What we do
Saving Pound Dogs Cyprus (SPDC) is a non-profit organisation run entirely by unpaid volunteers who have been saving dogs since 2014. Dogs and puppies that are rescued from the pounds or found as strays are cared for at our premises in Nicosia, which we call "The Sanctuary".
The dogs that enter the sanctuary are provided with food, shelter and any veterinary care that they need. Over time we rehabilitate, socialise and assess each dog. If and when the time is right, we promote them for adoption.
We believe that every dog deserves a chance at happiness and a family to love them. We do everything within our power to make that happen.
SPDC (Saving Pound Dogs Cyprus) Ltd is a Cyprus registered charitable, non-profit company (Registration No. C376098), dedicated to rescuing and rehoming stray dogs to loving homes in the UK, Germany and Cyprus. We provide high quality care, shelter and love to our dogs at a Nicosia-based sanctuary.
SPDC Rescue UK is the UK registered charity (Charity No. 1169378) affiliated to the Cyprus rescue. Our UK volunteers guide new adopters through the entire adoption process and provide support after your dog arrives if needed.
SPDC has developed a network of foster homes throughout the UK which are used to home some dogs prior to adoption, but also to provide crucial rescue backup should it be needed.
The rescue is run exclusively by unpaid volunteers and is financially dependent on donations. SPDC was founded in 2014 by Elena Papaleontiou and Constantina Constantinou. To find out more about SPDC history and how it all began click here.
The team behind SPDC
The Cyprus Team includes Constantina Constantinou and Katy Stewart.
The UK Team includes Lisa Pitt, Charlotte Bull, Rebekah Lovewell, Deanna Hammond, Abigail Keely-Ann Tull, Nicola Trelease and Lorraine McConechy.
In Germany, we are supported by Janine Mass and Kay Je who have been helping to rehome Cyprus dogs since 2017.
Where we are
SPDC owns a sanctuary just outside Nicosia which we were able to purchase thanks to the donations and fundraising of our incredible supporters. We are proud of our premises and continue to make improvements whenever finances allow.
Our sanctuary kennels are spacious and dogs have their own space, with dogs only cohabiting if we feel that it is in their best interest. There are large exercise yards and our dogs are allowed out every day.
Rescue
SPDC rescues a large number of dogs from city and municipal pounds where, in accordance with Cyprus law, if they are not claimed by an owner within 15 days they are put on a euthanasia list. We try to prioritise the dogs that are most in need. We sometimes take in stray dogs found by the public that would otherwise end up in a pound, or those that we find ourselves (often an abandoned litter of puppies).
The sanctuary is always under pressure to take in more dogs. We have a waiting list of dogs needing help and there are regular emergency cases that just appear. SPDC has a very good reputation in Cyprus and we are frequently asked to help dogs in need.
The municipal pounds are unable to keep up with the number of stray dogs in Cyprus. They are overcrowded and don't have the resources to provide anything other than basic veterinary care. Many of the dogs that end up in the pound are very poorly, severely malnourished or dehydrated.
SPDC rescues a large number of dogs from city and municipal pounds, where in accordance with Cypriot law, if they are not claimed by an owner within 15 days, they are put on a euthanasia list. We prioritise dogs that are in urgent need of medical care, or are pregnant. We also take in stray dogs found by the public that would otherwise end up in a pound, and also those that we find ourselves which is often an abandoned litter of puppies.
The sanctuary is always under pressure to take in more dogs. We have a waiting list of dogs needing help, and there are regular emergency cases that just appear. SPDC has a very good reputation in Cyprus and dogs are frequently brought to our sanctuary.
The pounds are unable to keep up with the number of stray dogs in Cyprus. They are overcrowded, and don't have the resources to provide medical care. If dogs are not rescued from the pounds, they are not only at risk of euthanasia. Many of the dogs that end up in the pound are very poorly, severely malnourished or dehydrated. Despite our best efforts, some are sadly too poorly to be saved.
For all these reasons and more, the rescuing of dogs from the streets and pounds is the most important and first step towards that second chance at life.
If you'd like to support the work that we do, and help us save more dogs from the pounds, please consider donating.
We are a no-kill sanctuary and we do not practice euthanasia. Rehabilitation is a big part of our philosophy. We believe that no case is hopeless and our guiding principle is that every dog should be given the chance to find a loving forever home.
Not all of the dogs that we take in find their forever home. Some, sadly, are too poorly to save by the time we reach them. Others become long-standing residents at the sanctuary due to factors that make them difficult to rehome such as complicated health issues.
The dogs that we take under our wing are given love, shelter and any medical care that they need. Our dogs are socialised and assessed and when we feel they are ready, they are promoted for adoption. We believe in taking our time to get to know the dogs in our care so that we can better match the right dog to the right home.
SPDC was started by one person, that saved one dog. That first rescue was the beginning of over a decade of saving thousands of dogs, and giving them the chance of not only a life, but a better life, in a loving home as a member of the family.
