Collado Villalba is preparing to once again become one of the epicenters of responsible animal adoption in the Community of Madrid. The municipality is bringing back its well-established adoption fair, 'Villalba Adopta', an event that residents and animal shelters have been eagerly anticipating for some time.
The fourth edition of the 'Villalba Adopta' animal adoption fair will be held this Saturday, March 14th, in the Malvaloca Tent, from 11:00 AM to 20:00 PM. Throughout the day, there will be activities designed for all ages, with the aim of informing, raising awareness, and helping many dogs and cats finally find a home.
A fair promoted by the City Council to encourage responsible adoption
The event is promoted by the Collado Villalba City Council, through its Department of Health , which is once again supporting this initiative after the positive reception of previous editions. The fair, whose last edition was held before this renewed momentum, returns with renewed energy to remind everyone that adoption involves a long-term commitment.
Under the slogan “Adopt with heart, care with responsibility,” the Malvaloca Tent will host a large space where animal welfare associations, veterinary and animal care professionals, as well as local businesses related to the pet industry, will gather. In total, numerous exhibitors and dozens of stands dedicated to animal welfare are expected.
The mayor of Collado Villalba, Mariola Vargas , and the councilor for Health, África Sánchez , presented this new edition to the media. During the press conference, both emphasized the importance of continuing to raise public awareness: it's not just about finding homes for animals, but about ensuring that adoptions are well-considered and responsible.
According to the City Council, “Villalba Adopts” seeks to highlight the role of domestic animals within the family and in society, reinforcing the message that a dog or a cat is not a passing whim, but living beings that need care, time and stability throughout their lives.
In the mayor's words, adoption represents a profound change for both the animal and the person or family that welcomes it: adoption transforms the lives of both and requires a genuine commitment to the animal's well-being. Therefore, the fair will place special emphasis on the idea that a pet is another member of the family, with all the responsibilities that entails.
Malvaloca Tent: continuous opening hours and family atmosphere
The fair will take place in the well-known Malvaloca Tent , a central and easily accessible location within the municipality. It will be open continuously from 11:00 AM to 20:00 PM , allowing both locals and visitors from other towns to come at their convenience.
Throughout the day, the venue will offer a full program of activities for the whole family . The idea is that it will not only be an adoption space, but also an educational and social event where adults and children can learn more about pet care.
Among the stands, attendees will find dog and cat protection associations that work in the area and in other parts of the Community of Madrid, as well as professionals dedicated to animal health and welfare: veterinary clinics, dog training centers, grooming and care services, as well as shops specializing in food, hygiene and accessories.
The Department of Health has indicated that one of the fair's objectives is also to support local businesses connected to the animal industry . Many establishments in the area will participate as exhibitors and sponsors, contributing products, services, and donations that will be used for prizes, raffles, and gifts for attendees and families who decide to adopt.
The aim is to create a friendly and participatory atmosphere, where visitors can stroll through the different stands, get information, resolve doubts with the professionals and, if they wish, begin the adoption process for an animal that fits their lifestyle and possibilities.
Activities, workshops and exhibition of the Canine Unit
Throughout the day, a varied program of recreational activities, workshops, and informative talks focused on responsible pet ownership will take place. The aim is not only to raise awareness of animals available for adoption, but also to offer practical tools to those who already live with a pet or are considering doing so in the future.
The planned content includes talks on proper nutrition, hygiene, basic care, and disease prevention for dogs, cats, and other small pets, such as rodents. These sessions will be led by professionals in the field, who will answer frequently asked questions and provide helpful advice.
Workshops will also be offered for young children , featuring educational games and activities designed to instill respect for animals from an early age. The aim is for children to understand that a dog or a cat is not a toy, but a companion that requires care and respect.
One of the most anticipated moments of the program will be the canine demonstration by the Collado Villalba Local Police Canine Unit . During this demonstration, officers will show how police dogs work in various security and public service roles, from detection to support in specific interventions.
These types of demonstrations allow viewers to witness firsthand the bond between handlers and working dogs , as well as the importance of training, obedience, and proper socialization. Besides being a captivating spectacle, they serve to explain to the public the role of these animals within law enforcement agencies.
