OIPA’s representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the association UG WagWag, is organizing a humanitarian concert to raise funds for the construction of new outdoor enclosures for dogs living in the public shelter of Banja Luka. International supporters can also contribute through the dedicated GoFundMe campaign.
Dogs living in public shelters may spend months or even years waiting for a family. During this time, access to outdoor areas, natural light, fresh air and regular exercise is essential for protecting their physical and psychological wellbeing.
For this reason, UG WagWag, OIPA’s official representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina, is working to build additional outdoor enclosures for dogs housed in the public shelter of Banja Luka.
The initiative aims to offer more animals the opportunity to move freely, explore their surroundings and enjoy a healthier and more stimulating daily routine while waiting to be adopted.
Improving the lives of shelter dogs
UG WagWag works actively to protect animals in Bosnia and Herzegovina through sterilization programmes, public awareness initiatives and projects designed to improve shelter conditions.
Despite the continuous commitment of volunteers, the infrastructure currently available at the Banja Luka public shelter remains insufficient to meet the needs of all the dogs housed there.
Many animals have limited access to:
- outdoor movement and exercise;
- natural sunlight and fresh air;
- environmental stimulation;
- adequate space to express natural behaviours.
Long periods spent in confined or unstimulating environments can increase stress, frustration and anxiety, negatively affecting both the health and behaviour of shelter dogs.
The construction of outdoor enclosures has therefore become a key priority for OIPA’s local representative.
Seven outdoor enclosures built in 2025
Thanks to the support of volunteers and donors, seven outdoor enclosures were successfully constructed during 2025.
These spaces have already brought tangible improvements to the dogs’ quality of life, providing them with:
- more room to move and exercise;
- regular exposure to daylight and fresh air;
- better ventilation;
- increased environmental stimulation;
- reduced stress and behavioural frustration.
The goal is now to expand the project so that more dogs can benefit from these improved conditions.
Music and solidarity for the animals
To support the next phase of the project, UG WagWag is organizing a humanitarian concert in Banja Luka.
Event details
Date: Friday, 31 July 2026
Time: 8:00 p.m.
Location: New Amphitheatre near the Faculty of Law and the Faculty of Economics, Banja Luka
Performer: Rock Oktet
Minimum donation: 10 BAM
All proceeds raised during the concert will be dedicated to the construction of additional outdoor enclosures for dogs living in the public shelter.
The event brings together music, local participation and solidarity, demonstrating how community initiatives can generate practical and lasting improvements for vulnerable animals.
Why outdoor enclosures matter
For a shelter dog, an outdoor enclosure means far more than additional space.
It provides the opportunity to run, explore, interact with the surrounding environment and experience sunlight and fresh air. These activities support physical health, encourage natural behaviour and help reduce stress and anxiety.
For dogs facing a prolonged stay in a shelter, access to an outdoor area can make a significant difference to their daily lives, offering them greater dignity, comfort and wellbeing while they wait for adoption.
Support the campaign from anywhere in the world
Those who cannot attend the concert can still support the project through the international GoFundMe campaign:
Help shelter dogs in Bosnia experience the outdoors again
Every donation, regardless of its amount, contributes to the construction of another enclosure and helps provide more shelter dogs with access to movement, sunlight, fresh air and safer living conditions.
Through the work of OIPA’s representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina, local volunteers, citizens and international supporters can join forces to achieve concrete improvements for abandoned animals.
