Homeless dogs and cats are a big problem in Moscow and there aren't too many people who are willing to take care of them... 

There are few western-style societies that aim to protect the interests of animals in Russia, but there is a large (and growing) number of official and unofficial animal shelters in Moscow. Many of them are located in private apartments or areas outside town.

These shelters are run by kind individuals (often pensioneers) who love animals but simply do not have the necessary financial means to care for them properly. They usually do not have computers and often don't even have photo cameras and are thus unable to tell people about the animals they have and that are in need of new homes.

We know that it's very tempting, but please THINK TWICE before buying a puppy or kitten at Moscow's infamous Ptichy Rynok (Bird or Animal Market) - formerly located in the center of Moscow, this market was relocated to a site on the outskirts of town several years ago. Most of the people selling animals there have no license to do so, and often they do not even own the animals they sell. While we believe that these animals (particularly the non-pedigree ones) are also in need of new homes,  you should be aware of the sad fact that many of the animals that are sold at this market are very sick and often require extensive veterinary treatment. Some might not survive. Besides that, your "pedigree" puppy can turn into something completely different when it grows up... 

If you're thinking about getting a pet, please DON'T SHOP - ADOPT! Consider adopting a rescued animal from one of the many animal shelters in Moscow - all of these dogs and cats are in urgent need of new homes!

Moscow Animals supports a small number of private dog and cat shelters for homeless dogs and cats. The shelters are run by private individuals with a very kind heart and a passion for animals. Most of the dogs and cats at the shelters we support (note: we cannot speak for other shelters!) have been wormed, vaccinated and microchipped (vaccinations are done on a yearly basis) and have pet passports/travel documents. For information on the shelters Moscow Animals supports, please visit the Dogs and Cats pages on our website!

For information on other animal shelters in Moscow that have animals that are in need of new homes and/or that are looking for volunteers and donations, have a look at:

GAV Dog Shelter:
http://priut-gav.ru/

"Zov Predkov" ("Call of the Ancestors") Shelter:
http://www.zovpredkov.ru

Alma Dog Shelter:
http://www.shelter-alma.narod.ru

"Pes i Kot" ("Dog and Cat" - Russian-Language Website with lots of Forums for Animal Shelters, Supporters & Volunteers:
http://www.pesikot.org