Our Mission
The Republic of Georgia Dog Refuge is a unique sanctuary, the first and only no-kill, no-cage animal refuge in the country. We open our arms to dogs in any condition, including senior and disabled ones. Our mission is threefold: rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome (in-country) as many dogs as possible, provide sterilization services to help manage the stray population, and educate communities about the proper care and humane treatment of both pets and street dogs.
The Dire Situation: Dogs Left Behind
When we first arrived in the Republic of Georgia three years ago, we were shocked by the vast number of street dogs, particularly on the beach across from our hotel in Batumi. We learned many dogs were abandoned by owners who sold their beach-front houses for hotel construction. Some dogs had escaped from neglectful homes where they had been kept chained or locked in “pet boxes” outside. Also, many dogs are left or lost by tourists.
The Effects of the War on Ukraine
The war between neighboring Russia and Ukraine has directly impacted Georgia, leading to a surge of refugees and skyrocketing food prices. Consequently, many locals can’t afford to keep their pets and abandon them on the streets. These dogs are vulnerable to abuse, starvation, and harsh weather conditions.
Outreach Program
We conduct regular assessments and feed dogs in rural areas and other towns, with the aim of rescuing them in the future once we have expanded our shelter to accommodate them. We are now conducting a Medical Outreach Project to treat sick, injured, and abused strays in rural areas and dumps, through the generous sponsorship of Cold Noses Foundation.
Community Education Initiative
We aim to launch a program to educate the public about the humane treatment of pets and street dogs, focusing on fostering compassion towards dogs and advocating for the humane treatment of animals. The ultimate goal is to achieve a nation-wide spaying and neutering program, in line with policies adapted by the Netherlands in 2016, which led to zero stray dogs.
The Current Condition: Dogs in Distress
The majority of street dogs and even some family pets suffer from malnutrition, skin infections, and poor health due to low immunity. Street dogs are often victims of cruelty. Additionally, the abrupt end of a government-funded spay and neutering program in 2019 has led to a surge in the population of unsterilized dogs, leading to more suffering.
Our Response: Rescue, Shelter and Rehabilitation
At the Doghouse Camp at Geo Dog Refuge, we can currently only accommodate a limited number of rescue dogs. However, we’ve built a doghouse camp in the driveway for roaming street dogs, providing them with food and shelter. With proper funding, we plan to expand our facilities.
We also make trips around town and in the countryside to provide street animals with food and first aid. We give these dogs de-worming and flea medicine so they can gain weight and absorb nutrients. Our goal is to help them become trusting companions again by offering them a safe and happy home. Some can be trained as therapy dogs or companion dogs, while others can find loving homes to live out their lives in peace and comfort.
Social Media Advocacy
Our Geo Dog Refuge Facebook group and page offer advice on caring for strays and family pets. Our group members serve as role models in their communities and homes for the humane treatment of street animals and pets. We plan to initiate community animal welfare education programs soon.
How Can You Help?
Your donations go a long way in supporting our cause. They contribute to expanding our dog rescue shelter, medical care, spaying and neutering services, outreach program, community education, and facility running costs. Join us in our mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome these innocent lives, providing them with the care and love they deserve.