With the arrival of warmer weather and the desire to unwind, many Spanish households are preparing for their holidays, but unfortunately, not everyone includes their pets in their leisure plans. The figures handled by animal protection organizations in our country are a real shock, as the summer months become an increasingly difficult time each year. period of extreme vulnerability for thousands of dogs that end up being left to their fate on highways and gas stations.
The Royal Canine Society of Spain (RSCE) has taken a proactive approach this year with a direct initiative entitled "Your Dog Doesn't Understand August." The message is very clear: the bond we share with a pet doesn't have an expiration date and doesn't pause for vacations. It's essential to understand that Living with a dog is a responsibility that must remain intact throughout the twelve months of the year, especially when routines change and we move away from our usual residence.
Figures and statistics on summer homelessness
Data collected by various organizations reflects a worrying reality across the country. It is estimated that almost 32% of all vehicle abandonments for the year occur during the summer months, coinciding with the highest volume of road traffic. Specifically, it is estimated that approximately 50.000 dogs arrive at Spanish shelters During this season, a figure that highlights an alarming lack of foresight on the part of some owners who do not know what to do with their pet when it is time to travel.
The Spanish Directorate General of Traffic predicted over 100 million journeys last summer, a massive influx of people that, in many cases, creates the perfect opportunity for those seeking the quick and cruel path of homelessness. Experts point out that poor vacation planning This is the main reason behind a third of these cases, demonstrating that many families do not consider the animal as another member of the family when looking for accommodation or transport.
The animal's profile and the causes of abandonment
There's a common misconception that puppies are the most likely to be abandoned, but the reality is quite the opposite. The most common profile in shelters is that of a adult specimen, medium-sized and mixed breedThese are dogs that have already gone through the puppy stage and, upon reaching maturity, require attention and care that some owners are unwilling to provide when logistical or economic difficulties arise during the summer.
The president of the RSCE has warned about the tendency to seek the anonymity offered by public roads. For some people, this is less traumatic. leave the dog at a service area or on the side of a road rather than going to an official animal shelter. This is because legally surrendering an animal involves an identification process, an emotional strain, and facing the judgment of professionals—something many prefer to avoid by simply opening the car door and driving away without looking back.
Alternatives and economic forecast for the summer
Traveling with a dog today is much easier than it was a decade ago, thanks to the growing number of pet-friendly hotels, apartments, and cottages. If traveling together isn't feasible, there are other options. professional alternatives such as dog boarding kennelsHome caregivers or simply the support of trusted family members are options. These solutions, however, require us to plan ahead and organize them with the same amount of time we dedicate to booking our own hotel or transportation.
It is vital to bear in mind that keeping a dog responsibly involves an average expense of around 105 euros per month, which adds up to approximately annual budget of 1.200 eurosThis financial planning must absolutely include the extra costs associated with vacations, whether it's the pet supplement at the hotel or the cost of a kennel. Considering these expenses as separate from the commitment of owning a pet is one of the most frequent mistakes that leads to situations that jeopardize a dog's well-being.
The cry for help from local animal shelters
From local shelters, such as those in the Cartagena area, the situation is described as unsustainable. Those in charge of these organizations lament that, despite laws and awareness campaigns, Many families still see the animal as a burden As soon as the designated dates arrive, these facilities are completely overcrowded during the warmer months, with the added problem that they are receiving elderly animals that have spent their entire lives in a home and are now ending up in a cage.
Besides personal comfort, factors such as financial problems or changes of residence also play a role, but nothing justifies abandonment on the street. Animal shelters remind us that There is always a responsible way out. If planned in advance. The commitment made when bringing a dog into our lives is not something that can be suspended because of the calendar, but a pact of mutual care that must prevail over any logistical convenience or summer vacation.
Reducing the number of stray animals in Spain from 173.000 annually is a challenge that necessarily involves education and awareness for everyone. A dog's loyalty doesn't waver in August, nor does it depend on a hotel reservation, so we, as their caregivers, must rise to the occasion and ensure their well-being at any time throughout the year, ensuring they always have a safe place by our side, no matter the distance or the destination of our vacation.
