The Tamaz Elizbarashvili dog shelter in Tbilisi was founded in the fall of 2004 on private land. The facility includes an office, a veterinary clinic, rehabilitation wards, a maternity ward, a quarantine ward, a beauty salon, a walking area, open and closed enclosures for 300 dogs, as well as three enclosures for bears.
The shelter cares for a variety of animals, including abandoned dogs, lost dogs, injured or sick street dogs, and brown bears. Shelter dogs can be transferred to a new owner if a number of conditions are met, including verbal consent from family members and an interview with the shelter's founder or director. Gifted dogs receive free medical care for the rest of their lives and are periodically visited by shelter staff.
Since the founding of the shelter, about 12,000 homeless and abandoned dogs have found a new home. The shelter currently houses 298 dogs, including individuals with various health problems, such as spinal injuries, missing limbs and infectious diseases. The remaining dogs are healthy, sterilized and are waiting for their new owner.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the shelter was funded solely by its founder, but amid financial losses, the shelter is experiencing shortages of medicine and food. Mr. Tamaz Elizbarashvili made attempts to transfer his private property to the government and business groups under the condition that the shelter continue to operate, but these proposals were not accepted. In this regard, the shelter appeals to organizations and individuals around the world for support.
Those who want to help animals can visit the shelter, or consider the possibility of adopting a dog for themselves. Your contribution can make a significant difference in the lives of these animals for the better.
