Many of the dogs we rescue already come from a life behind bars or from abuse that causes fear and distress. A cage-free environment helps them recover and thrive more quickly which means we can find them homes sooner, and help more dogs overall.
Little Haven at a glance - Designed around animal wellbeing
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ROLDA’s first-ever shelter is being transformed into Romania’s first cage-free dog sanctuary. Proudly introducing ‘Little Haven’ – fostering a free environment for dogs which sets a new benchmark for animal welfare standards in the country. Whilst the renovation takes place, the existing shelter is still in use – ensuring our resident dogs have a roof over their heads and the chance to be adopted. The older facility will be demolished to make room for new outdoor space.
Why a Cage-Free Shelter
Traditional shelters still save lives every day and remain essential. Little Haven is the next step reimagining how rescued dogs can live while they wait for a forever home, with greater freedom, comfort, and enrichment.
Many of the dogs we rescue already come from life behind bars, or from abuse that leaves them fearful and distressed. A cage-free environment helps them recover and thrive faster which means we can find them homes sooner, and help more dogs overall.
ROLDA is committed to higher standards of care and a model other organisations can learn from and repeat.
What We’re Building
The Dog Ranch – Row 1 & 2, 7 open spaces
Two rows of seven open dog spaces, each decorated in a different style. Along the hall, mural paintings honour famous Romanians who kept a dog of their own.
- 12 m² indoor space
- 16 m² covered terrace
- 7 units, designed for comfort, outdoor access, and improved welfare
Puppy Land — 3 units, mothers and litters
Individual areas for a mother dog and her puppies, built as three larger units. A calm, quiet environment supports the earliest and most fragile weeks of development.
- 16 m² indoor space
- 16 m² terrace
- 3 mother & litter units
ROLDA EcoVillage — 4 studios, staff & volunteers
A better working environment for the caretakers who run Little Haven day to day, with modern indoor accommodation and four volunteer studios for short-term stays.
- 4 volunteer studios
- Up to 2 weeks, short-term stays for visitors and volunteers
- Modern caretaker housing
How this comes together
As we develop this project the current dog shelter is still in use, keeping dogs ready for adoption while Dog Ranch is built. Once Dog Ranch is finished, this older facility will be demolished to make room for new outdoor space.
What It Gives Back to the Community
Little Haven is being built in a vulnerable community in Romania, with sustainability and shared use built into the plan from the start.
- Passive solar design and waste reduction throughout the campus
- Play areas built from recycled materials
- A sensory garden designed to help insecure dogs recover
Will You Help Us
A project like this comes with real costs, and every donation — no matter the size — helps keep it moving forward.
- Build the first cage-free facility for dogs in Romania
- Reduce stress in dogs
- Give a dog a real chance at a life outside our shelter
- Replace a system built for yesterday with one designed for the future
- Develop a care model that can be replicated across Romania and beyond
Give toward the build
All gifts to Little Haven go toward the cage-free facility and are tracked as restricted funds for this project. Every donor at these levels receives a personalised, numbered certificate.
Your piece of Little Haven
Pick something specific to fund and make it yours each comes with a small illustrated “virtual gift” you can share.
Phase 1
Phase 2
Larger item needed
*Power generator: to reduce electricity costs during construction and keep power steady for the shelter and volunteers afterward.
Send something from the wishlist
In-kind gifts help just as much as funds, and go straight to the dogs already in our care. Please only send new or good-condition items. ROLDA can’t accept dirty, worn, or expired items or medicines/food.
Blankets · Towels · Milk replacer for puppies · Puppy training pads · Slip dog leads · Pet wipes · Brushes · Nail trimmers
Send to:
Feroviarilor 16, Bl. C2, ap. 18
Galați, Romania, 800563
FAQs
How will a cage-free shelter benefit dogs directly?
What are the expected improvements?
- No bars, no cages
- Small volunteer studios where dogs can come inside overnight, strengthening the human-animal bond
- A sensory garden designed to help insecure dogs recover
- Keeping our adoption rate over 95%
- Reduced stress and better behavioural recovery
How many volunteers does Little Haven expect each year?
About 400, taking on roles like walking dogs, socializing, grooming, behavior support, and media/PR.
How do I know my gift will go to this project?
Every donation made specifically to the Little Haven project is allocated directly to its construction and development, not absorbed into ROLDA’s general operating costs. ROLDA publishes transparency reporting on how project funds are used, so you can see exactly how gifts like yours are being put to work turning Little Haven into Romania’s first cage-free dog sanctuary.
Will you regularly keep me updated on the progress of the project?
Yes. As Little Haven takes shape, we’ll share regular updates on its progress, from construction milestones to the moment the first dogs move into their new, cage-free space. You’ll be able to see the real, tangible outcome of your support as it happens, not just at the end.
Disclaimer:
ROLDA is a registered charity that helps animals in need. Funds raised through this appeal will be used to support the specific purpose of this appeal. In the event that funds raised exceed the specific needs of this appeal, any additional funds will be used to support the ongoing costs for welfare of animals under the care of ROLDA.
ROLDA is a registered charity that helps animals in need. Funds raised through this appeal will be used to support the specific purpose of this appeal. In the event that funds raised exceed the specific needs of this appeal, any additional funds will be used to support the ongoing costs for welfare of animals under the care of ROLDA.
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