in long-term health problems. Injuries are left untreated, and old and severely ill donkeys and horses are abandoned to die.

Save the Dogs implements reduces homeless animal populations by following best practices in dog and cat population management. This includes spaying and neutering street dogs and cats, as well as owned cats and dogs because they are major contributors to the stray populations. We improve the welfare of thousands of abandoned donkeys, horses, cats, and dogs by rescuing them from abuse and neglect and giving veterinary treatment. At our modern, high-quality shelter in Cernavoda, Romania, we provide sanctuary care to approximately 60 rescued donkeys and 20 horses, and we typically care for around 200 dogs and 50 cats until they are returned to their home areas or are adopted. 

Additionally, Save the Dogs creates a culture of empathy and respect for animals through our new Connecting Lives program, which consisted of integrated initiatives that help extremely vulnerable animals, disadvantaged people, and their communities. Connecting Lives includes collaborations with municipal governments, schools, an underfunded prison, a therapy center for youth with disabilities, and other partners to create stronger bonds between animals and people, improving the welfare of both.

We coordinate our activities with communities and government agencies as much as possible. 

Multiple international awards have been bestowed upon the organization and its founder: from the Marsh International Animal Welfare Award to the Jeanne Marchig Award and most recently the Clarissa Baldwin Prize, while the founder was granted the title of Order of the Star of Italy in 2012.