Adopting a Pet in Cyprus: Shelters and Rescues by District

Spend a week in Cyprus and you will notice the cats on every corner and, sooner or later, a dog that clearly belongs to nobody. Shelters across the island are full, and most run on donations and volunteers. If you are thinking of getting a pet, adopting one is the kindest place to start.

This guide lists active shelters and rescue charities by district, explains how adoption works and suggests other ways to help if you cannot take an animal home.

Where can you adopt a pet in Paphos?

Paphos district has the largest number of rescue groups on the island.

• PAWS Dog Shelter: Run by the Cyprus Association for the Protection and Care of Animals, this dog shelter is in Acheleia, just off the Paphos to Limassol motorway. It rehomes dogs, offers fostering for people who cannot commit long term, and needs volunteers at the kennels and at its charity shop in Chlorakas.
• Paphiakos & C.C.P. Animal Welfare: A large no-kill shelter in Ierokipia caring for around 2,000 animals, from cats and dogs to donkeys, horses, rabbits and goats. It is run entirely by volunteers and was fighting a possible eviction from its land in late 2025, so donations and practical help matter.
• A.I.R.S. Foundation: A dog rescue that focuses on long-stay dogs, the ones that wait longest for a home. In September 2026 it organised a meet-the-dogs event in Emba with several other Cyprus rescues.

Where can you adopt a pet in Limassol?

• Sirius Dog Sanctuary: A dog shelter in Moni, east of Limassol, that has taken in abandoned and neglected dogs for more than 20 years. You can adopt, foster (the sanctuary supports foster carers with the dogs' needs), sponsor a dog or volunteer with walking and cleaning. Visits are on Sundays by appointment, arranged by email.

Where can you adopt a pet in Larnaca?

• Argos Animal Sanctuary: A registered charity near Ormideia that takes in dogs and cats from the streets and cares for them until they find a home. It welcomes help with dog walking, socialising animals, photography and vet runs, and you can also sponsor an animal that needs extra care. Its dogs are also listed on the Dogs Cyprus site.

Where can you adopt a pet in Nicosia?

• Simba Animal Aid Cyprus: A dog shelter on Leoforos Leonton in the buffer zone near Palaiometocho, which also runs the shared dog pound for six Nicosia municipalities, including Strovolos, Lakatamia and Engomi. There is an online adoption form, and it welcomes foster carers and volunteers, from a few hours to a regular weekly slot.

Where can you help in Famagusta district?

• Helping Hands: A volunteer-run charity shop in Paralimni that sells donated clothes and household items and passes the profits to registered cat and dog rescues for vet bills. It also offers lower-cost neutering vouchers. Donating, shopping or giving a few hours a week behind the till all help local rescues. The shop takes cash only.

If you live in Protaras or Ayia Napa and want to adopt, the island-wide listings below and the shelters in Larnaca district are within easy reach.

Where else can you find a rescue animal?

• Island-wide listings: Dogs Cyprus lists dogs from more than 15 shelters in one place, which saves you checking each rescue separately.
• Municipal pounds: By law, local authorities deal with stray dogs and hold an impounded dog while they try to find its owner. Dogs that are not claimed may be rehomed through the pound or a partner shelter, so ask your municipality or community council.
• Cats: Many cats are rehomed through small volunteer groups and private feeding networks rather than shelters. Ask a local vet, who will often know of kittens and adult cats that need homes.

How does adoption work in Cyprus?

Every shelter has its own process, but most follow similar steps:

1. Choose an animal: Browse the shelter's website or social media, or visit on an open day. Tell the team about your home, work hours and other pets so they can suggest a good match.
2. Fill in an application: Expect questions about your home, garden and fencing, whether you rent, and who else lives with you.
3. Meet the animal: Most shelters want you to meet the dog or cat at least once, and to bring any dog you already have.
4. Home check: A volunteer may visit to check fences, gates and shade.
5. Adoption donation: Shelters ask for a donation that goes towards vaccinations, neutering and microchipping. None of the shelters above publishes a fixed amount, so ask what it covers.
6. Paperwork: You should receive the vaccination record and microchip number. You then need to register the dog in your name and get a licence from your local authority. Our pet care guide explains how.

Some Cyprus rescues also rehome dogs abroad, often to the UK or Germany. If you are moving away, our guide to travelling with pets from Cyprus covers the rules.

Can you foster instead of adopting?

Yes, and shelters are always short of foster homes. Fostering means looking after an animal in your home until it is adopted. It frees up a kennel, gives the animal a calmer life, and lets the shelter learn how it behaves in a home. Shelters usually help with food and vet care. Fostering suits people who rent short term, travel often or want to try living with a dog before committing.

How else can you help?

• Walk dogs: Weekend dog walking is the most common volunteer job. In summer, shelters walk dogs early in the morning.
• Give practical help: Driving animals to the vet, photographing dogs for adoption listings and sharing posts all help animals get noticed.
• Donate: Old towels, blankets, food and flea and tick treatments are usually welcome. Check each shelter's wish list first.
• Sponsor an animal: Several shelters let you sponsor a dog that is hard to rehome, often an older or disabled one.
• Neuter your own pets: Every litter that is not born means fewer animals in shelters.

Practical tips

• Get landlord permission first: If you rent, have the landlord's agreement in writing. Our guide to renting in Cyprus covers what to put in your contract.
• Check your fencing: Cyprus dogs are often clever escape artists. Shelters will ask about gates and fences, and the law expects you to stop your dog from straying.
• Think about summer: Make sure there is shade, water and a cool indoor space for the hottest months.
• Plan for vet costs: Book a check-up soon after adopting. Our vets by city guide can help you find one nearby.
• Be patient: Many rescue animals have had a hard start. Give them a few weeks to settle before judging their personality.
• Call before visiting: Most shelters are small and run by volunteers, so visits are often by appointment.

What to do next

Read our pet care guide for registration, vaccinations and keeping your new pet safe in the heat. Find a vet with our vets by city guide, plan outings with our list of pet-friendly beaches, cafés and restaurants, and line up help for holidays with our guide to pet sitters, boarding and dog walkers. Still moving? See bringing a dog or cat to Cyprus.