Eurofurence is excited to announce this year's official charity: Hamburger Tierschutzverein von 1841 e.V.

Founded in 1841, Hamburger Tierschutzverein is now the largest animal shelter in Hamburg, staffed by over 120 dedicated employees and supported by more than 200 passionate volunteers. Together, they care for over 700 animals at any given time, ranging from common pets like rabbits, dogs, and cats, to horses, turtles, and even reptiles. On occasion, exotic animals like tigers and elephants have found refuge there as well.

Every year, more than 8,000 animals pass through their doors in need of care.

Always There to Help

The shelter operates around the clock, with veterinarians on duty day and night and a rescue van always on standby to save animals in distress. Every animal receives a thorough health check and a quarantine period before being considered for adoption. Those in need of specialized treatment or intensive care receive the attention necessary to help them heal and thrive.

Hamburger Tierschutzverein operates under a strict no-kill policy, ensuring that animals are given the care they need and If an animal isn’t suitable for adoption due to health reasons they can stay at the shelter for as long as they need to live out their life in comfort.

They even extend this philosophy to live insects, which are carefully managed as part of the animal care process and explicit orders are required for any carnivorous animals requiring a specific diet of insects.

While the shelter receives some government funding from the city council to care for pet animals within Hamburg, this support only covers certain aspects of their work. It doesn't extend to the rescue of wildlife or public education programs, which rely heavily on donations and bequests. Unfortunately, receiving bequests can be a long and cumbersome process due to strict legal requirements.

A Growing Challenge

Hamburg’s expansion as a city has led to an increasing number of animals in need of help, further straining the shelter’s resources. In addition to this, the property all of the shelters buildings were constructed on, was one of the cities former landfills. Over time the ground started shifting as the trash beneath it decomposes. This has caused significant challenges with maintenance, including cracks in the walls and warped floors that have shifted by as much as 15 cm in places.

As a result, the shelter has had to repurpose many of its buildings, constantly renovating and expanding to accommodate the growing number of animals. With the lease on the land up for renewal soon, the shelter is in a precarious position—any contribution can help towards securing their future and supporting their ongoing work.

How You Can Help

Eurofurence provides several ways for you to contribute and make a difference:

• Stop by the lottery booth to buy tickets for a chance to win some great prizes.
• Pick up a charity fursuit calendar or purchase tickets for Uncle Kage’s charity show or Fox Amoore’s charity concert.
• Explore the charity section of the Art Show, where you can bid on amazing items, or get excited about the upcoming charity auction.
• Don’t miss the "Doodles for Charity," where talented artists will be offering drawings for a good cause.

If you’d like to do even more, consider volunteering some of your time! Visit the security desk to request a donation can and help collect funds around the convention. Every donation, big or small, makes a meaningful difference.

Learn more about Hamburger Tierschutzverein von 1841 e.V. by visiting their website (in German only): https://www.hamburger-tierschutzverein.de/