Together, we’re the voice for the voiceless.
Animals Need Me was created in 2012 as a sincere effort to help animals in need in the city of Shkodër, Albania. What began as an individual initiative, thanks to the attention and support of many kind-hearted people, has turned into a well-organized initiative that saves an average of 500 dogs and cats every year. Since financial barriers are numerous, 70% of Animals Need Me's activities are supported by the volunteer work of its members. We welcome anyone who shares the same vision and values to join us and enrich our team with knowledge and expertise.
Oli Pero
Founder of the organization
Oli is a corporate advisor in the Emergency Management Department at the Canadian Red Cross. Although she is on a different continent, she has never stopped her volunteer work in service of Animals Need Me. She is passionate about the human side of working with animals and stakeholders, just as much as she is about the growth of the organization, advocacy, and education.
Izabela Sala Piranaj
Clinical Programs and International Adoption
Izabela has been part of Animals Need Me since 2014. She has made a significant contribution to clinical programs, including basic medical care, specialized care for kittens and puppies, mass sterilization campaigns, as well as preparing documentation for the international adoption of the dogs and cats we have rescued with so much effort. Despite the heavy workload, she is always ready to take one more step in helping the cause.
Jona Leqejza
Lobbying and Advocacy
We can safely say that without the invaluable contribution of Jona and her husband Andi, we would not have been able to open the first shelter in the city for abandoned dogs nor develop sterilization campaigns with the Municipality of Shkodër in 2014. Her ability to argue, negotiate, and keep her word has made Animals Need Me have a strong foundation.
Rubin Piranaj
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Rubin is a strong pillar of Animals Need Me. Thanks to his high professionalism and ambition to change the face of veterinary service in Shkodër, he has performed over 3,000 sterilization surgeries on dogs and cats and is the first person we turn to when dealing with sick, injured, poisoned, etc. cases.
Erza Cermjani
Member and Partner from Pro Qen Albania
Erza, along with her husband Karl, has been fully engaged in helping our organization, providing vital contributions to improving shelter conditions, services, food, sterilization, and adoption. Thanks to their support, we have been able to grow.
Morena Malshi
Education and development
Morena graduated in political and environmental sciences in England. Initially, she was a donor but later joined our team in 2020. Morena has a fundamental contribution to Animals Need Me’s educational policies and in the further development of the organization, bringing a progressive and collaborative spirit.
Helio Pero
Rescue, Care, and Logistics
Helio joined Animals Need Me in 2017 to assist with that year’s sterilizations. He cares for the dogs all 365 days of the year and handles every logistical aspect related to rescues, sterilization campaigns, and medical transport. There is no dog with a difficult character that has not become friends with Helio. We are lucky to be able to rely on this skilled and loyal person.
Laureta Lukani
Rescue, Care, and Fundraising
Lori is characterized by love and exemplary devotion to every animal we rescue. Her spirit of sacrifice often places her at the forefront of rescues, sheltering, and medical care for dogs and cats in need. She has many beautiful ideas for fundraising and does not hesitate to take leadership for initiatives in favor of the organization. Lori is a person who inspires trust in each of us.
Elda Ahmetaj
Education, Adoption, and Administration
Elda joined the organization in 2019 and has been involved in many work cycles, including rescues, sterilizations, sheltering, care, and adoption. The most important area where she has contributed is the educational workshops in schools, making Animals Need Me the first and only organization with a significant investment in forming a more humane generation of citizens.
Aida Ciro
Organizational Development and Advocacy
Aida is a force of nature, a person with vision and extensive experience in the fields of journalism, social mobilization, and advocacy. She has made a significant contribution to the strategy and the growth of our organization. Her voluntary commitment to the cause we hold dear honors us.
Verina Zadrima
Foster for Cats and More
Verina is the person we have relied on since our beginnings for fostering cats and more. She has knowledge even about birds and turtles. Her careful and peaceful nature has positively influenced the well-being of the animals housed.
Arvina Kinkaj
Volunteering Wherever It Brings Benefit
Even though she doesn’t live in Shkodër, Aria is dedicated to the puppies at the shelter whenever she has the opportunity. She doesn’t spare any cuddles and often donates for them. Aria is a good ambassador for Animals Need Me and is ready to help wherever needed, whether it’s in rescues, activities, fundraising, or protests.
Ornela Vata
Fundraising and Community Work
Ornela is characterized by the beautiful and innovative ideas she brings to Animals Need Me. Always ready for community work in favor of animals, organizing groups to walk the dogs, fundraising campaigns, and creating captivating videos for social media. Her critical sense and ability to perform well in everything she takes on positively influence our improvement.
Endrit Zekaj
The dog whisperer
If there is one person born to understand the world of dogs, it’s Diti. He knows their characters well and has high abilities in training them. Diti regularly contributes to sterilization campaigns and the medical treatment of hospitalized cases.
Edona Misiri and Andrea Nepi
Technological Development
When Edona and Andrea visited our shelter in 2020, they didn’t hesitate to help with the daily tasks, but after a year, they realized that this cause needed fundamental changes to have the impact it deserved. So, in 2024, they built the Animals Need Me application, which assists citizens and tourists who often have questions about companion animals. Edona and Andrea give us the wings to grow.
