Frequently asked questions about pet adoption

Balu is the platform for adopting animals from German shelters and non-profit animal-welfare organisations. We bring verified shelters together in one place — with up-to-date profiles, photos and the option to apply online directly.

Balu is a website at getbalu.com — fully in your browser, including on mobile. A dedicated app is on the way and coming soon.

Yes. Searching for animals and contacting shelters on Balu is free. Shelters usually charge an adoption fee (Schutzgebühr) for the animal — that goes directly to the shelter and varies by animal. Donations are optional.

Yes. Balu lists almost exclusively animals from shelters and non-profit animal-welfare organisations, predominantly affiliated with the Deutscher Tierschutzbund. These are real, verified institutions — not private classified ads.

On classified-ad sites it's hard to tell a serious listing from illegal puppy trade. On Balu the animals come from shelters and welfare organisations, so you adopt safely and responsibly.

In a few steps: 1. Search dogs, cats or small animals by region, breed and traits. 2. Open a profile and send a request to the shelter. 3. Complete the short questionnaire and confirm your contact details. 4. The shelter gets in touch and you arrange a meeting. 5. You finalise the adoption directly with the shelter.

Browse the available dogs on Balu, contact the shelter, complete the application and verification, meet the dog, and finalise the adoption with the shelter. Balu connects you to verified German shelters.

On any pet or shelter profile use the contact / application button. Your message is relayed to the shelter and they reply to you directly — no need to look the shelter up separately.

Verification keeps the platform safe for shelters and ensures they can reach serious adopters. It's a quick, one-time step.

It varies by shelter and animal — from a few days to several weeks, depending on the questionnaire, a possible pre-visit and the shelter's process.

Shelters charge an adoption fee (Schutzgebühr). It helps cover vaccination, microchipping, neutering and the animal's care, varies by animal and shelter, and goes to the shelter — not to Balu.

Most shelters charge an adoption fee that helps fund the animal's vet care and the shelter's work. Using Balu itself is free. Be cautious of offers with no fee at all.

No. The adoption fee goes entirely to the shelter — Balu's platform fee is 0%. Balu is supported by partners who care about animal welfare.

Use the filters (size, age, breed, region) and Balu's search assistant. Profiles show whether an animal is, for example, good with children, other dogs or cats, and whether it suits an apartment or first-time owners.

Yes. Profiles include compatibility details (children, dogs, cats), and you can ask Balu's assistant, e.g. "family dog good with kids".

Yes, you can filter by breed group (e.g. poodle, shepherd, sphynx). Availability changes daily as animals are placed.

Some welfare organisations place dogs rescued from abroad — this is stated in each profile. They are vetted and go through the same adoption process.

Many shelters offer a trial or foster period so you and the animal can get to know each other. Ask the shelter about their arrangement.

Talk to the shelter. Shelters care about a good match — they will usually take the animal back rather than risk a poor placement.

Some shelters do a follow-up (a call or visit) to make sure the animal has settled in well.

Usually an ID, sometimes proof of residence or your landlord's consent. The shelter will tell you exactly what's needed.

From German shelters and non-profit animal-welfare organisations, predominantly affiliated with the Deutscher Tierschutzbund.

Shelters and welfare organisations can list for free — see our page for shelters. Animals are uploaded and requests are managed in the shelter's own dashboard.

You can browse freely. You need an account to contact shelters and save favourites.

You can donate to a shelter directly on Balu or become a supporting member. This is optional and independent of any adoption.

A recurring contribution that supports a specific shelter's work. You can start it and cancel it at any time.