Animal abandonment in Spain: a responsibility that begins before adopting

Every year, thousands of dogs and cats arrive at shelters and shelters in Spain. Behind each case there is a specific story, but also a collective reality that should be looked at head-on. Animal abandonment remains one of the great animal welfare challenges in our country and affects both animals and the entities that host them, adoptive families and society as a whole.

According to the annual study “He would never do it” by the Affinity Foundation with data for 2024, the Spanish female protectors collected more than 173,000 dogs and more than 118,000 cats in 2024, that is, more than 292,000 animals in total. The foundation also indicates that this is the highest figure in the last five years and that, since 2020, the number of animals collected is growing slowly.

Beyond the figure, the data invites us to ask an uncomfortable question. Why do so many animals continue to come to shelters every year when living with dogs and cats is part of the daily life of millions of households? The answer has less to do with chance and more to do with the foresight, education and responsibility involved in incorporating an animal into a family.

Why is an animal abandoned

Abandonment rarely responds to a single cause. It often stems from a decision taken with little foresight. Una pet may arrive at home on impulse, as a gift or as a response to a specific moment in life, without calmly evaluating what it means to take care of her for years.

The Affinity Foundation identifies among the common reasons for abandonment factors such as economic problems, unwanted litters or loss of interest.

Owning an animal involves time, resources and commitment. Food, veterinary visits, identification, vaccination, sterilization, vacation care or housing adaptation are part of a daily responsibility. When these aspects are not taken into account from the start, any change in family life can become a difficult situation to manage.

A move, the arrival of a child, the loss of employment, an illness or a separation can alter living together. The problem appears when the animal is perceived as an expendable burden rather than just another member of the household. Therefore, talking about animal abandonment also means talking about planning, education and responsibility.

An essential role of protectors and associations

Protectors and associations play a key role in collecting animals, caring for them, managing their veterinary treatments, looking for foster homes, promoting adoptions and accompanying families during the process. Their work is not limited to rescuing animals. They also support a support network that often compensates for structural deficiencies.

These entities allow many dogs and cats to have a second chance, but they tend to work with limited resources and constant demand. Every entry into a shelter involves space, food, healthcare and time for socialization. When abandonment numbers remain high, pressure on these organizations increases.

Adopting also requires long-term thinking

Adopting is a valuable decision, but it must be a thoughtful decision. Before adding an animal to the home, you should ask yourself very specific questions: How much time can be spent on it, what monthly and veterinary expenses can be assumed, who will take care of it on vacation, what needs it has depending on its age, size, character or state of health, or how it will be integrated into the family dynamic.

La responsible adoption starts before the animal arrives home. It also continues afterwards, with education, patience and professional support when necessary. A dog or cat needs routines, stable bonds and a safe environment. Coexistence is built over time and requires understanding that each animal has its own adaptation process.

Social awareness to reduce abandonment

Reducing animal abandonment doesn't just depend on protective ones. It also requires a cultural change. Society needs to move towards a more conscious idea of living with animals. Having a pet brings companionship, affection and well-being, but it also involves real obligations.

Identification, sterilization, education and responsible adoption are some of the strategies that the Affinity Foundation highlights to reduce the impact of animal abandonment and loss. All of them share the same base. Think before you act and care after you decide.

An animal is not a temporary solution, or an impromptu gift, or a company that is kept alone while it fits into a specific stage. It is a responsibility that is sustained over time. Understanding it this way is the first step so that the numbers of abandonment cease to be part of the usual landscape and begin to truly decrease.