SPDC rescues a large number of dogs from city and municipal pounds, where in accordance with Cypriot law, if they are not claimed by an owner within 15 days, they are put on a euthanasia list. We prioritise dogs that are in urgent need of medical care, or are pregnant. We also take in stray dogs found by the public that would otherwise end up in a pound, and also those that we find ourselves which is often an abandoned litter of puppies.
The sanctuary is always under pressure to take in more dogs. We have a waiting list of dogs needing help, and there are regular emergency cases that just appear. SPDC has a very good reputation in Cyprus and dogs are frequently brought to our sanctuary.
The pounds are unable to keep up with the number of stray dogs in Cyprus. They are overcrowded, and don't have the resources to provide medical care. If dogs are not rescued from the pounds, they are not only at risk of euthanasia. Many of the dogs that end up in the pound are very poorly, severely malnourished or dehydrated. Despite our best efforts, some are sadly too poorly to be saved.
For all these reasons and more, the rescuing of dogs from the streets and pounds is the most important and first step towards that second chance at life.
If you'd like to support the work that we do, and help us save more dogs from the pounds, please consider donating.
We are a no-kill sanctuary and we do not practice euthanasia. Rehabilitation is a big part of our philosophy. We believe that no case is hopeless and our guiding principle is that every dog should be given the chance to find a loving forever home.
Not all of the dogs that we take in find their forever home. Some, sadly, are too poorly to save by the time we reach them. Others become long-standing residents at the sanctuary due to factors that make them difficult to rehome such as complicated health issues.
The dogs that we take under our wing are given love, shelter and any medical care that they need. Our dogs are socialised and assessed and when we feel they are ready, they are promoted for adoption. We believe in taking our time to get to know the dogs in our care so that we can better match the right dog to the right home.
SPDC was started by one person, that saved one dog. That first rescue was the beginning of over a decade of saving thousands of dogs, and giving them the chance of not only a life, but a better life, in a loving home as a member of the family.
Care & Rehabilitation
Every dog entering the sanctuary is given a full health check by a vet and any treatment they need. We don’t compromise on veterinary care—every dog receives vaccinations, regular flea and worm treatments and, if needed, dental care like cleaning or extractions. Dogs are also spayed or neutered when old enough and some breeds are given x-rays to screen for conditions such as hip dysplasia. SPDC ensures every dog receives the thorough care needed to support their health and wellbeing.
Beyond physical health, each dog is treated with patience, kindness and understanding. For many this is their first experience of genuine human care. Our team works gently with dogs that may need help learning to trust again, gradually building confidence in a safe environment. Rehabilitation is tailored to each dog’s needs, helping them feel secure and ready for a new life.
Through dedicated care and compassion SPDC brings out the best in every dog, helping them gain the confidence to thrive in their new home.
Adoption
When a dog is ready for adoption we begin accepting applications. This involves a form and a home check to ensure the right match. We welcome applications from families with children and from people who go out to work, as long as arrangements like a dog walker or daycare are in place.
At the sanctuary each dog’s behaviour is carefully assessed. Our dogs are socialised and their reactions are observed with other dogs, cats and children, allowing us to make thoughtful recommendations for their future homes based on their individual personalities.
Once an adoption is approved, SPDC Rescue UK and the Cyprus team arrange flights, with each dog fully vaccinated, microchipped, flea and worm treated and provided with a pet passport. Support and guidance are part of every adoption both before and after a dog moves in with their new family. Our dogs are part of the SPDC family for life, and we stay connected with adoptive families, always here whenever needed.
Care
For all these reasons and more, the rescuing of dogs from the streets and pounds is the most important and first step towards that second chance at life.
If you'd like to support the work that we do, and help us save more dogs from the pounds, please consider donating.
We are a no-kill sanctuary and we do not practice euthanasia. Rehabilitation is a big part of our philosophy. We believe that no case is hopeless and our guiding principle is that every dog should be given the chance to find a loving forever home.
Not all of the dogs that we take in find their forever home. Some, sadly, are too poorly to save by the time we reach them. Others become long-standing residents at the sanctuary due to factors that make them difficult to rehome such as complicated health issues.
The dogs that we take under our wing are given love, shelter and any medical care that they need. Our dogs are socialised and assessed and when we feel they are ready, they are promoted for adoption. We believe in taking our time to get to know the dogs in our care so that we can better match the right dog to the right home.
SPDC was started by one person, that saved one dog. That first rescue was the beginning of over a decade of saving thousands of dogs, and giving them the chance of not only a life, but a better life, in a loving home as a member of the family.
Why we do what we do
Our main aim is to find loving forever homes for as many stray and abandoned dogs as possible. Every dog deserves happiness, just like Bagel here:
Bagel at the sanctuary
Bagel in his new home ♥️
Bagel at the sanctuary
Bagel in his new home ♥️