Top 5 Dog Foundations in Spain Making a Real Impact in 2025
- rosadilaoravisionf
- Apr 15
- 3 min read
Author: Lorena Sabljak
There is a pressing concern on the dog abandonment issue even though Spain has made significant strides in animal welfare in recent years. Despite new laws aimed at protecting animals, over 135.000 dogs are abandoned anually, with shelters working tirelessly to provide care and find homes for these animals. Therefore, some dog foundations continue making an impact by addressing abandonment, promoting adoption and advocating for better animal rights.
Why Dog Foundations Matter
There are five foundations in Spain that are leading the charge. These organizations rescue and rehabilitate abandoned dogs while also educating the public on responsible ownership and advocate change.
The goal of this foundation is to strenghten people-animal connection and be the leading organization in Spain. They continuously do research on intractions between humans and animals and implement therapy programs including animals that support people in hospitals, care homes and prisons.
Impact:
Since 1995 the foundation has pioneered anti-abandonment campaigns, including their iconic ''He would never do that. Do not abandon him'' initiative. Over 100.000 people have benefited from their therapy programs and their annual studies on abandonment have raised awareness about this critical issue.
Rescue Efforts:
Found in 1996, the foundation is committed to rescuing abandoned dogs and cats and finding them loving homes. Foundation is providing medical care to animals in need and operate adoption programs.
Unique Initiatives:
El Refugio is often taking animal abuse cases to court to ensure justice is served. Campaigns that they made have influenced opinion of the public and policy changes regarding animal rights.
Adoption Rates:
Having thousands of successful adoptions every year, El Refugio is the best place to offer hope for abandoned animals in Spain.
Focus on Galgos:
SOS Galgos is specializing in the rescue of Spanish greyhounds because after the hunting season ends they are often abandoned and mistreated. They have to face neglect and abuse after they are no longer of use to hunters.
Education and Rehabilitation:
SOS Galgos is an advocate for protecting galgoses from exploitation. Moreover, they help rehabilitate dogs and educate general public about their plight.
Impact:
They have achieved their goal of helping greyhounds find new homes and giving them second chance at life.
Shelter Stats:
This foundation holds one of the biggest shelters in Spain that is working with rescuing galgos and other abandoned dogs. It is located near Seville and they provide medical and other care to hundreds of animals while also giving adoption services.
Volunteer Involvement:
Volounteers are at the core of the foundation since they assist with daily tasks, fostering programs and international adoption efforts.
Impact:
They have saved over thousands of dogs from bad conditions all while raising awareness about being a responsible pet owner.
International Support:
Founded in Murcia, this organization is focused on rescuing galgos. They recieved attention for their work which helped them gain donors and volunteers worldwide.
Success Stories:
Galgos del Sol shows beautiful stories of dogs that have been rescued and have found their loving homes abroad. They make an impact through rescue operations and advocacy campaigns to change how galgos are percieved as pets.
Impact:
Galgos del Sol has saved countless lives through their efforts but also contributed to leading the change towards dog hunting in Spain.
How You Can Help
There are several ways you can contribute:
Donations: To cover medical expenses, maintenance and campaigns the thing that helps the most is financial support.
Fostering: To free up space in shelters temporary care for rescued dogs is the best way to go.
Volunteering: Providing asistance at shelters or participating in outreach programs can make a difference.
Adopting: Giving a forever home to a dog from an organization.
Conclusion
Dog abandonment issue still remains a significant issue in Spain despite all new advancements in animal welfare laws. However, organizations as listed above have created a significant change. You can help make lives of countless dogs better by donating, volunteering or adopting.
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