From the streets in Turkey to a warm home in the Netherlands
We rescue dogs and cats in need from Turkey and give them a second chance at a loving life in the Netherlands.






Together we give animals a second chance
Why choose Hold My Paw Rescue?
Over Hold My Paw
Hold My Paw Rescue selflessly dedicates itself to giving dogs and cats in need from Turkey a second chance by finding them a loving home in the Netherlands.
Our mission
In Turkey, millions of dogs and cats live on the streets. Many animals are often without (sufficient) food, medical care, and a safe place to live. Although municipalities in Turkey are responsible for sterilization, vaccinations, and the sheltering of stray animals, there is often a lack of sufficient resources, staff, and suitable facilities. As a result, the number of stray animals continues to grow, and many animals end up in difficult circumstances. In the overcrowded government animal shelters, living conditions are often appalling, and animals do not receive the care and safety they need.
Hold My Paw is committed to giving these dogs and cats a second chance. We provide medical care, vaccinations, and safe preparation for their journey to the Netherlands. We then carefully search for a loving and responsible home where they can spend the rest of their lives safely and happily.
Our story
What once started small grew in Turkey into a dedicated rescue that has been committed to animals in need for years. From there, a collaboration gradually developed to give more and more dogs and cats a second chance in the Netherlands. Together, we have now been able to help more than 100 cats and approximately 25 dogs find a warm and loving home.
For us, Bauke and Gijs, this story began on a very personal level. We adopted our cat Nova through this rescue in Turkey, also named 'Hold My Paw'. During the adoption process, we gained insight into the situation of stray animals in Turkey and saw how much help is still needed. The rescue's commitment and dedication made a deep impression on us, and we decided to travel to Turkey ourselves to experience the work firsthand.
What we saw there touched us. Behind every animal lies a unique story of survival, hope, and a longing for a safe future. We saw how much difference a second chance can make, but also how many animals are still waiting for help. That experience formed the basis for Hold My Paw in the Netherlands. Today, we work as a small team with a big heart for animals. Every day, we dedicate ourselves to rescuing dogs and cats, caring for them, and placing them with care with people who want to give them a safe and loving home.
Management

Gijs van Abeelen
Chair
He has a big heart for animals and wishes every cat or dog a loving home.
Email: gijs@holdmypaw.nl

Bauke Vervoort
Treasurer & Secretary
She believes that animals depend on our care and wants to dedicate herself to a better future for them.
Email: bauke@holdmypaw.nl
3rd person
Board member
sign up as a board member
Email: info@holdmypaw.nl
Contact and adoption information
Thank you for contacting us.We’ll get back to you as soon as possible.