Adoption catwalk and four-legged stars
One of the central initiatives of “Villalba Adopts” will be the Adoption Catwalk , a space where some of the dogs currently under the care of animal shelters and looking for their forever homes will parade. The goal is for interested people to get to know the animals better, observe their behavior, and hear each one's story.
During this catwalk, volunteers and representatives from the associations will explain the character, needs, and particularities of each dog, which will help potential adopters assess whether it fits their type of family, daily routines, and level of previous experience with animals.
In the case of cats, the shelters have opted not to display them directly on a catwalk , as many felines tend to become stressed by the noise, music, and constant presence of people. Instead, they will show catalogs with photographs and detailed profiles of the cats available for adoption, so that interested parties can meet them and, later, arrange visits in quieter environments.
The fair will place special emphasis on giving a voice to animals who have been waiting the longest for a family, to dogs and cats with less "visibility" due to age, size, or appearance , who often go unnoticed compared to puppies or other younger animals. Animal shelters will insist that all deserve a chance, regardless of their appearance or history.
In addition to the catwalk, activities and interaction sessions will be organized in designated areas so that interested people can approach some of the dogs, always respecting the animals' time and tranquility and following the instructions of the volunteers.
How the adoption process is managed during the fair
Families or individuals attending the fair who are considering adding a pet to their home can begin the adoption process right there . Participating animal welfare organizations will explain the procedure step by step, from the initial interview to the signing of the adoption contract.
Before offering any animal for adoption, animal shelters will provide detailed information about the financial, time, and dedication commitment involved in living with a dog or cat. They will discuss veterinary expenses, food, training, exercise needs, living together in the home, and adapting to daily family life.
The goal is for each decision to be made calmly and thoughtfully, avoiding last-minute impulses. Therefore, although some adoptions may be finalized during the fair itself, in many cases a more thorough evaluation will be conducted afterward , including visits, questionnaires, and interviews at the animal shelters.
The participating organizations will emphasize that, rather than seeking "quick" adoptions, the goal is to ensure stable and responsible adoptions where both the family and the animal are a good fit. In this regard, they will recommend considering factors such as available time, type of housing, and the presence of children or other animals in the home.
Furthermore, the City Council reminds residents of the obligation to register their dogs and cats within the municipality . The local ordinance stipulates that owners must register their animals in the municipal census and also report any deaths, which facilitates monitoring and the planning of animal welfare policies.
Coexistence in the municipality and support for welfare policies
Beyond the festive event, 'Villalba Adopts' is part of a broader strategy by the City Council to promote coexistence between pet owners and non-owners . In Collado Villalba, there are thousands of registered pets, a figure that reflects the extent to which animals are present in the daily life of the municipality.
The mayor reminded everyone that people who live with animals often show a special sensitivity towards the well-being and care of their four-legged companions, but she also stressed the need to comply with basic rules of coexistence: using a leash when appropriate, respecting public spaces and, most importantly, picking up excrement.
At this point, the City Council has welcomed measures such as the identification of dog excrement through DNA testing, which allows for fines to be levied against those who fail to pick it up, although it acknowledges that locating those responsible is not always easy. Even so, a gradual improvement in awareness and a reduction in neighborhood complaints related to this problem are noticeable.
During the fair, the City Council will take the opportunity to distribute free dog waste collection kits to people who come with their dogs, reinforcing the message that small daily actions help keep the streets and parks in good condition for everyone.
Similarly, emphasis will be placed on the importance of microchip identification and adherence to vaccination and veterinary check-ups. These measures not only protect the health of the animals themselves, but are also key to controlling diseases and ensuring harmonious coexistence in shared public spaces.
Overall, the 'Villalba Adopts' fair is much more than just a meeting point for families and animals looking for homes: it serves as an educational tool, raising awareness and supporting the network of associations and businesses related to animal welfare in Collado Villalba. Through talks, workshops, catwalks, and exhibitions, the event aims to make it clear that adoption is an act of generosity, but also a well-considered decision that involves caring for, respecting, and assuming responsibility for the animal's entire life.