5 Best Animal Shelters in Berlin

Looking to adopt a pet or support animal welfare in Berlin? Whether you’re new to the city or a long-time local, finding the right animal shelter can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve rounded up the five best animal shelters in Berlin — places known for responsible adoption, medical care, community outreach, and long-term support for both pets and people.

1. Tierheim Berlin

Image: tierschutz-berlin.de

📍 Hausvaterweg 39, 13057 Berlin, Germany

📞 +49 30 768880

🌐 tierschutz-berlin.de

Tierheim Berlin in Falkenberg is the largest animal shelter in Europe, covering 16 hectares and housing around 1,300 animals at any given time. The shelter takes in dogs, cats, small animals, birds, farm animals, and even exotics, offering them medical treatment, safe housing, and a chance at adoption. Facilities include species specific buildings, an on-site veterinary clinic, outdoor areas, and a small pet cemetery.

Adoption is efficient but requires basic German, as most staff speak little English and all paperwork is in German. The same applies to volunteering, which involves mandatory training and a waitlist. Fostering is an option, though it typically comes with a one year commitment.

Every animal is vaccinated, microchipped, and examined before adoption. If an animal has a pre-existing condition, the shelter continues treatment free of charge. For those who can navigate the language and are serious about long-term involvement, it’s one of the most well-resourced and reliable shelters in the country.

Tierheim Berlin runs under the legal and financial umbrella of the Tierschutzverein für Berlin und Umgebung.

2. Vogelgnadenhof und Altenheim für Tiere e.V.

Image: vogelgnadenhof.de

📍 Wensickendorfer Chaussee 5, 16515 Oranienburg, Germany

📞 +49 3301 202199

🌐 vogelgnadenhof.de

Vogelgnadenhof is a sanctuary for animals that are old, sick, or considered unadoptable. Around 300 animals live freely on site, without cages or pens, in a space built around trust and routine rather than control. The focus isn’t on adoption—it’s on lifelong care and providing dignity to animals in their final years.

A small volunteer team runs the sanctuary and depends entirely on donations to cover food, medicine, and vet bills. The group also offers future care plans for owners who worry what will happen to their pets if they die or become seriously ill.

It’s a small, quiet place not a traditional shelter, but a safe final stop for animals who would otherwise have nowhere to go. 

3. Berliner Tiertafel

Image: tiertafel.org

📍 Eisenhutweg 124, 12487 Berlin, Germany

📞 +49 30 992707670

🌐 tiertafel.org

Tiertafel helps people in financial distress keep their pets. Each month, around 500 individuals—many of them pensioners or low-income earners—receive free food, supplies, and basic veterinary care for their animals. Without this help, many would have to give up their pets.

The service is only available to those who provide proof of need, which keeps it targeted but may leave out people in more temporary hardship. Still, it plays a critical role in keeping families and animals together.

Tiertafel also functions as a community hub, especially for isolated individuals. Volunteers not only distribute supplies but also offer emotional support and connection. During crises, such as the war in Ukraine, it has extended services to refugees and their pets.

4. Neukölln e.V.

Image: samtpfoten-neukoelln.com

📍 Schudomastraße 9–10, 12055 Berlin, Germany

📞 +49 30 68910212

🌐 samtpfoten-neukoelln.com

Samtpfoten Neukölln is a small shelter focused entirely on cats. The team rescues strays, abandoned cats, and animals in crisis, offering them medical care, socialization, and adoption support. Because of its size, each cat receives individualized attention, which makes a big difference for traumatized or fearful animals.

The shelter is run by a core group of volunteers and staff who manage everything from daily care to blog posts on cat behavior and health. They offer a donor program called “Glücksengel,” where supporters can contribute monthly starting at five euros. Most of the shelter’s funding comes from private donations, so ongoing support is critical.

Their narrow focus means they can’t help other animals, and available adoption slots are limited. But for anyone passionate about cat welfare, Samtpfoten offers a hands-on way to contribute within a tight-knit and compassionate setting.

5. GetBalu.com

Image: getbalu.com

🌐 getbalu.com

GetBalu is an online platform that helps people across Germany adopt pets from certified animal shelters. It simplifies the search by listing adoptable cats and dogs from across the country, making it easier to connect with shelters and start the adoption process.

Beyond listings, the site provides guides for first-time adopters, behavioral tips, and even remote support for pets with separation anxiety. It also sells pet products, with part of every purchase donated to animal welfare groups via their #futterspendet campaign.

For those who want to browse, learn, and support rescue work from home, GetBalu offers a clean, accessible way to start.

How We Selected These Shelters

We reviewed Berlin’s most reputable animal shelters by analyzing online information and user reviews from animal lovers and adopters. Our selection prioritizes shelters with strong reputations, comprehensive care, community impact, and clear adoption support, ensuring you get trustworthy and helpful resources for your pet adoption journey.

FAQs

What is the best animal shelter in Berlin for adoption?

Tierheim Berlin is the largest and most comprehensive shelter, offering a wide variety of animals, thorough medical care, and long-term support, making it the top choice for adoption.

Can expats adopt from Berlin shelters without German?

Most shelters require basic German for adoption and volunteering. However, online platforms like GetBalu can help non-German speakers start the adoption process more easily.

Are there shelters that support owners who cannot afford pet care?

Yes, Tiertafel Berlin provides free food and veterinary care to financially struggling pet owners to help keep pets with their families.

What kind of animals can I adopt in Berlin shelters?

Shelters like Tierheim Berlin house dogs, cats, birds, small animals, farm animals, and exotics. Some shelters, such as Samtpfoten Neukölln, specialize in cats only.

How can I support Berlin animal shelters?

You can donate money, supplies, or volunteer your time. Monthly sponsorships and online purchases through platforms like GetBalu also contribute directly to animal welfare.