Dog & Cat Shelters and Animal Rescue Organisations in the Republic of Cyprus
Looking for a dog or cat shelter in Cyprus? Whether you want to adopt a rescued animal, volunteer, foster or donate, these shelters and rescues across the island’s government-controlled areas would love to hear from you.- Overview
- Shelter info sheets
- Pounds & independent shelters
- UK-registered supporting charities
- Notes & sources
Overview
| Name | District / location | Focus | Registration (as stated) | Scale | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cyprus Dog Rescue | Ayia Napa, Famagusta district | Dogs | Registered charity, no. AMM/l/1 (per its website) | Not stated | cyprusdogrescue.com |
| Merlin’s Haven Dog Rescue | Frenaros, Famagusta district | Dogs | Describes itself as a charity; number not found | 1,000+ dogs rehomed | merlinshaven.com |
| Argos Animal Sanctuary | Ormideia, Larnaca district | Dogs & cats | Registered charity, no. 2864 (per its website) | Not stated | argossanctuary.com |
| Nicosia Dog Shelter | Makedonitissa/Engomi, Nicosia | Dogs | Described as a registered charity (Angloinfo); number not found | Up to about 300 dogs | |
| Malcolm Cat Protection Society | Near Kolossi, Limassol district | Cats | Charity sanctuary; number not found | Not stated | Website not confirmed |
| 2nd Chance Dogs | Location to confirm | Dogs | Not found | Not stated | 2ndchancedogs.org |
| PAWS Dog Shelter | Paphos area | Dogs | Described as an NGO; number not found | Over 100 dogs listed on an aggregator (varies) | Aggregator listing |
| Animal Rescue Cyprus | Paphos | Dogs | Not found | About 33 animals on an aggregator | Aggregator listing |
| A.I.R.S. Foundation | Empa/Petridia, Paphos district | Dogs | Not found | About 23 animals on an aggregator | Contact via its own channels |
| Simba Animal Aid Cyprus | Nicosia | Dogs | Not found | Not stated | Website not confirmed |
| Cyprus Pride House | Troodos Mountains | Dogs & cats | Not found | Not stated | Website not confirmed |
| Ammochostos Dog Rescuers | Paralimni, Famagusta district | Dogs | Listed as a charity on an NGO directory; number not found | Not stated | Facebook (search by name) |
| Cat-PAWS | Nicosia | Cats (kittens) | Not found | Not stated | Website not confirmed |
| BARC (British Forces Animal Rehoming Centre) | Episkopi, Sovereign Base Area | Dogs & cats | Volunteer-run | Not stated | Angloinfo listing |
| Paphiakos & C.C.P. Animal Welfare | Location to confirm | Dogs | Described as independent | Not stated | Angloinfo listing |
Shelter info sheets
Cyprus Dog Rescue
A second chance for abandoned and abused dogs in Ayia Napa
Cyprus Dog Rescue rescues and rehomes abandoned and abused dogs, and works to build a community that treats animals with respect and kindness. Its website has dedicated pages to adopt a dog, sponsor one, donate and read success stories, so there is an easy first step whether you can give a home or just a little support.- Registration
- Charity registration no. AMM/l/1, as shown on its website
- Website
- cyprusdogrescue.com
- Address
- P.O. Box 30759, Ayia Napa 5330
- Visiting / adoption
- The site says “open 24/7 including holidays”. Contact them first to arrange a visit.
Merlin’s Haven Dog Rescue
Over 1,000 dogs rehomed from a small farm in Frenaros
Merlin’s Haven is a small farm run by Lynn Morris and her team, home to stray, unwanted, abandoned and abused dogs and puppies. It gives dogs a safe place to stay until their forever homes are found, and many have flown to new families in the UK. It also publishes a monthly magazine and runs a GoFundMe appeal.- Registration
- Describes itself as a charity; no number found
- Website
- merlinshaven.com
- enquiries@merlinshaven.com
- Phone
- +357 99 242501 (Cyprus); 07702 710 553 (UK)
- Visiting / adoption
- See the “Adopting a Dog” and adoption fees pages on its website. Contact before visiting.
