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Quick answer: the Community of Madrid’s 21st Adoption Fair took place on 24 and 25 October 2026 on the Explanada del Puente del Rey in Madrid Río, with free entry and the participation of animal welfare groups and municipal shelters. At the previous edition, 491 adoption applications were registered, 56.8% more than in 2024. If you are thinking of adopting, fairs like this are a good way to meet the animals and ask questions.
October has become a key month for adopting dogs and cats in Spain. As well as the Madrid event, other cities have held awareness weekends against abandonment. Here are the highlights and how to prepare if you want to give an animal a second chance.
What visitors could do at the Adoption Fair
Over the weekend, from 11:00 to 19:00, visitors could talk to the carers about each animal’s personality and the kind of family that suits it, ask about the adoption process, follow-up and living with children or other pets, and learn about the costs. There were also charity calendars and a charity raffle to support the shelters, and people were encouraged to bring their own dog.
Adoption figures in the Community of Madrid
According to the official report published in October 2025, in the first nine months of that year 4,599 pets found a home in the Community of Madrid: 2,190 dogs and 2,409 cats. 85% of the abandoned dogs taken in were adopted, and 1,297 lost animals were reunited with their families thanks to their microchip. The 20th edition of the Fair had 50 tents, 26 of them run by associations and public bodies, and received 348 applications for dogs and 143 for cats.
It is also worth remembering that since Spain’s Animal Welfare Act 7/2023 came into force, dogs, cats and ferrets can no longer be sold in pet shops: they can only be obtained from registered breeders. Adopting from a shelter or municipal centre is another responsible route, with support along the way.
What to prepare before they come home
- A quiet corner with their bed, away from busy areas, so they can settle in at their own pace.
- Their own food and water bowls, easy to clean.
- A well-fitted harness and lead: the first walks carry the highest risk of escape.
- For cats, a scratcher and litter tray from day one.
- A vet appointment in the first few weeks, and a check that the microchip details are in your name.
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See more dog beds, dog bowls, collars and harnesses and cat scratchers.
Frequently asked questions
What do shelters usually ask for when you adopt?
Each organisation has its own procedure. Usually there is an interview or questionnaire, an adoption contract to sign and, in many cases, follow-up afterwards. Ask the shelter directly.
Is it better to adopt a puppy or an adult?
It depends on your time and lifestyle. An adult has a settled personality that the carers can describe to you; a puppy needs more training and patience.
Why is the microchip so important?
It is the most effective way for a lost animal to get back home. Check that the contact details are in your name and up to date.
Keep reading
- Adopting a dog or cat: key questions and essentials
- What a new puppy or kitten needs at home
- 2026 abandonment study: the Affinity Foundation data