Albacete to host national pet adoption fair amid rising abandonment rates

The city of Albacete will host the second National Adoption Fair, ‘Adopta un pana’, on October 24 and 25 at the IFAB venue. The event aims to promote responsible pet ownership and provide homes for dogs. This year's edition features 32 animal shelters from various Spanish provinces, including Madrid, Valencia, and Murcia. The previous edition saw 5,100 visitors and resulted in 110 adoptions.

This initiative comes amid concerns regarding pet abandonment in Spain, which typically spikes in September following the summer holidays. According to the Affinity Foundation, approximately 170,000 dogs and cats are taken in by shelters annually in Spain. Factors contributing to abandonment include changes in daily routines, unsterilized litters, and difficulties with housing or veterinary costs. Experts recommend seeking veterinary or behavioral consultations as alternatives to surrendering animals.