Argos Animal Sanctuary
A lifeline for dogs and cats from the streets of Cyprus
Argos gives sanctuary to abandoned dogs and cats until they can be rehomed. Every animal that arrives is vaccinated, neutered and cared for according to its individual needs. It has several larger “gentle giant” dogs looking for homes and relies entirely on donations.- Registration
- Registered Charity Number 2864, as shown on its website
- Website
- argossanctuary.com
- Address
- P.O. Box 45522, 7450 Ormideia
- Visiting / adoption
- Separate “adopt a dog” and “adopt a cat” pages on its website. Contact first.
Nicosia Dog Shelter (Nicosia Dog Rescue & Rehoming)
Rescuing and rehoming dogs in Cyprus, the UK and beyond
This Nicosia shelter rescues and rehabilitates dogs in need and finds them loving homes in Cyprus, the UK and abroad. It can house up to about 300 dogs. Adoptable dogs have a health check and vaccinations, and lost or found dogs are also kept here. A charity shop in Agios Dometios is listed on a mapping directory.- Address
- 30C Germanou Patron Street, Makedonitissa/Engomi, Nicosia (Angloinfo; confirm before visiting)
- ndsadoptions@gmail.com
- Online
- Facebook page
- Registration
- Described as a registered charity; no number found
Malcolm Cat Protection Society
Cat sanctuary near Limassol since the 1980s
Started in the mid-1980s by Malcolm Stevenson, who began caring for stray cats on his own, the sanctuary has been at its present site since 2002. It cares for stray and homeless cats and arranges adoption. The society welcomes visitors, donations and foster parents.- Location
- About 1.5 km from Kolossi Castle, signposted on the left (Angloinfo)
- Address
- P.O. Box 53759, Limassol 3314
- Registration
- Not found. Ask the society directly.
- Visiting
- Visitors are welcome. Opening hours not confirmed, so check before going.
2nd Chance Dogs
Well-cared-for dogs, ready for adoption in Cyprus or abroad
2nd Chance Dogs rehomes dogs in Cyprus and abroad. Visitors describe a dedicated team and a centre where the dogs get good food, vet care and living conditions. For adopters abroad, the rescue handles vaccinations, microchip and passport while the adopter arranges transport.- Website
- 2ndchancedogs.org
- Registration
- Not found
- Visiting / adoption
- Use the contact details on its website to arrange a visit.
PAWS Dog Shelter (Paphos)
One of the larger dog shelters in the Paphos area
PAWS is an NGO that rescues, shelters and rehomes stray and abandoned dogs in and around Paphos through adoption, fostering and volunteer programmes. An adoption aggregator lists well over 100 of its dogs, from puppies to seniors, so there is usually a wide choice.- Online
- Aggregator listing (not an official site; contact details unverified)
- Registration
- Not found
- Visiting / adoption
- Contact the shelter directly. Adopters abroad usually pay for transport.
Animal Rescue Cyprus (Paphos)
Dogs in Paphos waiting for a home
Animal Rescue Cyprus is a dog rescue based in Paphos, with about 33 animals shown on an adoption aggregator at the time of checking. Some of those dogs are marked as probably already adopted, so contact the rescue to find out who is currently available.- Online
- Aggregator listing (contact details unverified)
- Registration
- Not found
A.I.R.S. Foundation
Dog rescue in the Paphos district
A.I.R.S. Foundation is a dog rescue in the Paphos district, with about 23 animals shown on an adoption aggregator. It’s one of the smaller rescues in the area, so contact the foundation directly to ask about the dogs available and how adoption works.- Registration
- Not found
- Visiting / adoption
- Contact the foundation directly.
Simba Animal Aid Cyprus
Nicosia dog rescue where beginners can volunteer
Simba Animal Aid rescues and rehomes dogs in Nicosia. A local volunteering guide describes a strong community network that welcomes volunteers, including people with no previous experience of caring for dogs.- Registration
- Not found
- Website
- Not confirmed. Search for the name or contact via social media.
Cyprus Pride House
A mountain shelter for dogs and cats, with volunteer accommodation
Cyprus Pride House cares for both cats and dogs in the Troodos Mountains. It offers volunteering opportunities, including accommodation for international volunteers, which makes it a good option if you want to help for a longer stay.- Registration
- Not found
- Website
- Not confirmed. Search for the name or contact via social media.
