Animal welfare is a municipal responsibility, and the rules guiding this service are shaped by regional laws on pet protection and ownership. In some regions, funding and oversight come from intermunicipal or national bodies that pool resources to reduce costs. County councils may also take charge for smaller municipalities that lack their own dedicated services. This framework ensures that care and housing for stray animals remain organized even in smaller communities.
Municipalities may deliver the service directly with their own staff, or they may hire a private contractor or a non-profit organization to perform these duties. Public procurement processes are typically used for such arrangements, opening the opportunity to any organization that meets the legally established criteria to bid.
Where the service is provided can vary. Facilities may be publicly operated or run by private operators. Unless the city council directly provides the service, the tender specifications outline the expected type of facilities and their required capacity. Regardless of the delivery mode, facilities must maintain a core standard of care that allows abandoned animals to be housed safely and humanely.
There is significant diversity in how this service is organized across regions. A major issue remains that some municipalities do not have a dedicated animal service at all. If a gap exists simply because there is no feasible option, that presents a challenge. If the gap persists due to a lack of political will or due to repeated appeals from animal welfare advocates, the concern grows. This situation can foster a sense of impunity, and ultimately the animals bear the consequences.