Meet our Team

Flip the boxes to find out more about our team.

Ivana

Founder | Manager

I’m Ivana, and this is my life. 🙂

I’m the manager of the most beautiful shelter in the world—at least if you ask me—and I truly love what I do. The saying “Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life” perfectly describes my workplace.

At Farmica, we fight physically for the animals to create the best possible conditions for them, and mentally with people as we try to explain the kind of life all living beings deserve. Many of our days are wonderful—especially when everyone is healthy and well-fed. But there are also very difficult moments when we lose our strength, though never our will.

My wish is to one day see empty dog shelters across the country, along with mandatory spaying and neutering—and proper enforcement of those laws. I truly hope that day will come in Croatia.

Until then, we keep going against the stream, refusing to give up.

Barbara

Dog Care | Quarantine

I’m Barbara and it’s my love for dogs that brought me to Farmica.

My main job is working in the quarantine area with new dogs, sick dogs, and those with special needs. I take care of treatments, therapies, vaccinations, among other things. In addition to feeding, cleaning, and caring for the dogs, I answer our intake phone, go out into the field, rescue dogs, and collect supplies.

I really love working with the more “challenging” cases, and one day, in addition to everything I already do for the pups, I see myself becoming a dog trainer as well.

Working with dogs and helping them find their homes is what fulfills me and makes me happy. It’s what I’ve always wanted to do—find homes for all the stray dogs in the world!

Tatjana

Farm Animal Care

I’m Tatjana and I love spending time in nature and working with animals, which is what drew me to Farmica—to get a chance to work with all these wonderful beings.

I live in the countryside and have been surrounded by animals my whole life. At Farmica, I work with the farm animals—I feed them, clean up after them, and take care of them. I also love and help out with the dogs when I can.

I believe you have to truly love this kind of work, because it’s not for everyone. Loving them this way is something only those who see them through our eyes can understand—as beings who deserve care, attention, and a good life.

Sanela

Dog Care | Volunteer Onboarding

I’m Sanela, and my furry friend is Pliško. My love for animals brought me to Farmica, where I spend every day caring for them. Life feels richer surrounded by my furry friends.

Along with feeding, cleaning, and caring for the dogs, I also guide volunteers who come from all over the world and teach them how we help stray dogs. Their support means a lot, and together we make a great team. Some days are challenging—because of weather, injuries, or illness—but with good organization and teamwork, we always manage.

At home, I also care for my own dog, two cats, and rabbits. My favorite part of the work is helping the shy, “untouchable” dogs slowly learn to trust people again with patience and time.

Our dogs have everything they need to live, but they miss having people of their own to give them more love and attention, people to restore their faith that their home does exist and that they belong to someone.

Martin

Dog Care | Wizard of All Things

Marđ

Queen | Public Relations

Hi, I’m Marđ, boss of the first yard at Farmica. My main job is welcoming guests and making friends with everyone who comes by, two-legged or four-legged, and I take it very seriously.

Life here is safe and full of love, and I couldn’t be happier to have found this place. I may look like a bodyguard, but in my free time I enjoy cuddles, long walks, playing with my friends, and just spending time with those I care about. 

I came to Farmica from the streets, and I’m grateful every day for good friends, a warm bed, and a meaningful job.

Still, my biggest dream is to one day have people of my own to shower with all my love. And secretly, I hope every one of my shelter friends finds a home too.