Chance for a Safer Life

Thousands of stray dogs live in Bosnia — they are born, fight for survival, and often die on the streets. Many towns and villages lack both the capacity and financial means for systematic care and prevention programs. As a result, dogs reproduce uncontrollably, leading to increasing animal suffering, conflicts within communities, and ultimately inhumane interventions by municipalities, which transport dogs to state shelters where they are later killed.

One of the most effective, most humane, and internationally recommended ways to address this problem is the systematic neutering of stray dogs. Neutering significantly reduces population growth, prevents diseases, increases safety for both people and animals, and has a proven long-term effect.

We are therefore launching a targeted neutering program focused on the capital city Sarajevo and its surrounding areas. The primary goal is to fund and carry out as many neutering procedures on stray dogs as possible during the spring of 2026.

Specifically, we aim to:

• reduce the population growth of stray dogs in Bosnia, particularly in Sarajevo and its surroundings,
• improve the living conditions of the animals through veterinary procedures and follow-up care,
• assist local communities that have long struggled with an overpopulation of free-roaming dogs,
• strengthen cooperation with local shelters, volunteers, and veterinarians,
• contribute to a long-term and humane solution to the issue of stray dogs.

Neutering is the only solution with a long-term and measurable impact

• An unspayed female can have up to 2 litters per year, which can mean up to 24 puppies annually.
• Most stray puppies do not survive to adulthood — they end up sick, malnourished, or killed.
• Neutering reduces the risk of roaming, escaping, aggression, and tumor diseases in dogs.
• Cities that implement large-scale neutering programs see reduced conflicts with people, lower municipal costs, and fewer dogs in state shelters.
• Investment in neutering is exponentially more effective than dealing with the consequences of overpopulation.

Project Budget and Costs

• The cost of neutering one dog in Bosnia ranges between
• €60–€100 (approx. 1,500–2,500 CZK).
• This includes the procedure, anesthesia, necessary materials, and basic post-operative care.
• The final number of neutered dogs will be directly based on the total amount raised.

Examples:

• with 30,000 CZK raised → approx. 12–20 dogs
• with 100,000 CZK raised → approx. 40–65 dogs
• with 200,000 CZK raised → approx. 80–134 dogs

How the Project Works

1. The fundraising campaign will run from winter 2025/2026 until early spring 2026.
2. After the fundraiser is closed (in spring), the total amount will be allocated to individual neutering procedures. We will arrange dates with local veterinary clinics and field volunteers.
3. The neutering procedures will take place in several waves, depending on veterinary capacities and current field conditions. Neutering will be carried out throughout spring and into summer.
4. Every neutered dog will be documented (photograph, date, veterinarian confirmation). After the program ends, we will publish a final report, including the number of dogs treated and all costs.

Each neutering is an investment in a safer and more humane future — a single procedure can change the life of one animal and prevent the suffering of many more that would otherwise be born into hardship.

The neutering program is one of the most important projects that can truly reduce the number of stray dogs in Bosnia. Based on the amount raised, we will ensure neutering for exactly as many dogs as the funding allows. We believe that together we can change the lives of hundreds of animals and contribute to a long-term solution to a problem affecting the entire region.