News

FROM RESCUE TO REHOMING: BODRUM MUNICIPALITY EXPANDS ANIMAL CARE NETWORK

07.10.2025

With comprehensive veterinary services, adoption programmes and upgraded shelters, Bodrum Municipality strengthens its commitment to animal welfare

Alongside its ongoing public service projects, Bodrum Municipality continues to prioritise the welfare of the city’s stray animals. Through the dedicated work of its Veterinary Affairs Directorate, the municipality provides sustainable treatment, sterilisation, shelter and feeding services across the peninsula.

Thousands of animals receive medical care each year at the Torba, Turgutreis and Yalıkavak Temporary Animal Care Centres, all open to public visits.

Thousands of Animals Treated and Rehomed

Over the past year, 1,092 dogs and 8,681 cats were sterilised, 1,296 dogs and 10,739 cats were microchipped, and 1,936 dogs and 9,871 cats were vaccinated against rabies, distemper, and fungal diseases. In addition, 546 dogs and 233 cats found permanent homes through adoption.

Upgraded Shelters Underway

To improve living standards for stray animals, the municipality has launched the first phase of renovation at the Torba Temporary Animal Care Centre, followed by plans to modernise the Turgutreis Centre. The upgraded facilities will include surgical suites, recovery and observation rooms, and dedicated care areas.

Partnership for Adoption: KÖPKE Protocol Signed

To promote responsible adoption, Bodrum Municipality has signed a cooperation protocol with the Bodrum City Council’s Animal Rights Working Group and the KÖPKE (Dog and Cat Rehoming Platform). The partnership aims to ensure that stray animals —both on the streets and in shelters— are placed in safe, caring and permanent homes.

A Call to Collective Compassion

Under a municipal council decision dated 4 September 2025, and in accordance with Article 19 of Law No. 5199 on Animal Protection, a conditional donation account has been established to support veterinary services and the construction or renovation of shelters and animal hospitals.

Donations can be made to the account named “BODRUM BEL. BAŞK. VET. İŞL. MD BAĞIŞ”, IBAN: TR34 0001 0002 0234 2934 7650 89.

The municipality invites all animal lovers to contribute to improving the lives of animals in care.

Education & Awareness

To mark World Animal Day on 4 October, students from Mod Bodrum College and Kadıkalesi Saadet Canbaz Primary School visited the Torba shelter, spending time with the animals and learning about compassion and empathy. Such visits will continue throughout the year to raise awareness among children about animal welfare.

Bodrum Municipality reaffirmed that it will continue its efforts to protect, rehabilitate and support all living beingssharing the city’s streets.