Pet welfare in Spain faces adoption declines and behavioral health concerns

In Spain, pet welfare faces dual challenges regarding behavioral health and adoption rates. The Behavior Medicine Group (Gemca) of the veterinary association AVEPA is urging veterinarians to include sleep quality in behavioral assessments for dogs and cats. Experts note that being stationary is not the same as resting; animals that remain in a state of high alert may suffer from irritability and decreased tolerance, particularly in geriatric patients.

Simultaneously, pet adoption in Spain has reached its lowest level since the pandemic. According to a study by the Affinity Foundation, only 120,000 animals were adopted in 2025, representing a 18.9 percent decrease from 2024. This decline is attributed to various factors, including a preference for healthy puppies over older animals with health issues, and housing difficulties, as many rental properties do not permit pets, forcing owners to choose between their homes and their animals.