Ammochostos Dog Rescuers (Paralimni)
Local dog rescuers in the Paralimni area
Ammochostos Dog Rescuers is a rescue group in the Paralimni area, listed on an NGO directory with a Facebook page. Public information is limited, so message them directly to ask about the dogs they have and how to help.- Registration
- Not found
- Online
- Facebook page (search by name)
Cat-PAWS
Kittens looking for caring homes in Nicosia
Cat-PAWS is a Nicosia-based cat group. According to a directory listing, it has kittens available for adoption by caring families or individuals.- Registration
- Not found
- Website
- Not confirmed
BARC (British Forces Animal Rehoming Centre)
Volunteer-run rehoming centre at Episkopi
BARC is run by volunteers who want to improve the welfare of cats and dogs owned by members of the British Forces in Cyprus. It is mainly aimed at the forces community, so ask whether members of the public can adopt. It sits in the British Sovereign Base Area rather than the Republic of Cyprus.- Address
- Building 720, Norfolk Hill, Episkopi
- Opening hours
- Mon–Sat 08:00–12:00 (per Angloinfo; may have changed)
- Note
- Angloinfo also lists the British Forces Animal Welfare Society (BFAWS) separately. We could not confirm how the two relate.
Paphiakos & C.C.P. Animal Welfare
Dog shelter, boarding and training under one roof
An independent animal welfare organisation offering a dog shelter, boarding and training facilities, and fundraising charity shops, according to Angloinfo. Contact them to ask about adoption and how the charity shops support the dogs.- Registration
- Not found
Pounds & independent shelters (leads to verify)
The UK charity Saving Souls Animal Rescue lists these Cyprus pounds and small independent shelters as ones it supports. We could not verify which are municipal-run, their locations or their contacts, so there is not enough reliable information yet for info sheets.| Name | What we know |
|---|---|
| Ayia Napa Pound | Named as a pound supported by Saving Souls |
| Athienou Pound | Named as a pound supported by Saving Souls |
| Germasogeia Pound | Named as a pound supported by Saving Souls |
| Troulloi Pound | Named as a pound supported by Saving Souls |
| K9 Cyprus Rescue | Independent rescue supported by Saving Souls |
| Rights for Animals Cyprus | Independent rescue supported by Saving Souls |
| Dog Valley Rescue Centre | Independent rescue supported by Saving Souls |
| Roberts Dog Sanctuary | Independent sanctuary supported by Saving Souls |
| Gracie’s Rescue | Independent rescue supported by Saving Souls |
| Saving Souls Kennels, Limassol | Kennels run by a local volunteer |
| Dali Dog Rescue | Dali (Nicosia district); listed on an aggregator |
Source: Saving Souls Animal Rescue, About us. The platform Dogs Cyprus lists adoptable dogs from 15+ shelters.
UK-registered charities supporting Cyprus animals
These are registered with the Charity Commission for England & Wales. A UK charity number does not mean a shelter is licensed in Cyprus.| Name | Charity no. | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Saving Souls Animal Rescue | 1209645 (per its website) | Supports small independent shelters and pounds in Cyprus and rehomes dogs in the UK |
| Stronger Together Animal Rescue (STAR) | 1168941 | Rehomes dogs and cats from Cyprus to the UK and within Cyprus |
| Cats In Need Cyprus | 1061206 | Supports the welfare of stray and sick cats in Cyprus |
| Animals and Friends | 1185774 | Small charity working with dogs in danger in Cyprus. Its reporting was shown as overdue, so check its status. |
Notes & sources
- “Registration (as stated)” means the number appears on the organisation’s own site or a UK register. It has not been checked against a Cyprus register.
- Gaps remain for cat shelters and for Paphos and Larnaca villages. If you run a shelter that isn’t listed, or spot an error, please get in touch.
- Sources include organisation websites, Angloinfo, the Charity Commission register, Saving Souls Animal Rescue, NGO directories and adoption aggregators. Details were last checked on 2 November 2026.
Frequently asked questions about dog and cat shelters in Cyprus
How do I adopt a rescue dog or cat in Cyprus?
Contact the shelter directly using the details in its info sheet above. Each rescue runs its own process, and most ask you to get in touch about a particular animal before arranging a visit or a video call. Adoption fees vary by animal and by shelter. They usually cover pre-adoption vet care such as sterilisation, vaccinations, microchip and pet passport, so ask exactly what is included.
