Luxembourg’s animal shelters continue to operate at full capacity, with the Luxembourg City facility currently housing around 80 dogs and 40 cats. While the situation has improved slightly compared to previous years, finding suitable homes – particularly for the shelter’s 30 “list dogs” like American Staffordshire Terriers – remains challenging.
In an interview with our colleagues from RTL Radio, Pascale Sax of the Luxembourg City animal shelter clarified common misconceptions about adoption criteria. Contrary to popular belief, having a full-time job or lacking a garden does not automatically disqualify potential adopters. “We’re simply happy when someone wants to give one of our animals a home”, Sax said.
The key factor, she emphasised, is ensuring the right match between dog and owner. Many shelter dogs come with behavioural quirks from past experiences, and adopters often focus solely on appearance. “When we explain that a particular dog isn’t suitable for their lifestyle, some assume we’re reluctant to re-home our animals”, Sax noted, adding, “That’s absolutely not the case.”
Another persistent misconception, according to Sax, is that shelters refuse adoptions to elderly applicants. “We regularly receive calls asking, ‘I’m over 60 – is it true that I can no longer adopt a dog from you?’ This is absolute nonsense”, she emphasised, expressing frustration at the enduring myth.
Far from discouraging older adopters, the shelter actively welcomes them. “They’re often ideal owners”, Sax noted, highlighting that retirees typically have more time to dedicate to a dog – especially those requiring constant companionship. In some cases, she added, elderly adopters rank among her “favourite customers”.
However, suitability remains paramount. The shelter matches dogs to lifestyles, meaning less mobile seniors would not be paired with high-energy breeds like young shepherd dogs.
Currently, around 40 dogs at the Luxembourg City shelter await adoption, with profiles viewable online. Sax reiterated that prospective owners must realistically assess their ability to provide long-term care.
The broader challenge persists: Luxembourg’s shelter system remains overstretched, with northern Luxembourg still lacking any animal shelter facility.
