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Looking back at 2025

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If we had to describe 2025 in one word it would be wow. It was the year with the highest number of adoptions ever and a year full of teamwork action impact and a lot of wagging tails and loud purrs. Time to look back and share what we are most proud of at Animal Shelter Bonaire.

Adoptions. More forever homes than ever.

In 2025 no less than 265 animals found their forever home. That is 64 more than last year. Every adoption means space for a new animal in need and a fresh start for a dog or cat who deserves it. Seeing animals leave the shelter with their new humans never gets old and yes we still get emotional every single time.

Animals brought in. Still too many.

This year we took in 324 animals. 195 dogs and 129 cats. Slightly fewer than last year but still far too many. This is why we keep repeating it. Please think before getting a pet and please sterilize. Preventing unwanted litters is one of the most important things we can do together.

Free sterilization program. The real game changer.

Through our free sterilization program we helped 663 dogs and cats in 2025. Every single surgery was paid for by our own funds with a total of 25,818 dollars. That is a big investment and also one of the most impactful ones. Sterilization prevents so much future suffering and it is encouraging to see how many people are finding their way to this program.

A huge thank you to veterinarian Fulco de Vries and Flamingo Island Veterinary Center for their dedication and cooperation.

In 2026 we want to do even more. More surgeries more prevention more impact. For that we hope to receive additional support including from OLB because sterilization is the foundation of sustainable animal welfare on Bonaire.

Pakus di Pruga and the Cruise Market Booth.

Our second hand shop Pakus di Pruga and our booth at the cruise market generated an amazing amount of income this year. Both are fully run by volunteers. Every shift every sale every conversation helps the shelter. We cannot say this enough. Without our volunteers this simply would not exist.

Charity event at Bina. One for the books.

The charity event at Bina was a huge success and raised 22,325 dollars. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who donated and to all businesses that contributed services products and time. This kind of support makes a real difference.

Markets at the shelter. Community magic.

We organized two markets at the shelter. The August Market and the Christmas Market. Together they raised 2,701 dollars. But just as important they brought people together. The next one is already planned for March 29 2026. Easter Market vibes incoming.

Meant to be Bonaire. Big step forward.

Thanks to the generous support of Meant To Be Bonaire we now have enough kennels to safely transport adopted cats and dogs to the Netherlands. This is a major step forward and opens up new possibilities for 2026.

Stichting DierenLot. Ongoing support that matters.

Once again we received incredible support from Stichting DierenLot. Three shipments of food and essential supplies made a huge difference in our daily operations and we are deeply grateful for this continued support.

And finally. Our people.

To all our volunteers and employees. Thank you. You run the shelter care for the animals organize events staff markets clean feed cuddle transport and keep going even on the tough days. Everything we achieved in 2025 is because of you.

Together we keep working towards a better future for animals on Bonaire. More adoptions more sterilizations more impact.

On to 2026. We are ready.

Volunteers are the best!

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At Animal Shelter Bonaire, everything revolves around care, love, and protection for animals in need. But we wouldn’t be anywhere without our amazing volunteers. Every day, they dedicate themselves to giving our dogs and cats the attention and care they deserve. Time to put them in the spotlight!

What makes volunteering with us so special?

Volunteering at Animal Shelter Bonaire isn’t just about cuddling cats and playing with dogs – it’s real hard work! Caring for animals means sweating in the sun, soaked shirts, and yes, sometimes smelling like poop. But the moment a cat purrs against you or a dog runs up wagging its tail, you know: it’s all worth it.

Whether you’re helping feed and care for the animals, taking dogs out for social walks, organizing events, or supporting us online – your efforts make a direct impact. Some volunteers come every week, others help out during special campaigns or temporarily foster an animal. No matter how big or small your contribution is, together we make a difference.

Why your help is so important

  • More love for our animals – Thanks to our volunteers, our dogs and cats get more exercise, affection, and socialization. This greatly increases their chances of being adopted.

  • Making events possible – From adoption days to fundraisers: without volunteers, these wouldn’t be a success!

  • Raising awareness – Your involvement helps spread the word about our animals. It inspires others to take action too.

What’s in it for you?

Volunteering at Animal Shelter Bonaire is about more than helping out. It means being part of a close-knit team, meeting new people, and making a real difference. You’ll have an impact, feel appreciated, and build meaningful connections with animals. It feels good to give back – and trust us, the gratitude from our animals is priceless.

