Lithuania proposes special shelters for residents with pets during emergencies

Lithuania’s State Food and Veterinary Service (VMVT) has proposed creating special shelters where residents with pets could take refuge during air raids or other emergencies, LRT reports.

Current regulations often prevent people with pets from entering public shelters, leading some to avoid seeking protection. VMVT animal welfare specialist Diana Suchocka said the agency recommends designated spaces for pet owners, as some individuals have allergies or phobias that make shared shelters impractical.

Aleksandra Voicechovska, an advisor at the Ministry of Environment’s nature protection policy group, stressed that pets, like people, require ventilation and hygiene in shelters. She warned that searching for pet-friendly shelters during an emergency could be dangerous and advised residents to first secure safe spaces at home.

Mindaugas Valaitis of the Fire Protection and Rescue Department’s civil safety authority noted that while Lithuania’s shelter network is expanding, not all municipalities have enough capacity. Current laws define shelters as temporary refuge for people, leaving pet accommodations unresolved.

Suchocka reminded pet owners of their legal obligations, including leashes, muzzles, microchipping, and vaccination records. She added that livestock owners must also plan for animal evacuation during disasters like floods.

A 2023 audit by the National Audit Office found Lithuania’s shelter system insufficient, with space for only about 53% of the population. Most shelters were also unprepared for people with disabilities.