In Melilla, the protection and welfare of animals There has been significant progress in recent years. Not only are there associations that fight daily against abandonment and mistreatment, but the Autonomous City itself has also implemented an official system to organize and give visibility to all this behind-the-scenes work. If you live in Melilla or are just passing through and are concerned about the situation of animals, you will find very useful information here to help you get involved.
In this article we will calmly break down what it is. Official Register of Animal Protection Entities This article will explain the different types of associations and centers in the Autonomous City of Melilla that are included in the national lists, what the local animal shelter does, and how you can get involved as a volunteer, foster home, member, or adopter. The goal is for you to finish reading with a clear understanding of the options available to you and the specific animal protection measures in Melilla.
The Official Register of Animal Protection Entities in Melilla
The Autonomous City has created a key instrument to organize this entire area: the Official Register of Animal Protection Entities of the Autonomous City of MelillaThis registration is regulated by Decree No. 079, of April 16, 2024, relating to the Regulation of the Registry System in Matters of Animal Protection, published in the Official Gazette of Melilla (BOME) No. 6166 of April 19, 2024.
Thanks to this regulatory framework, they are officially registered non-profit associations and entities who work for animals in the city. Having a registry means greater transparency, administrative control, and, above all, a simple way for citizens to know which organizations are actually active and regulated in Melilla.
This register primarily includes, legally constituted animal protection associationswith statutes, a board of directors, and regulated internal operations. Many of them are made up of volunteers who dedicate their free time to rescuing, caring for, and finding new families for abandoned or at-risk dogs and cats.
The local administration encourages the population to Consult the official lists and links of the entities that are listed in this register. In this way, anyone who wants to collaborate or adopt has the guarantee of dealing with an organization recognized by the Autonomous City, which provides added confidence and security in all procedures.
It is important to emphasize that this registry not only serves as a census; it is also a tool for coordinate public policies for animal protectionto channel grants, establish protocols, and foster collaboration between the administration and community organizations. In a city with a significant abandonment rate, providing this structure is essential to ensure that aid reaches those who truly need it.
Associations, animal shelters and other centers on the lists
In addition to this specific registry of the Autonomous City, there is a Extensive list of animal protection associations and shelters throughout SpainThe list also includes organizations related to Melilla. It brings together different types of resources where dogs and cats are waiting to be adopted, and it's important to understand what each one is.
First, we find the animal shelters run by animal welfare organizationsThese are physical centers run by non-profit organizations. These shelters typically operate almost exclusively through volunteer efforts, private donations, and, in some cases, small amounts of public funding. They provide direct care to abandoned, sick, or abused animals.
Alongside the animal shelters, there are also the reception centers managed by the administrationIn Melilla, as in other cities, the local government can have its own facilities or contract with an external organization to collect lost or unidentified animals. These are known as municipal centers or dog pounds, which have the legal responsibility to collect animals from public roads.
Finally, these lists include other establishments where dogs and cats await an adoption opportunityThese can be partner centers, residences, or other spaces that, through specific agreements, provide cages or rooms to house rescued animals while a permanent home is sought. Although they are not always traditional animal shelters, they are part of the network of resources where adoptable animals are concentrated.
The source of the list itself underlines something fundamental: The presence of a center on the list does not imply any type of endorsement. regarding their policies or practices. In other words, the fact that a shelter, refuge, or rescue center is mentioned does not mean that any state or regional entity is certifying that everything it does is impeccable or in accordance with certain ethical standards.
Therefore, it is recommended that, before adopting or giving away an animal, thoroughly research how each center operatesAsk about their adoption protocols, sterilization procedures, microchipping, no-kill policies, facility conditions, and any other questions you may have. The more information you have, the better you can decide who to entrust with your help or your future pet.
The Melilla Animal Shelter: mission and daily life
At the heart of this network lies the Animal Shelter of MelillaIt is a non-profit organization with a long history. Its mission is to combat abandonment, raise public awareness, and, above all, ensure that every dog ​​and cat that comes into its care finds a suitable family where it can be happy.
The entity focuses its efforts on fight against abandonment and abuseThis involves rescuing animals from the street, responding to calls from the public, collaborating with the authorities when serious situations are detected, and, in general, offering a second chance to those animals who would otherwise face a very difficult future. Each arrival at the shelter is a story of heartbreak, but also the beginning of a potentially better life.
Another fundamental pillar of their work is the social awarenessThe animal shelter constantly emphasizes the need for spaying and neutering, microchipping, avoiding impulse purchases, and thinking long-term before bringing a new companion into the family. They also promote the message that adoption is always a better option than buying, especially in a city with so many homeless animals.
The daily work at the facilities is intense and constant. First thing in the morning, you have to take care of the feeding and cleaning of the animalsPreparing food, refilling waterers, cleaning kennels, and checking blankets, beds, and common areas are the first tasks. Then come general maintenance of the space, minor repairs, managing supplies, and organizing quarantine or recovery areas.
A very important part of daily life focuses on the veterinary careMany animals arrive with wounds, illnesses, parasites, or injuries from accidents. The shelter dedicates a significant portion of its financial resources to paying for consultations, tests, surgeries, chronic treatments, and vaccinations. In addition, they routinely perform sterilizations to prevent unwanted litters and break the cycle of abandonment.
