It seems like only yesterday it was inaugurated, but the municipal facility for the rest of pets in the city of Malaga has already celebrated its second anniversary. Since opening its doors on June 24, 2024, this space has established itself as a national benchmark, being the first public initiative in our country that offers an official solution to families who lose their loyal friends.
The public's response has been remarkable, confirming a significant gap in municipal services that had remained unfilled until now. During this period, the City Council's management through Parcemasa has enabled the city to effectively address this gap. almost eight hundred filesSpecifically, 748, which shows that the project has resonated deeply with the people of Malaga who are looking for professional service in such difficult times.
Figures that support the need for a public service
Looking at the detailed data, cremations are the most popular. Of the total services, 673 were cremations, divided between 295 individual and 378 collective. However, some prefer a final farewell in direct contact with nature; therefore, 65 animals now rest in the designated woodland area, and another ten have their own separate burial plots. space in the urn garden.
As for who the main users of these services are, there are no surprises: the dogs are the kings of the house and the premises. According to current records, 504 services correspond to dogsfollowed at some distance by cats, which number 213. But the place does not understand species, and 21 rabbits have also been buried or cremated, in addition to birds, rodents and even more exotic specimens such as a ferret and a turtle that were also part of the family nucleus.
Activity has continued to grow month after month, and so far this year we have already exceeded 240 services. This is largely due to the collaboration with veterinary clinics in the area, which already includes fifteen associated establishments to facilitate the procedures for the owners, allowing the process to be as straightforward as possible in the midst of grief.
Facilities designed for respect and mourning
Building this complex was no small task, as it required a investment close to 1,17 million The result is a circular building of approximately 1,000 square meters that leaves no detail overlooked: from reception areas and administrative offices to a farewell room where privacy is paramount. Furthermore, the crematorium is equipped to handle large animals, weighing up to 200 kilograms.
The natural environment surrounding the building, located on the San Gabriel plot, functions completely independently from the human cemetery, although they share a general location. Users have the option to lease burial units or spaces in the garden to deposit the ashes, all under a management model that seeks to be balanced and accessible, taking as a reference the prices of other similar centers and guaranteeing the long-term viability of the project.
Beyond the purely funeral aspects, the center has been designed to offer comprehensive support. This includes everything from transporting the deceased animal in specially equipped vehicles to specialized psychological support for those who need tips for coping with the loss of a dogIt's not just about managing remains, but about understanding that the emotional bond with a pet deserves institutional respect equal to that of any other family member.
Animal welfare as a city policy
This initiative is not an isolated event, but rather part of a broader strategy by the Malaga City Council to position the city as a destination animal friendThis commitment is reflected in other actions such as the zero-kill policy at the Municipal Animal Protection Center or the creation of more than twenty dog ​​parks and a specific beach for them, demonstrating that the sensitivity towards these creatures goes from their birth to their last days.
The volunteer network and responsible adoption programs are the perfect complement to this cemetery. Ultimately, the goal is to close the loop on animal care, providing infrastructure that was previously only available to the private sector. With the implementation of this service, Málaga fulfills one of its objectives. Key points of the government program currently, placing itself at the forefront of the protection and respect for urban biodiversity.
Owners facing the loss of their companion can find all the information they need through official channels, including the park's dedicated website and 24/7 telephone support. This ensures that no one feels lost during these sad times, offering a clear and empathetic guide about the steps to follow to make the goodbye as peaceful as possible.
The results of these first two years clearly demonstrate that Málaga's public cemetery is here to stay, becoming a fundamental part of the city's infrastructure. With a constantly increasing workload and top-notch facilities, the capital of the Costa del Sol has set the standard for other municipalities wishing to elevate the status of companion animals within public services, ensuring that the affection we have for our pets is reflected in a dignified and professional manner upon their passing.