When making vacation plans, Kosovo may not spring to the top of your list, although from what we understand, it’s a beautiful destination. However, if you’re interested in animal welfare and rescue, Kosovo has a serious need for those who are passionate about saving lives and changing existing perceptions. One group—International Friends of Animals in Developing Countries (IFADC)—is taking on that mission in a number of different ways. We recently had an opportunity to chat with Jayne Di Vincenzo, one of the co-founders of the organization, to find out how they got started and what people can do to help with their efforts.
Tell us about International Friends of Animals in Developing Countries.
IFADC is a small, volunteer-driven nonprofit working to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome street dogs—and occasionally cats—from Kosovo and surrounding Balkan areas. I serve as co-founder and U.S.-based coordinator. While our heart is in animal rescue, our work also supports the local community through job creation, animal welfare education, and public health efforts like vaccination and sterilization.
How, when, and why did all this get started?
Like many grassroots organizations, it started from heartbreak—and hope. I visited Kosovo in 2022 to see my sister, Dawn Bonner (co-founder and president of IFADC), and her husband, who work at an international school. I was overwhelmed by the sheer number of stray and injured animals on the streets. We started small—rescuing one or two dogs—and quickly realized we needed something more sustainable.
On the ground, we work with Monica Mzi and her daughter, Sofie, who help manage daily care, vet visits, and socialization. Dawn volunteers at the shelter too, walking dogs and cleaning pens on weekends. The current shelter was the result of a local partnership with a vet, Dr. Gerxhaliu, and his sons on property he had and hoped to one day build a shelter on. It was exciting to see the plans and then have them realized. They also run a pet supply shop and provide basic medical care—though, heartbreakingly, there are no X-ray machines anywhere other than the capital of Pristina, that we know of. That means many serious injuries go untreated.
What is your mission?
Our mission is simple: to reduce suffering and improve the lives of animals in developing countries through rescue, education, sterilization and adoption.
In Kosovo, many people are taught from a young age to fear dogs or view them as dangerous pests. We aim to change that narrative—through education in schools, public engagement, and by showcasing how kind and loyal these animals truly are.
Every dog we take in is dewormed, vaccinated, tested for disease, and sterilized. If they’re adoptable, Sofie works with them on training and socialization so they’re ready for a family.
Why is this important to you?
Animals in Kosovo have no voice and very little protection. They’re beaten, poisoned, starved—and still they approach people with trust and hope. Once you’ve looked into the eyes of a dog that’s been kicked, is starving, and still wags its tail, you can’t turn away. Helping them is our way of restoring dignity—both for the animals and for the people learning to care for them.
Do you concentrate solely on dogs?
Mostly, yes. While we occasionally help cats, the scale of the street dog population—and their visibility—demands most of our attention and resources.
Are the animals all from Kosovo? Why there? Any future expansion plans?
Yes, our work is centered around Mitrovicë and Vushtrri, Kosovo. Kosovo has one of the most severe stray dog problems in Europe, compounded by minimal government intervention and deep cultural fears. It’s a place where a small rescue like ours can make a real impact.
We’ve reached out to international organizations like the Humane Society, but so far, they’ve chosen not to work in Kosovo. So we’re stepping in where no one else will. As we grow, we’re open to expanding to help in other under-resourced areas or partnering with like-minded groups abroad.
You once mentioned animals can be delivered almost anywhere. How does that work?
Julie Rigby, a founding board member, has extensive experience escorting rescues from Kosovo, Turkey, and Albania to the U.S. She coordinates much of our international transport logistics—paperwork, flights, and partnerships with receiving organizations.
When someone travels from Kosovo to the U.S. or EU, we do everything we can to coordinate a flight escort. Once a dog is at least six months old, fully vaccinated, and sterilized, we arrange transport—always prioritizing their safety and comfort.
How can people get involved?
We’re always grateful for:
- Adopters (U.S., Canada, EU)
- Foster families
- Flight escorts (traveling to the U.S. from Europe)
- Volunteers – for fundraising, transport logistics, or media help
- Monthly donors – even €25/month helps feed and care for one dog
- Amazon or Chewy Wish List contributors
We also need sponsors for dogs who are in long-term care but not yet matched for adoption. Sadly, in rare cases, we’ve had to do “catch and release”—sterilizing and vaccinating a dog, then returning it to its territory—simply due to lack of space or adoptive interest. So far, that’s only happened once, but it’s a real limitation we face. - Visit Kosovo to see the shelter and meet the dogs in person! Seriously, if you’re planning a trip to Greece, Albania or other near by countries, please swing by and visit the shelter and our team! Maybe you can take a dog home with you or deliver it to a loving family somewhere! You’ll be impressed by the welcoming of Americans to Kosovo, they have a special connection due to our support during their war with Serbia.
What’s the international adoption process like?
Adopters fill out a brief form, then we schedule a call to make sure it’s a good fit. Once matched, we coordinate vet work, vaccinations, sterilization, and transport. Throughout the process, we provide photos, updates, and travel timelines.
How long does it take to adopt?
It varies depending on flights and paperwork, but most adopters receive their new dog (or foster) within 6-12 weeks, sometimes faster.
Do you sell merchandise?
Not yet—but it’s something we’re actively working on! We’d love to partner with a print-on-demand company or even create handmade items from Kosovo that promote both animal welfare and economic opportunity. If you know of any great vendors or platforms, we’d love your input.
Anything else you’d like to share?
We may be small, but we’re driven by heart and a deep belief that every life matters. Every dog we rescue is a second chance—not just for them, but for us, too. It reminds us that compassion is contagious. We’re so grateful to be welcomed into your community, and to connect with new animal lovers who want to be part of something bigger. Thank you for helping us tell their stories.