Once the animals have minimally recovered, the process begins search for adoptive familiesThis includes taking photos, sharing cases on social media, arranging interviews with potential adopters, conducting follow-ups, and, in some cases, finalizing adoption agreements outside the city. It's not uncommon for some dogs and cats to travel to the mainland to be adopted by families interested in them from other parts of Spain.
In addition, the animal shelter participates in initiatives to education and awareness in schools, neighborhoods and local eventsTalks, open days and specific campaigns (against summer abandonment, against indiscriminate breeding, etc.) are carried out so that the entire population becomes aware that animals are sentient beings and not mere objects to use and throw away.
Funding, resources and need for help
Although the Melilla Animal Shelter receives financial aid from the Autonomous City, those in charge insist that Public subsidies are not enoughThe reality is that the high rate of abandonment in the city drives up maintenance, food, and veterinary care costs, forcing us to seek alternative sources of funding almost constantly.
Among the concepts that have the greatest weight in the daily budget are the veterinary expensesVaccinations, deworming, surgeries, blood tests, diagnostic tests, treatments for infectious diseases, medications for chronic conditions… all of this adds up to a significant amount each month. When animals with multiple injuries or serious illnesses are admitted, the bill skyrockets.
The costs are also very high maintenance of the installationsYou have to pay for utilities (water, electricity), buy cleaning and disinfecting products, and repair fences, sheds, automatic waterers, roofs, or common areas damaged by use or inclement weather. Maintaining a shelter in decent condition requires constant investment in both small and large repairs.
the departure of eating It's not a small amount either. We have quality food, wet food for animals with special needs, formula for puppies, treats, and canned food to aid the recovery of convalescent animals… The more animals there are in the shelter, the greater the amount of food consumed, and that's immediately reflected in the monthly accounts.
We must not forget other important expenses, such as those derived from animal travel and transport managementMany dogs and cats are adopted outside of Melilla, which involves organizing safe transport, complying with regulations (health documentation, identification, passports when required), and coordinating with partner organizations on the Spanish mainland. Each trip entails an additional expense, but it opens the door to the adoption of animals that might not find a home within the city itself.
For all these reasons, the animal shelter depends heavily on contributions from individuals and companiesOne-off donations, membership fees, fundraising campaigns and charity marketsFood and material collections, collaborations with veterinary clinics or local businesses... any help counts so that the shelter can continue to operate without sacrificing the quality of care.
How to collaborate with animal shelters in Melilla
If you're worried about what's happening to animals in the city, the options for get actively involved There are many and varied ways. You don't need vast financial resources or huge amounts of time: any small, well-directed gesture can make a difference in the life of a dog or cat.
One of the most direct ways is to become volunteer from the animal shelter or one of the entities registered with the official registry. The tasks that can be undertaken are very diverse: help with cleaning and maintenance, walking and socializing dogs, basic cat care, support at events, social media management, photography and promotion, transporting animals, etc. Each person can offer what best suits their skills and availability.
Another key form of collaboration is the figure of the shelterSome animals need to leave the shelter temporarily: puppies that can't be kept in a kennel, sick animals that need a calmer environment, older dogs, or dogs with fears that become paralyzed in the shelter. Foster homes are temporary homes where the animal recovers and prepares for its permanent adoption. The shelter usually covers veterinary expenses and, in many cases, food as well; the foster family contributes their time, space, and love.
If you prefer to help financially, you can become a partner or sponsor from the animal shelter. Regular membership fees, however small, provide the organization with a relatively stable income, allowing them to better plan for food purchases, veterinary clinic visits, and facility improvements. There is also usually the option to sponsor a specific animal, helping to cover its expenses until it is adopted.
Of course, the responsible adoption Adoption is another great way to help. Giving a dog or cat from the shelter a home not only changes that animal's life, but also frees up space for another to be rescued. However, before adopting, it's important to think carefully about: available time, long-term expenses, compatibility with your lifestyle, neighborhood regulations, potential allergies… Adopting isn't a whim; it's a long-term commitment.
Even if you can't do any of the above, you're still helping. disseminate cases and awareness messages On social media, talk to those around you about the importance of spaying and neutering and not abandoning pets, or report any instances of abuse or neglect you witness. Building a more animal-friendly city is a collective effort where every little helps.
The reality is that, with a high level of abandonment in MelillaAnimal shelters are overwhelmed. That's why they emphasize that you shouldn't hesitate to contact them if you want to lend a hand or need guidance. Both the Melilla Animal Shelter and the other registered associations typically have a presence on social media, email, and, in some cases, a contact phone number to coordinate collaborations, volunteering, or adoption processes.
The animal protection situation in Melilla is sustained by a combination of institutional efforts and, above all, the tireless work of associations and volunteers. The existence of a official register of entitiesThe lists of shelters across the country and the efforts of local animal rescue organizations paint a complex but essential network for thousands of dogs and cats seeking a second chance. When the public gets involved, whether by adopting, volunteering, or providing financial support, this network strengthens and the number of happy endings multiplies.
