Mathieu van der Poel Launches “Dogtopia”: $5M Sanctuary to Heal and Rehome Abused Dogs in the Netherlands
July 16, 2025
UTRECHT, NETHERLANDS — Known around the world for his unmatched power on two wheels, Dutch cycling superstar Mathieu van der Poel is now turning heads for something entirely off the road: “Dogtopia,” a sprawling 15-hectare sanctuary aimed at healing and rehoming abused and neglected dogs.
Backed by a personal investment of $5 million, Dogtopia is currently under construction just outside the city of Utrecht. When completed, it will be the largest dog rehabilitation center in the Netherlands, and possibly in all of Europe.
More than just a shelter, Dogtopia is designed to be a healing haven for dogs that have suffered trauma—whether from abuse, neglect, abandonment, or overbreeding. The facility will offer not only food and shelter, but also medical care, behavioral therapy, emotional support, and long-term training.
“We’ve got training fields, splash zones, 24/7 vet care—but most of all, we’ve got love,” said van der Poel during a site tour with journalists earlier this week. “Dogs aren’t just pets—they’re family. And they deserve the same kind of compassion, recovery, and care that we give each other.”
From Cycling Icon to Canine Advocate
At 30, van der Poel has already achieved what most athletes only dream of: multiple national championships, classic victories like Milan–San Remo and the Tour of Flanders, and stage wins in the Tour de France. Yet, in interviews over the past year, he’s spoken less about cycling and more about giving back—especially when it comes to animals.
His passion for dogs began during the pandemic, when he adopted a rescue Labrador named Diesel, who had been abused by a former owner. “Diesel was afraid of everything—loud noises, strangers, even his own reflection,” van der Poel recalled. “Watching him heal was one of the most powerful experiences of my life. I knew then I had to do something bigger.”
That “something bigger” turned into Dogtopia.
A Healing-Focused Facility
Dogtopia will function as a rehabilitation-first facility, modeled on trauma-informed care for animals. Upon arrival, each dog will be assessed by a team of veterinary professionals and canine behaviorists. From there, customized plans will be developed to address their physical and emotional needs.
The facility includes:
- Private care cottages for dogs with PTSD or severe anxiety
- Large training fields for socialization and rehoming prep
- Hydrotherapy pools and splash zones for gentle exercise
- On-site veterinary clinic with surgical and long-term care capacity
- Quiet gardens for bonding and emotional healing
A team of 40 full-time staff will manage operations, including veterinarians, trainers, groomers, therapists, and rehoming specialists.
“This is unlike anything we’ve seen in Europe,” said Dr. Femke Huisman, a veterinary trauma specialist advising the project. “It’s not just about saving lives—it’s about restoring quality of life for animals that have been through hell.”
More Than a Shelter: A National Model
Van der Poel hopes Dogtopia becomes more than just a one-off initiative. His vision is to create a national model for trauma-informed animal care, one that can be adopted by shelters across the Netherlands and neighboring countries.
He also wants to use Dogtopia as a platform to educate the public—particularly youth—about responsible pet ownership, adoption, and the long-term impact of animal abuse.
“It’s not just about rescuing dogs—it’s about changing how people see them,” he said. “These aren’t damaged goods. They’re survivors. They just need a chance.”
To help amplify the message, van der Poel is planning to invite other professional athletes, influencers, and public figures to visit Dogtopia, volunteer, and share the mission with their followers.
Community Roots and Future Goals
Though van der Poel has funded the project’s launch, Dogtopia will eventually operate as a nonprofit. Plans are already underway to build partnerships with schools, veterinary colleges, and community organizations.
The sanctuary will host:
- Adoption events to connect dogs with loving homes
- School tours and programs to educate students
- Volunteer opportunities for locals and cycling fans alike
A portion of profits from van der Poel’s branded merchandise and sponsorships will be donated annually to help cover operating costs and expand services. He’s also committed to establishing a second Dogtopia location in southern France within the next three years.
A Champion’s Compassion
Fans have long admired van der Poel for his toughness, versatility, and passion on the bike. But in Dogtopia, they’re seeing a new side of the cycling icon—one rooted not in competition, but in compassion.
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