DOA — Dierenopvang Amsterdam

Stichting Dierenopvang Amsterdam (DOA) traces its roots to 1901, when it was founded as "Asyl – Bewaarplaats voor Noodlydende Dieren", and celebrates 125 years of animal care in 2026. It describes itself as the largest animal shelter in the Netherlands and the country's second oldest.

DOA takes in stray and abandoned animals on behalf of Amsterdam and several surrounding municipalities, including Diemen, Purmerend, Landsmeer and Waterland. Its purpose-built centre in Amsterdam Nieuw-West, opened in 2007, has space for around 180 dogs and 480 cats, alongside rabbits and other small animals, and includes a veterinary practice and physiotherapy facilities. More than 2,000 dogs and cats pass through its care each year.

Adoption is carefully managed: prospective owners complete an application, have a telephone consultation and then visit to meet the animal, and DOA continues to support new owners for up to three months after adoption. The shelter is run by 42 paid staff and more than 400 volunteers, who help with kennel care, fostering, driving and aftercare; volunteers must be 18 or over and commit to at least one four-hour shift a week for six months.

DOA is a registered foundation (KvK 40532070) with ANBI charitable status, which makes donations tax-deductible in the Netherlands. Donations can be made directly through its website.