Can I adopt a dog or cat from Cyprus and take it abroad?
Yes. Many Cyprus rescues rehome animals abroad, especially to the UK, and Merlin’s Haven reports that many of its dogs have flown to homes there. As a general guide, animals need to be at least 15 weeks old, microchipped, and have a valid rabies vaccination given at least 21 days before travel. Rules differ by destination, so check the current requirements for your country before you commit.
The adopter usually arranges transport, for example through a pet-transport company or a volunteer “flight nanny” who accompanies the animal in the cabin. Flight Parent connects flight escorts with rescue shelters to fly rescue dogs and cats from Larnaca to Europe.
Which areas of Cyprus do these shelters cover?
Famagusta district (Ayia Napa, Frenaros, Paralimni): Cyprus Dog Rescue, Merlin’s Haven and Ammochostos Dog Rescuers. Larnaca district: Argos Animal Sanctuary in Ormideia. Nicosia: Nicosia Dog Shelter, Simba Animal Aid and Cat-PAWS. Limassol district: Malcolm Cat Protection Society, and BARC at Episkopi. Paphos area: PAWS Dog Shelter, Animal Rescue Cyprus and A.I.R.S. Foundation. Troodos Mountains: Cyprus Pride House. Where a shelter’s exact location is unconfirmed, its info sheet says so.
Which shelters take cats?
Malcolm Cat Protection Society, in the Limassol district, is a cat sanctuary. Argos Animal Sanctuary in Larnaca district and Cyprus Pride House in the Troodos Mountains care for both dogs and cats. Cat-PAWS in Nicosia has listed kittens for adoption, and BARC at Episkopi cares for dogs and cats, mainly for the British Forces community. The UK-registered charity Cats In Need Cyprus supports stray and sick cats on the island.
Are the shelters on this page registered charities?
Some state a registration number on their own websites: Cyprus Dog Rescue (AMM/l/1) and Argos Animal Sanctuary (2864). Others describe themselves as charities or NGOs without a number we could find, and several are volunteer-run. We have not checked these numbers against a Cyprus register. The UK charity numbers shown for supporting charities do not mean a shelter is licensed in Cyprus. Ask any shelter for its registration details before you donate.
Are these shelters no-kill?
We could not confirm a no-kill policy for any organisation listed, so we do not label any shelter as no-kill. If this matters to you, ask each shelter about its policy directly.
Can I visit a shelter without an appointment?
We recommend contacting the shelter first. Opening hours are not confirmed for most listings. Cyprus Dog Rescue’s website says it is open 24/7 including holidays, and BARC was listed as open Monday to Saturday, 08:00 to 12:00, by a directory. Either may have changed, so check before you go.
Can I volunteer or foster?
Several shelters welcome help. Simba Animal Aid in Nicosia is described as welcoming volunteers with no previous experience. Cyprus Pride House offers volunteering with accommodation for international volunteers. Merlin’s Haven invites people to volunteer, foster or donate, and Malcolm Cat Protection Society welcomes visitors and foster parents. Contact each shelter to ask what it needs.
How can I donate to a Cyprus animal shelter?
Cyprus Dog Rescue, Argos Animal Sanctuary and Merlin’s Haven each have donation or fundraising options on their websites. Argos says it relies entirely on donations, and Merlin’s Haven has a GoFundMe appeal. Some organisations also run charity shops. Before sending money, confirm the details with the shelter itself.
How much does it cost to adopt?
Fees are set by each shelter and vary by animal. They typically cover the animal’s pre-adoption veterinary care, which can include sterilisation, vaccinations, microchip and pet passport. Adopters abroad also pay for transport. Ask the shelter for the exact fee and what it covers.
Does this directory include Northern Cyprus?
No. This page covers shelters in the Republic of Cyprus, plus one listing in the British Sovereign Base Area at Episkopi. Northern Cyprus has its own registration system and is not included here.
How up to date is this list?
The list was compiled on 2 November 2026 from public sources such as shelter websites, directories and charity registers, and it has not been independently verified. Details such as hours, capacity and contacts change often. If you spot an error or run a shelter that is not listed, please get in touch.