Gelsenkirchen Animal Shelter Summer Festival

Gelsenkirchen Animal Welfare Association — Over 145 Years of Commitment

The Animal Welfare Association for Gelsenkirchen and Surrounding Areas e.V. 1880 is one of the oldest animal welfare associations in Germany and has been the backbone of practical animal welfare in the Gelsenkirchen urban area for over 145 years. The association's own animal shelter at Willy-Brandt-Allee 449 in Gelsenkirchen-Erle takes in stray, abandoned, and confiscated animals — dogs, cats, rabbits, small animals, and in individual cases, exotic animals — and places them in suitable families after thorough prior assessment.

Summer Festival as the Most Important Fundraising Day

The summer festival is the most important donation and fundraising day of the year for the animal shelter. On a Sunday in late May or early June, the premises open their gates to the public. Animal lovers from Gelsenkirchen and the surrounding area come to get to know the animals, leave donations in cash or kind, and simply support the association. Those who wish to adopt can get information in advance — however, spontaneous adoptions do not take place on the festival day.

2026 Program — From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The program on May 31, 2026, runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Live music and stage program provide entertainment, while coffee and cake, waffles, a barbecue stand (with classic sausages, but also vegetarian options), and a salad bar form the culinary offerings. A grand raffle — with prizes contributed in advance by donors and local businesses — is a classic of the day. External exhibitors (pet supply retailers, dog trainers, pet photographers, animal naturopaths) complete the picture.

Animal Shelter Tours

Animal shelter tours are offered during the day — registration is required because the groups are limited in size for animal welfare reasons and to minimize disruption to the normal shelter routine. The tours cover the dog runs, the cat house, the small animal area, and provide insight into the daily care work. Register on the festival day on-site or in advance via the association's email.

Exhibitors and Stand Registration

External exhibitors are welcome and can register via WhatsApp at 0171-6114258. Stand fee: €50 per 3-meter stand. Exhibitors mainly from the areas of animal welfare, pet supplies, dog training schools, animal naturopaths, and regional artists with animal-related motifs are expected.

Proceeds for the Animals

All income from admission (free), food and drink, raffle, and stand fees goes 100 percent to the animal shelter's work: food, veterinary costs, shelter renovation, adoption organization. Those who wish to support the animal shelter without attending the festival can donate to the association's account — the bank details are on the website.

Getting to the Animal Shelter

By car via the A 2 or A 42 (exit Gelsenkirchen-Buer) to Willy-Brandt-Allee — parking spaces along the street and in the animal shelter parking lot. By public transport: Bus lines from Gelsenkirchen main station towards Erle / Resse. Approximately 20 minutes travel time from the main station.