Newsroom
For many people in Cyprus, going on holiday begins with one important question: Who will look after the dog?
Not everyone has a relative, friend or neighbour willing to take in a pet, especially a large or energetic one. Animal hotels have therefore become an increasingly common solution. But owners may not always know whether the place they have chosen is licensed, properly inspected or operating under the radar.
Authorities are now trying to find out exactly what is happening across the island.
Environment and Animal Welfare Commissioner Elias Myrianthos told the Cyprus News Agency that his office is preparing a report on animal hotels, particularly those that care for dogs. It will record how many are operating in Cyprus and how many are licensed or unlicensed.
The report is expected to be ready within the first 10 days of September.
Myrianthos discussed the issue Tuesday with a veterinary officer who works with his office and will now begin putting together a clearer picture of the sector.
In simple terms, authorities first need to know how many animal hotels exist before they can properly monitor them and ensure everyone is following the same rules.
For pet owners, that information matters. Leaving a dog behind can already be stressful, particularly if the animal is elderly, needs medication or is nervous around other dogs. Owners want to know that their pet will be fed, exercised, kept safe and given proper care, not simply placed in a cage until they return.
The veterinary officer preparing the report currently works at the commissioner’s office only one day a week. From Sept. 1, she will be there five days a week, allowing the review to move more quickly.
Myrianthos said he has not received any complaints or reports of mistreatment at animal hotels or shelters since taking office.
Animal shelters, however, remain a concern.
The commissioner said the issue had been discussed during his first meetings with local authorities in Paphos, including the need to move forward with an animal shelter. Similar problems appear to exist in other districts, although Nicosia is said to be in a better position.
The main challenge will be getting municipalities, government departments and animal-welfare groups to work together so that proposed shelters do not remain plans on paper.
A shelter needs more than a plot of land and a few kennels. It requires people to care for the animals, veterinary services, regular funding and clear responsibility for what happens when an abandoned or injured animal is brought in.
Myrianthos, who is still being briefed on the different areas covered by his office, said animal welfare is a wide-ranging issue that affects the quality of life of both animals and people.
For the average pet owner, however, the question is much simpler: When I leave my dog somewhere, can I trust that it will be safe?
The September report may be the first step toward providing a clearer answer.
