Luxembourg's animal shelters are overcrowded

Luxembourg's animal shelters continue to operate at capacity. In the capital's shelter alone, there are now about 80 dogs and 40 cats, including 30 so-called "list dogs" - breeds such as Amstaffs, which are particularly difficult to place.

But contrary to persistent myths, almost anyone can adopt an animal. As Pascale Sax, a shelter worker in Luxembourg, told RTL Radio, having a full-time job, not having a garden or even being over 60 years old are no barriers to adoption.

The key factor in choosing an owner, she says, is not age or social status, but the dog's compatibility with the person's lifestyle. Many shelter pets have difficult backgrounds and behaviours, and appearances often mislead adopters.

Sachs admits: not everyone understands the rejection of a particular dog as a concern for her and their future - some feel that the shelter "doesn't want to give up" animals. But in reality, it's a matter of responsibility.

A separate falsehood is the ban on adoption by the elderly. Sachs calls it "absolute nonsense" and shares: some of the shelter's best "clients" are people over 60. "They have time, patience and attention. And if a dog needs constant companionship, it's a perfect match," she says.

Of course, not every senior citizen will be suited to a young, energetic puppy - but not every dog needs a hyperactive family either.

About 40 dogs at the Luxembourg shelter are now ready for adoption, and their profiles can be viewed online. But shelter staff emphasise that before making a decision, it is important to soberly assess your readiness for long-term care.

The situation in shelters remains challenging. The lack of infrastructure is particularly acute in the north of the country, where there are still no shelters.