Barcelona Animal Shelter calls for more pet adoptions

Barcelona City Council has launched a new campaign to encourage pet adoption through its public animal shelter – the Center d'Acollida d'Animals de Companyia de Barcelona (CAACB).

The goal is to promote the idea of adopting a rescued animal as the first option when adding a pet to the family, while also fostering responsible and committed pet ownership, ensuring that adopted animals live fulfilling and optimal lives.

According to city figures, over 2,000 pets are found on the streets each year, either lost or abandoned. Currently, the CAACB houses an average of 229 dogs and 99 cats.

Since 2019, the length of time dogs stay at the center has notably increased, with a turning point in 2021 due to the Covid-19 lockdown. Over the past two years, the numbers have continued to rise.

In addition, there has been a "sustained" qualitative change in the nature of the animals, particularly the dogs. Most are now exhibiting more complex behaviors, often reactive, with widespread issues related to socialization, physical and behavioral pathologies, and a high percentage of breeds classified as potentially dangerous.

As a result, these animals are much harder to adopt and cannot be housed together with other dogs, which means they require individual cages. Despite the challenges, both dog and cat adoptions remain steady.

Alongside promoting adoptions, the CAACB encourages foster homes for dogs and cats that cannot be adopted due to age or health conditions.

Currently, 82 animals are being cared for in foster homes – 48 dogs and 34 cats. The CAACB provides veterinary care, medications, and special food, and offers 24-hour emergency support for foster families.

For more information on adopting an animal go to barcelona.cat/adopta.