About Us
Animal Friends of Turkey
Rescuing dogs from harm & rehabilitating them with love and rehoming them for life
Who we are
Mission and Origins
Animal Friends of Turkey (AFOT) began in May 2018. It was founded by Carol Holbrook, a passionate animal welfare advocate. Drawing on her experience with Boxer dog rescues in the UK, Carol teamed up with others who had close ties to Turkey and experience in rescue work. Together, they aimed to save abused and abandoned dogs, especially in the Fethiye and Mugla regions.
Since day one, our mission has been simple but powerful: rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome street dogs into loving families, mainly in the UK. We believe every dog deserves a second chance.
Partnerships and Growth
Over time, AFOT has built strong ties with rescues and welfare organisations across Turkey and the UK. These partnerships have helped us expand our reach and rescue more dogs each year.
In 2023, we formed an official partnership with MELEZ Dog Rescue, based in Aydin and run by Lisanne Hillen. Our relationship with MELEZ actually began in 2018, when we rehomed a dog named Max. That first collaboration grew into a long-standing bond.
Now, Lisanne works closely with our team, helping us rehome dogs not only in the UK but across Europe. In addition, we work with breed-specific rescues and other local charities. Together, we pool our resources and share knowledge to give each dog the best chance at a brighter future.
The Plight of Stray Dogs in Turkey
Turkey has a large and growing population of stray dogs. Many are born on the streets, while others are cruelly abandoned. These dogs face hunger, injury, disease, and often, violence.
Although kind individuals and small charities do their best, the scale of the problem is overwhelming. That’s where AFOT steps in. We provide these dogs with a lifeline—rescuing them from desperate situations and giving them a safe, loving place to heal.
Rescue and Rehoming Efforts
At AFOT, rescue and rehoming are at the heart of everything we do. Our journey starts on the streets of Turkey. We take in dogs who have been neglected, abused, or left behind. Once rescued, they go into foster care where they receive medical treatment, proper nutrition, and emotional support.
Our dogs stay with caring foster families in Turkey while they recover and prepare for their new lives. If a UK home is ready before travel, they go straight there. If not, we place them in UK foster homes temporarily. Either way, their care continues every step of the way.
Volunteers help with everything, from home checks and admin to fundraising and transport coordination. Their support makes it all possible.
Watching scared, broken dogs blossom into happy, confident companions is the reason we keep going. Their resilience reminds us why our mission matters.
Challenges and Support
Rehoming dogs is a huge commitment—both emotionally and financially. Transport costs alone can exceed £1,000 per dog. Add vet care, food, and foster support, and it quickly adds up.
We rely entirely on donations and the generosity of supporters in both Turkey and the UK. Foster carers in Turkey provide safe spaces for recovery, while UK volunteers help with every stage of the rehoming process.
Despite the obstacles, our passion drives us forward. Each dog we help makes the effort worthwhile. With your support, we can continue giving these dogs the futures they deserve.
To see the dogs begin to thrive from the moment they arrive with our AFOT team, to the lives they now live is an honour and a privilege.
From the Streets to Loving Homes
Whether you’re looking to offer a forever home to a loyal friend, support a rescue, or volunteer with us, your compassion can make a world of difference for a stray from Turkey.