Thinking of adopting a dog? The first 100 families will receive a package worth 5,240 NIS

Amid a nearly 50% drop in dog adoptions over six years and a 30% return rate, "Tnu Le-Haiot Lihyot" and "Biopet" are launching the "Adoption with Peace of Mind" program. 100 families will receive a comprehensive package covering vet care, food, and training.

MaarivAuthor: Yuval Bagno
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Thinking of adopting a dog? The first 100 families will receive a package worth 5,240 NIS
Photo: Maariv / עמותת תנו לחיות לחיות | צילום: אופיר ברמן

The first hundred families to adopt a dog through the "Tnu Le-Haiot Lihyot" organization will receive a comprehensive support package during the first year, including vaccinations, preventive treatments, vet visits, food, training sessions, and a refund of the adoption fee. The total value of this package is 5,240 NIS per family. This is a first-of-its-kind initiative in Israel, with a total investment of approximately 610,000 NIS.

The initiative is a collaboration with "Biopet," a company specializing in pet food and equipment. It is being launched against the backdrop of a sharp decline in adoption numbers and an increase in the rate of dogs returned to shelters within the first year. According to the organization's data, 360 dogs were adopted through them in 2025, compared to 705 in 2019—a decrease of nearly 50% over six years.

Currently, about 30% of adopted dogs are returned to the organization within the first few months, meaning nearly one in three adoptions fails. As part of the "Adoption with Peace of Mind" program, the goal is to reduce this return rate to 8%–10%. The comprehensive package includes:

  1. Vaccinations and preventive treatments (660 NIS)

  2. Up to four vet visits (600 NIS)

  3. Six bags of food (1,680 NIS)

  4. Four home training sessions (1,400 NIS)

The move is also intended to alleviate the initial financial burden on families, who often struggle with medical expenses and the need for professional training. Many shelter dogs have never lived in a home environment and are not accustomed to family routines, collars, or walking on a leash.

"Adopting a dog is the beginning of a new path, but for many families, the first months are accompanied by expenses and challenges," says Yael Arkin, CEO of "Tnu Le-Haiot Lihyot." "Our goal is to make it easier for adopters during this period, encourage more families to adopt, and reduce the number of dogs returning to shelters as much as possible."

The project will launch on International Dog Day, August 26, at Malmadovich Park in Ramat Gan (Marom Nave) from 17:30 to 19:30, in collaboration with the Ramat Gan Municipality's Environmental Unit and the city's youth center, "Ha-Koma Ha-Shniya." Starting that day, adoptions can also be arranged by calling *3703, at the "Tnu Le-Haiot Lihyot" shelter in Kfar Rut, at the organization's clinics, and through the rehabilitation project at Hermon Prison.

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