GIVING A PET A NEW HOME IN VILLACH: HOW TO ADOPT OR BUY

Thinking about getting a pet and welcoming a new furry friend into your life in Villach? While it may be tempting to head to your local shelter or pet store and bring home the first pet you see and fall in love with, taking the time to learn about the animal’s needs and adoption process will help you make a well-informed and thoughtful decision.

Bringing a pet into your home is a big step that requires careful consideration. Before adopting or buying an animal, ask yourself: Do I have enough time, space, and financial resources to care for a pet over the long run? Animals need food, medical care, training, and attention throughout their lives. In the case of cats, this could be a commitment of up to twenty years!

If you're ready to take that step, Villach offers several options for adopting or purchasing a pet responsibly.

BUYING A PET IN VILLACH

If you're looking to buy a pet in Villach, make sure to choose responsible sources. Here are some options:

• PET AND PET SUPPLY STORES
  Dehner and Dany’s Zooladen offer small animals, fish, and birds, along with pet care products. While they promote responsible animal care and offer advice for new pet owners, it’s always a good idea to educate yourself about proper pet keeping and consider adopting animals from shelters when possible
   
• BREEDERS
  If you are looking for a specific breed of dog or cat, it is important to work with reputable breeders who prioritize the health and well-being of their animals. To find the right match, you may need to extend your search beyond the local region.

ADOPTION: GIVING AN ANIMAL A SECOND CHANCE

Adopting from a shelter is a rewarding way to find a new furry companion while giving an animal in need a loving home. In Villach there is one major organization dedicated to animal welfare, which also offers adoptions of its foster animals: the Kärntner Tierschutzverein Villach, located on Pogöriacher Straße. This non-profit, independent, and non-partisan animal shelter is funded through donations and membership fees. It provides professional animal welfare services year-round and helps animals find suitable new homes.

In addition to searching locally in Villach, you can also consider other reputable organizations in the region, such as TiKo – TierschutzKompetenzzentrum Kärnten or Tierheim Garten Eden in Klagenfurt, as well as the animal welfare organization Paws with Love in Krumpendorf.

If you've decided to welcome a new cat or dog into your home, it’s important to understand the adoption process to ensure everything runs smoothly. Generally, the adoption process for cats and especially dogs tends to be more involved than for small animals like rabbits or guinea pigs.

Responsible adoption organizations usually ask for details about your living situation in advance—such as where and how you live, how much space is available, whether there’s a garden, if there are children or other pets in the household, if anyone has allergies to animal hair, your previous experience with pets, and what your daily routine looks like. These questions are typically part of a contact form on the organization's website and are often followed up in an in-person meeting.

All of this helps ensure the best possible match between you and the animal. This is especially important with dogs, as not every breed is suited to every environment or owner. Most organizations offer the opportunity to get to know the dog over time before a final adoption is made. In some cases, home visits may also be arranged to ensure that the living conditions are appropriate and safe for the animal.

Once you've successfully completed the adoption process and found the right match, you're ready to welcome a loving and loyal companion into your life.

ALTERNATIVE WAYS TO ENGAGE WITH ANIMALS

Missing animals in your life but not ready for full-time pet ownership? Don’t worry—there are still wonderful ways to spend quality time with furry friends:

• BECOME A SHELTER VOLUNTEER
  Members of the Kärntner Tierschutzverein Villach can take dogs for walks, giving them much-needed exercise, fresh air, and human interaction. For a small annual membership fee of just 22 euros, you can not only support the shelter’s mission but also help improve the lives of the animals in their care. As a member, you can volunteer your time, offer companionship to the dogs, and enjoy rewarding moments together. Other animal welfare organizations in the region also offer similar options, like sponsoring an animal.
   
• VISIT THE KATZENCAFÉ IN KLAGENFURT
  If you love cats but can't have one at home, the Katzencafé Klagenfurt offers the perfect solution. Here, you can relax with a cup of coffee while interacting with friendly, playful cats in a stress-free setting. All ten resident cats were adopted from the local animal shelter, making your visit a heartwarming experience that supports both animal welfare and your own well-being.

Adopting or buying a pet is a life-changing decision. Always consider your lifestyle, time commitment, and financial ability before bringing an animal into your home. If full-time ownership isn’t an option, supporting shelters or visiting pet-friendly spaces can still be a great way to interact with animals and contribute to their well-being.