More than 200 million dogs worldwide live as strays, along with an even larger number of free-roaming cats. In parts of South-Eastern Europe and South-East Asia, large stray populations are a common sight in cities and tourist areas.
Many of these animals live in challenging conditions, often without adequate veterinary care, and frequently suffer from illness or hunger. This situation affects not only their welfare but also public health and the sense of safety among local communities and visitors.
The Bankya Veterinary Clinic, operated by FOUR PAWS, has been caring for thousands of animals every year since 2013. Strays are humanely captured, neutered, vaccinated, and returned to their communities. This approach, known as the CNVR method (Catch–Neuter–Vaccinate–Return), has been recognised by the European Parliament as a best practice model. It reduces suffering, prevents uncontrolled population growth, and contributes to a long-term improvement in the quality of life within local communities.
After more than a decade of operation, the clinic was recently renovated and modernised. It now features separate wards for dogs and cats, multiple operating theatres, and modern diagnostic equipment. These improvements reduce stress for the animals and enable more effective treatment. At the same time, the Bankya Clinic serves as a regional training and research centre for veterinarians and animal welfare professionals, with an impact that extends across Bulgaria.
With support from the DERTOUR Foundation, the Bankya Clinic can continue its vital work and reach even more animals. Together, FOUR PAWS and the DERTOUR Foundation are investing in modern medical equipment and professional training.
Complementary measures are also being developed to raise awareness among travellers and hotels, giving them the opportunity to actively contribute to the protection of stray animals on site.
As part of this partnership, animal welfare is to be positioned as an integral component of responsible tourism, while raising awareness of animal well-being within travel destinations.
In the future, DERTOUR guests will receive transparent information on site about how animal welfare and tourism can be meaningfully connected, and how responsible behavior can make a positive impact. Raising awareness is just as important as promoting respectful engagement with local conditions and communities. Concrete measures to achieve these goals are currently being developed.
As part of this partnership, animal welfare is to be positioned as an integral component of responsible tourism, while raising awareness of animal well-being within travel destinations.
In the future, DERTOUR guests will receive transparent information on site about how animal welfare and tourism can be meaningfully connected, and how responsible behavior can make a positive impact. Raising awareness is just as important as promoting respectful engagement with local conditions and communities. Concrete measures to achieve these goals are currently being developed.
This approach creates a credible and balanced framework that thoughtfully combines animal welfare, tourism responsibility, and the travel experience – generating added value for animals, people, and destinations alike.
You can find out more about our cooperation partner,
FOUR PAWS, on project partners.
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