Urban Planning, Ecological Transition, Urban Services and Housing

The City Council, in collaboration with the Barcelona Pet Shelter (CAACB), is launching a campaign to promote pet adoption and responsible pet ownership. The initiative aims to make people aware of the importance of adoption as the main option when bringing a new member to the family, thus guaranteeing animal welfare.

The CAACB is the municipal centre responsible for adopting dogs, cats and ferrets. It takes care of the animals and works to make them comfortable until they can return to their families or be adopted.

Over 2,000 pets are found lost or abandoned in the city streets every year. The Barcelona Pet Shelter houses an average of 229 dogs and 99 cats, a large number of animals waiting for a second opportunity.

Besides promoting pet adoption, the CAACB also provides shelter for cats and dogs whose age or pathologies mean they can’t be adopted. The service currently provides a home for 82 animals in these circumstances, 48 dogs and 34 cats.

The CAACB is responsible for veterinary care, providing medication and special food and 24-hour coverage in cases of emergency shelter.

Increase in dogs

The number of dogs in complex situations has risen significantly since 2019, particularly animals with reactive characters, socialisation problems or physical pathologies. This makes for complex coexistence with other dogs in the same pound.

At the same time, an elevated percentage of dogs belong to potentially dangerous breeds. This makes adoption even more difficult as the number of target owners to adopt them is much lower. In addition, the procedure for an owner’s licence for these types of animal can be a dissuasive factor for potential adoptive owners.

Adoption is an act of responsibility

Adoption is a highly rewarding act of responsibility, solidarity and humanity, for those who adopt and the animals adopted, an action to give a home to abandoned animals. People should remember that this is a living being coming to live in their home, and that it needs to receive attention and affection.

Because of this, the Barcelona Pet Shelter actively promotes the adoption of the animals in its care and works for responsible and informed adoption.

More information: barcelona.cat/adopta