The chapter "Compassion-NN" talked about the risks of online adoption of animals from shelters.

      August 31, 2026 14:22 Society NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" - Inna Koroleva In Russia, a digital service is being developed that will allow people to adopt pets from shelters. The editorial office of NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" learned that this is being considered by the head of the charity fund "Compassion-NN" and the animal shelter "Zooschutz NN," Vladimir Groysman. The expert believes that fully translating the process of selecting and transferring an animal into an electronic format is incorrect. An animal is "not a commodity or a toy," so personal communication, interviews, and understanding of responsibility are important when handing it over to a future owner. According to Groysman, there are many nuances: experience, knowledge, and a conscious approach are needed from the person who wants to adopt a pet.

      "The external ease of obtaining a living being as a toy can play a bad service," said the interlocutor of NIA "Nizhny Novgorod."

      As an example, the interlocutor recalled pet stores, where pets are sometimes bought impulsively without considering the consequences. According to the head of "Compassion-NN," the electronic service may only be suitable as a first step—for example, for viewing animal profiles and preliminary selection. However, the final decision, he believes, should only be made after a personal visit to the shelter. Groysman noted the possible difficulties in organizing such a service. In particular, he doubted that the new platform would be able to flexibly account for age and legal nuances, as well as truly increase the efficiency of rehoming animals. In his opinion, it is currently easier for people to visit the social media pages of shelters, view information about pets, and contact them directly. Moreover, he expressed critical views on such online resources in general. According to the expert, many such projects gather information about animals from open sources, but the real benefit from them is minimal.

      "I am critical of such resources. Adopting an animal from a shelter is still more about empathy and mutual obligations between people and animals," he stated.

      Groysman also mentioned that fewer animals are being adopted from shelters now than a few years ago. If previously, according to him, dogs were adopted more often than cats, the situation has recently reversed. He linked this to the economic situation: keeping animals, food, and veterinary services require significant expenses. On average, as reported by the head of the shelter, "Compassion-NN" manages to rehome about 20 animals per month. Earlier, we reported that a traveling dog from Bolshoy Kozin ended up in a shelter and is looking for a new home. NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" has channels on Telegram and MAX. Subscribe to stay updated on major events, exclusive materials, and timely information. Copyright © 1999—2025 NIA "Nizhny Novgorod." When reprinting, a hyperlink to NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" is mandatory. This resource may contain materials 18+