How we started an animal shelter in Dordogne

Sharon Lee-Chappelle, 56, moved to Nontron (Dordogne) 17 years ago with her then-husband Andy. In England she was a psychiatric nurse. In France she runs a boarding kennel for dogs.

I fostered animals in the UK and wanted to continue doing that in France so I began volunteering with local animal charities.

However, I found it frustrating not being autonomous so I started my own rescue association.

I work with various other associations, both French and English, including one rescuing boxers, and another rescuing Dobermanns. I really think collaborating is for the greater good. We have so far re-homed hundreds of Dobermanns.

The association is called Attis after a Dobermann who arrived here as skin and bone. He lived with us for five years. 

He previously belonged to an abusive alcoholic. The dog was never allowed outside and was terrified. He could not be rehomed as he was so traumatised. He adored my husband for some reason and he loved other dogs. Eventually he learned to trust people again. He died here of old age.

Officially we deal with dogs and cats but we would take any animal really.

I started the association on my own, but we now have a volunteer conseil (committee) of five people who help run things.

We have better social media as a result, and someone who fosters cats. 

We used to only trap, sterilise and release stray cats, but now we have a dozen volunteers and we are always looking for more.

We would love more foster homes for both cats and dogs because we are always having to turn animals away. We just don't have the space. Already, 16 out of 22 of my kennel spaces are taken up with rescue dogs and there is a waiting list.

In terms of fundraising efforts, we held a Burns' Night dinner in January, which attracted 65 people and raised around €2,500. It was such a success that we will definitely do it again next year.

St Patrick's Day in March was also a good fundraiser and we will be holding our usual summer party in St-Martin-le-Pin (Dordogne).

It is a great way of raising money, of course, but I also love organising events, especially when people can dress up.

Our local vet in Nontron, Jean-Maurice Ladrat, is wonderful. He supports the charity completely, and gives us generous discounts. Also, if someone brings in an unwanted animal to be euthanised, he always calls first to see if I can re-home it.

We would love to hear from anyone who wants to volunteer, in any capacity, including dog walking. Donations of blankets and bedding are also always welcome. Email associationattis24@gmail.com.

Tips for starting an animal shelter in France

1. Legally, in order to keep more than nine dogs at a property – including your own pets – you must have an ACACED (Attestation de Connaissances pour les Animaux de Compagnie d’Espèces Domestiques) qualification.

2. I began by starting a not-for-profit association loi 1901 at the local sous-préfecture. We then became a formal charity with a SIRET number, meaning we get tax breaks and people can offset donations to us against their tax bill.

3. You need a team in order to deal with communications, marketing, fundraising, photos, recruitment, accounts and secretarial services, as well as the practical front-line roles with the animals.

4. You need at least one person who really knows about canine health, psychology and behaviour, training, etc. We are very careful about dogs with a history of biting, for example.

5. You must be prepared to say no to people who want to adopt the wrong animal for them.

6. You have to be able to say ‘no’ to an animal when you don't have space.