Animal Welfare

Nearly 87,000 people live in Heerlen, but did you know that many more animals live in our beautiful city? So in Heerlen, in addition to our residents, we also care for and protect all pets. Both the municipality and you can contribute to this. Besides the municipality, the Animal Protection Society, Mendoo, the National Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority and, of course, veterinarians take care of the welfare of our animals. But what can you find or report where?

Animal Protection

Is your animal missing? Have you found another animal? Is a wild animal in distress? Or is (temporary) animal shelter needed due to a domestic crisis situation such as detention, eviction, domestic violence, death or hospitalization of the owner? In all these cases, you can turn to the Animal Rescue Service. 

To animal protection

Mendoo

Women who call on "Stay of my Body Parkstad" and women from Parkstad who want to leave their homes because of domestic violence receive assistance through Mendoo to take care of pets in host families. For this purpose, the municipality of Heerlen cooperates with Mendoo.

To Mendoo
 

Animal cruelty

Are you witnessing an animal in distress due to an accident, abuse or neglect? Or do you need an animal ambulance? Then you can call the central number 144. 

Call 144

National Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority

Do you feel that animal welfare is compromised at a farm? Consider farm animals, animals in pet stores or dogs and cats at breeders.

Reporting to National Food and Drug Administration
 

Animal food bank

Unfortunately, not every owner has the ability to buy food for their pets and then often gives them their own food. This does not contain the right minerals and vitamins, which can make animals sick. The pet food bank can help. The following animal food banks operate in Heerlen:

There are also other organizations that can help you if you can no longer afford the cost of caring for your pet for a while. Go to the website of LICG.

Vet

Your veterinarian will help if your pet is sick. If your pet has died, you can leave your pet at the vet clinic. And if you wish, you can have your pet cremated at Dierencrematorium Parkstad for a fee.

Green Brigade

The Green Brigade are special law enforcement officers (BOAs) from the Province of Limburg. These boa's pay attention to poaching, among other things. Want to report it? You can do so via the website of the province of Limburg.

Reporting to the province of Limburg

Tips:

  • Do not leave balloons on
    Birds, fish and other animals mistake the balloons for food and become entangled in the balloon ribbons.
  • Do not feed ducks and pigeons
    Bread is unhealthy, it is too fatty and salty. It also attracts animals you'd rather not see, such as rats.
  • Off-leash areas for dogs
    There are several off-leash areas in Heerlen. There you may let your dog run loose.
  • Help in choosing a pet
    Through the website of the National Pet Information Center or the Animal Protection Society you can get help in choosing a pet appropriate to your lifestyle.
  • Animal nuisance
    If you are bothered by rats, report it to the municipality.