Snout & Soul in Turkey: An Eye-Opener to Animal Suffering

In February 2025, our Snout & Soul team traveled to eastern Turkey—a place where the suffering of animals struck us to the core. The conditions there are heartbreaking and harrowing, and this journey would shape us not only physically but, above all, emotionally. We went to Turkey not merely to hear the stories, but to see for ourselves how dogs and cats must survive in extreme cold without the protection they so desperately need. What we witnessed was so painful we couldn’t look away. We had to act—right then and there.

The Situation
The situation in Turkey is dire. Dogs and cats live on the streets, often in extreme weather like snow and ice, with temperatures ranging from –15 °C to as low as –30 °C. Where we’re used to seeing our dogs safe and warm at home, these animals must fight for every ounce of warmth just to survive the day. Around 400 of them live on a garbage dump in the cold, scavenging for any scrap of food and battling illness and frostbite. Yet even then, their lives are far from secure: they’re dumped by owners who no longer want them and often rejected by the packs they try to join.

In some ways, the cold offers a grim blessing by slowing the spread of disease—but in summer, conditions become catastrophic. Warmer weather allows illnesses to spread rapidly, and many dogs and cats die from diseases they simply cannot fight off.

Our Journey
When we arrived, the reality overwhelmed us. Dogs on the dump, fighting to survive with eyes full of fear and desperation. Some were so weak they wouldn’t make it through the night. We saw dogs terrified of us—not because they’re naturally aggressive, but because they’ve been hurt and abused so many times, both physically and emotionally. Their trust in humans had been shattered. Yet even amid this desperation, a few still clung to hope, running to us and refusing to give up. It was a raw, emotional experience we will never forget.

We also encountered cats in broken bodies—spines fractured, legs injured, eyes ravaged by disease. It was staggering to witness how much pain and suffering these animals endure daily. And yet, a handful of volunteers poured their hearts and souls into caring for them. Every week they returned to the dump with food and affection. It was their way of fighting back against an inhumane situation, and they did it with no expectation of reward.

The Volunteers We Met
The volunteers we met gave everything—often with their own money, time, and energy. They transported cats to the vet, bought and administered medications, and nursed them back to health. Witnessing their love and devotion was heartwarming, but it also felt like a drop in the ocean. The problem was so vast and resources so scarce. Still, these volunteers never gave up, and their dedication inspired us to do our part.

The Shelters in Turkey
You might think an animal shelter is a haven—but that’s often not the case in Turkey. Animals in many Turkish shelters face neglect and cruelty. There are no meaningful animal-welfare laws, and shelters offer little real protection. For the animals that end up there, life can be even harsher than on the streets.

What We Saw in Turkey
What we saw in Turkey hit us not only emotionally but also propelled us to take action. During our trip, we managed to rescue two dogs: an elderly dog abandoned by the roadside because he was sick and weak, and a puppy who later found a loving family. It was a small victory in an otherwise hopeless situation, but it proved that even the smallest steps can spark change.

What We’re Doing Now Is Simple: We Help.
Every dog we save, every cat we give a better life, is a victory. At Snout & Soul, we believe that spoiling our own pets isn’t enough—we have a responsibility to the less fortunate animals. That’s why we donate 30 % of the profit from every product you purchase to animal-aid efforts in Turkey. Those funds go directly to the volunteers on the ground who rescue, care for, and rehabilitate these animals. You can support us by buying a product—or by making a direct donation on our website, where 100 % of every gift goes to the organizations and volunteers working locally.

The journey to Turkey moved us deeply and fueled our mission. We refuse to let this crisis fade from memory. Our goal is to raise awareness about animal suffering in Turkey and drive positive change through adoption, donations, and support for local rescuers.

You Can Make a Difference.
With your support, we can offer these animals a future they otherwise would never have. Step by step, together we can create a better world for Turkey’s dogs and cats. Let’s not look away—let’s act. Because every action, no matter how small, counts. Let’s improve these animals’ world, one step at a time.