Spain has one of the highest rates of abandoned animals in Europe. Photo credit: Molly Grace
Spain has one of the highest rates of abandoned animals in Europe. Hundreds of thousands dogs, cats, and other animals are left on the streets each year, often sick, injured, or starving. Many have been abandoned due to irresponsible ownership, economic difficulties, or a lack of awareness about animal care. Shelters are overcrowded and underfunded, volunteers face immense emotional pressure, and the reality of rescue work is emotionally and physically demanding. Approaching rescue work with knowledge, preparation, and realism is the only way to make a sustainable difference for both animals and humans involved.
My Rescue Journey
I rescued my first dog in Spain at the age of 11. Rover, one of the many “Mil leches” as they call cross-bred animals in Spain, or “Heinz 57,” as I call them, was just one of the many strays living on the streets at the time. He, however, unlike others, would wait for me on our Lanjarón apartment doorstep every morning and evening and walk us to and from school, down to the park, and even on evening walks just for him. We fed him and loved him, but unfortunately, we couldn’t keep him, it was against the apartment rules.
One evening, we came down to find him with half his head split open by a boar trap. My parents moved heaven and earth to cover all his medical bills and found a temporary place for him until a few months later, when we acquired our own cortijo and Rover could move in permanently, he was the first of hundreds that have come in to my care.
At the age of 16, I rescued my largest rescue to date: Tsuki, a day-old foal. He had just been born the day I met him. His future? The meat man, along with his mother. I couldn’t afford rescuing them both, but my grandad had some savings put aside, enough to get him. I worked to cover his expenses, I bottle-fed him, raised him, trained him, and almost 20 years later he is still with me, faithful, forgiving, and loving. Not many people actually know me without him.
By 2009, at 21, I was living with my then-boyfriend in his cortijo, caring for over 30 animals, horses, dogs, cats, a Vietnamese pot-bellied pig, ferrets, even a tarantula!…All of them that one way or another found me or I them. People would even dump puppies or kittens over my gate. There was no voice of reason; I couldn’t turn them away. I needed to care for them all: the innocent, the injured, the mistreated, none with any faults of their own, humans were to blame.
The reality, I was earning just 400€ a month, below the minimum wage for the hours I worked. I would feed myself the bare essentials, pasta with tomato sauce, rice with vegetables, so I could cover all their needs. It was emotionally and financially draining and went on for about 10 years, until the voice of reason finally appeared, and I had to accept that I couldn’t save them all and that limits were necessary.
Today, I still have rescues, including a dog, iguanas, chickens, a cat, and my horse rescue. I’ve learned I don’t need to take them all home, and saying “no” doesn’t make me guilty. Many newcomers to Spain fall into the same trap, spending all their salaries on abandoned animals.
Advice for People Wanting to Help Animals in Spain
- Can you afford it? Hidden health or behavioural issues, medication, food, or vet care add up quickly.
- Do you have space? Spain’s new animal welfare law allows only five animals at home unless registered as a rescue.
- Can you meet their needs? Animals may require specialised food, enclosures, or veterinary care.
- Mental health: Rescue work is emotionally intense. The more animals you take on, the greater the toll—heartbreak, anger, and stress are common. For some, repeated exposure to abuse and neglect can harden the heart; for others, it can be deeply painful. Being honest about your emotional limits is crucial.
- Will you be staying in Spain? Temporary residents may later need to rehome pets.
- Set boundaries: Not every animal can be saved. Saying “no” protects both you and the animals.
Hard Truth, Reality Without the Sugar coating
Many rescues are flooded with animals and lack funding, volunteers, and space. Some animals stay years without rehoming due to age, illness, or behaviour. Confining animals in cages or crates with minimal exercise is not a solution. Euthanasia is a word many don’t want to hear, but in some cases it is the most humane option, for animals that cannot be re-homed due to aggression, chronic illness, or old age. Harsh as it sounds, you cannot save them all, but you can make a meaningful impact for those you can help.
How You Can Help Without Ending Up in Poverty
- Volunteer: Walk dogs, clean, run errands or vet trips.
- Donate: Even 10€ a month helps; ask rescues what they need, blankets, food, or vet funds.
- Fundraise: Organise second-hand sales, events or sponsored activities.
- Foster: Many rescues need foster homes. Medical costs are usually covered; you provide food.
- Be realistic: Over-stretching finances or mental health harms both you and the animals.
What to Do if You Find a Sick or Injured Dog/Cat
- Ask yourself: Can you realistically take it home and meet its needs?
- If not, contact your local Policía Local or Guardia Civil. They can transfer the animal to a rescue centre; get contact details to follow up.
- If you know a rescue, call them to arrange transfer. Offer a small donation if possible.
This ensures the animal receives care while giving you time to make rational decisions.
Conclusion
Rescuing animals in Spain is challenging but rewarding. Preparation, realistic expectations, understanding your limits and learning to say ‘No’ are key. By volunteering, fostering, or fundraising, you can help meaningfully without burning out. The animals you assist, directly or indirectly, benefit from your dedication, and so do you, giving them love, care, guidance, and a brighter future.
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