In 2025, the shelters of Veeweyde continued their mission: rescuing, caring for and rehoming abandoned and vulnerable animals in Belgium.
Despite challenging conditions, hundreds of animals were taken in and many found a new home.
How many animals were taken in during 2025?
Overall, more than 1,500 animals were taken in across Veeweyde shelters.
Brussels (Anderlecht)
- 537 animals taken in
- 502 adoptions
- 93% adoption rate
The year was impacted by renovation works, limiting capacity until the gradual reopening from October 2025.
Tournai
- 271 dogs and 179 cats taken in
- 193 adoptions
- 120 dogs returned to their owners
Turnhout
- 309 dogs (including 71 seizures)
- 157 cats
- 342 adoptions
Refuge du Marais
- 105 animals taken in
- including 70 seizures
Animal adoption in 2025: key results
Adoption rates remain strong, especially in Brussels with 93%.
Shelters observe:
- fast rehoming of social dogs and cats,
- longer stays for shy or specific-profile animals,
- more complex placements for small animals (rabbits, rodents).
Cats represent around 60% of all intakes.
Refuge du Marais: long-term care sanctuary
Refuge du Marais plays a unique role.
Today, nearly 730 animals live there long-term, including:
horses, ponies, donkeys, cattle, pigs, goats, sheep, birds, deer and bears.
Many of these animals are not adoptable and are cared for lifelong.
Why are animals abandoned?
Main reasons in 2025:
- 40%: life changes (moving, separation, job, family changes)
- 30%: allergies or health issues
- 15%: behavioural issues
- 15%: other reasons (financial, housing, lack of preparation)
Changing profiles in shelters
Shelters report key trends:
- increase in Malinois, Staffordshire and shepherd-type dogs,
- rise in complex medical and behavioural cases,
- more seizure cases.
These require more time, expertise and resources.
Beyond the numbers
Behind every figure:
- veterinary care
- behavioural support
- daily attention
- adoption guidance
Teams and volunteers work every day to give animals a second chance.
Conclusion
The 2025 report highlights a dual reality:
strong adoption results alongside increasingly complex cases.
Public support remains essential to continue this mission.
Team Veeweyde