On an industrial estate in Sliedrecht - on her way to another appointment - Saskia spotted the big fish shelter sign. It sounded like a great initiative and so she stepped inside. Her hunch was right: this initiative deserves a shout-out and additional donations!
Guided tour of the fish shelter
Volunteer Jane gives me an enthusiastic tour of the fish shelter and explains everything. Here, they catch fish from people who can no longer care for them. There can be many reasons for this: a move, illness, death or simply misinformation in the pet shop. Sometimes fish grow much bigger than thought. Or they suddenly reproduce at lightning speed and then you are left with dozens of baby fish you can't get rid of.
Currently, there are between four and ten thousand fish swimming in the shelter. From small guppies to hefty koi. All together, it is a colourful collection. And it is impressive how much care and attention goes into this every day. Most people don't even know such a place exists, let alone that this is Europe's only fish shelter.
How does the fish shelter work?
You can bring the fish yourself, but if that is inconvenient, the fish shelter will also come and collect them from your home. The fish shelter charges a fixed fee for collecting or offering fish for adoption. More information on current rates can be found on the fish shelter's website. All fish that come in go into quarantine for a fortnight first. This way, they can make sure the fish is healthy before it is allowed to go to a new home. After that, they go into rehoming: that means you can adopt a fish for a small fee. They use that money again for food, cleaning and maintenance.
By the way, you can also house your fish here temporarily. For example, if you are going on holiday or renovating. For a small fee, volunteers will make sure your fish are fed and the water stays clean. Don't have your own aquarium? Then you can rent one. Bonus tip for fish owners: they also sell second-hand aquariums and fishing equipment!
Watch the video of the visit!
Looking for another charity to support or looking for a new fish or second-hand fishing gear? Then consider the fish shelter from now on. Because animal welfare is also sustainability. A fish from the shelter prevents an animal from being dumped unnecessarily. And by being rehomed, fish get a second chance. Moreover, it makes you aware of your role as pet owner. Because a fish deserves good care, just like any other pet. See more about this initiative As well as how to donate.
Adres: Leeghwaterstraat 235B, Sliedrecht
Support the fish shelter?
Photo credits: thegreenlist.nl, other: Mart Production (goldfish).