You make the difference – thank you!

A huge shout-out to all our volunteers: you are essential! Your time, energy, and love give our animals a better future. Without you, we couldn’t do what we do. Let’s keep going – for every animal still waiting for a home.

Want to join the team?
We’re always looking for new people ready to roll up their sleeves!

Sterilization: Facts and Benefits

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Sterilizing your dog or cat is an essential step toward creating a more animal-friendly Bonaire. Yet, there are still many misconceptions and prejudices about sterilization that we’d like to clear up. Whether you have a dog as a guard dog or a cat as a companion, sterilization is not only beneficial for your pet, but also for the community.

Common misconceptions about sterilization

One of the most common arguments against sterilization is the belief that a dog without testicles will be less protective as a guard dog. This is a misconception. In reality, a sterilized dog is often more focused on its task. Without the constant distraction of hormonal urges, he can concentrate fully on guarding his territory and protecting his family. The same goes for cats: sterilized cats tend to be calmer and show less territorial behavior.

The benefits of sterilization for your pet

Better health: Sterilized animals have a lower risk of developing serious health issues, such as uterine infections, testicular cancer, or mammary tumors. This means your pet can enjoy a longer and healthier life.
Less unwanted behavior: Male dogs and cats often show reduced behaviors like roaming, fighting, and spraying. This makes them more pleasant companions, both indoors and outdoors.
Reduced stress: Unsterilized pets can experience hormonal stress. Sterilized animals tend to live more relaxed and happier lives.

The benefits for Bonaire

Sterilization isn’t just good for your pet—it also helps the entire community:

Preventing unwanted litters: Every year, countless unwanted animals are born on Bonaire, many of which never find a safe home. By sterilizing your pet, you help reduce this ongoing problem.
Saving costs: Unwanted animals come with high costs, for example for shelter and veterinary care. Sterilization contributes to a sustainable and long-term solution.

Why choose us?

At Animal Shelter Bonaire, we offer a free sterilization program. This program is available to all residents of Bonaire and supports both animals and their owners in making the right choice. Together, we can create lasting impact.

Take advantage of our free sterilization program

Do you have a dog or cat that hasn’t been sterilized yet? Don’t wait. By taking action now, you’ll improve your pet’s wellbeing and contribute to a more sustainable animal population on Bonaire.

It’s easy to take part in our sterilization program – here’s how it works:

Appointment with Klinika Veterinario Bonaire (Dr. Fulco de Vries)
Call +599 717 4255 to make an appointment
📍 Location: Kaminda Lagun 24a (next to Animal Shelter Bonaire)

Appointment with Flamingo Island Veterinary Center
Call +599 717 3338 to make an appointment and mention that you will make use of the Shelter fund
📍 Location: J.A. Abraham Boulevard 13, Kralendijk

Together, we can make Bonaire more animal-friendly.

Sterilize your pet and make a difference.

From foster to forever home

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Do you remember Sammie? Sammie lived at our shelter for no less than four years and was loved by everyone who got to know her. When she was finally adopted, we were over the moon for her. Unfortunately, life had other plans, and Sammie returned to the shelter not long after. It was heartbreaking – not just for us, but especially for Sammie.

We knew we had to do something to change her situation. One of our dedicated volunteers offered to foster Sammie, giving her a cozy home environment while we continued the search for her perfect forever home. What nobody expected was that Sammie had already found it – with that very same volunteer!

After just a short time together, it became clear that the bond between Sammie and her new human was unbreakable. And now, months later, we can proudly say: Sammie is staying! Her life has completely transformed.

Every day, Sammie joins her human on new adventures, enjoying long walks and discovering new places. At home, she takes her role as ‘head explorer’ seriously: she keeps the yard free of any unwanted visitors and guards her domain with great dedication. Even on windy days, you’ll find her proudly standing watch, nose in the air, soaking in the outdoor life.

From spending years in the shelter to living a life full of love and activity – Sammie’s story shows how a second chance can change everything.

Would you like to give a dog like Sammie a forever home too? At Animal Shelter Bonaire, many dogs and cats are still waiting for a loving home. You can check them out on our website or stop by during our opening hours. Feel free to come walk one of our dogs – they love the attention and exercise, and who knows, you might just meet your new best friend!