HESY

Founded in 1874, HESY is a non-profit association based in Helsinki, Finland working on animal welfare.

HESY is the Helsinki Animal Welfare Association, founded in 1874 and one of the oldest animal welfare organisations in Finland. Its main work over the past four decades has been caring for homeless pets in the Helsinki capital region. It takes in and rehomes abandoned animals, mainly cats and dogs, and also houses rabbits, rodents, birds and turtles. It also takes in found animals from the Helsinki, Espoo, Vantaa, Kauniainen and Kirkkonummi areas, runs a pet cemetery in Keskuspuisto, operates a second-hand shop, and provides advice on animal welfare. In addition, it campaigns on animal welfare policy and supports partner projects abroad, including street dog programmes in Southern India and elephant training in Nepal. Its work is funded mainly by donations, membership fees and legacies.