Medellín's Particular Obsession with Animal Welfare
If there's one thing that unites the paisas more than arepa and aguardiente, it's the love for animals. In Medellín, seeing someone carrying a rescued dog on the metro, in a restaurant, or even in an office is as normal as having a tinto at 3 in the afternoon. But this city doesn't stop at affection: in recent years, Medellín has become a Latin American benchmark for animal activism, with massive events that move thousands of people and achieve numbers that surprise even the authorities.
In April 2026, the fever for stray dogs is more alive than ever. The first big Adoptatón of the year, held in February, achieved 50 adoptions in a single day: 22 dogs and 28 cats, most of them "veterans" between 5 and 15 years old who had been waiting years for a second chance. And this is not an isolated case: more and more adoption drives, pet-friendly fairs, and sterilization events are changing the way the city understands responsible pet ownership.
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What It Is and Context: The 'Dog Days' Phenomenon
Mass adoption events, popularly known as "Adoptatones" or "Dog Days," are organized by the Mayor's Office of Medellín, foundations like Amigos del Parque de los Deseos, and private shelters seeking to find homes for the hundreds of animals still living on the streets or in temporary shelters. But they are not simple fairs: they include free veterinary assessments, talks on responsible pet ownership, and in many cases, low-cost sterilization.
The curious fact that few know: Medellín has a program called "Adopt a Veteran", which specifically promotes the adoption of animals over 5 years old. The reason is simple: older dogs and cats are the ones that have been in shelters the longest (some up to 15 years waiting) and have the least chance of being adopted. But at the February 2026 Adoptatón, most of those adopted were precisely these "veterans," a sign that the animal welfare culture is maturing.
How Do These Events Work?
The events usually take place in iconic parks like Parque de los Deseos, Parque de la 93, or at the Jardín Botánico de Medellín. The mechanics are simple:
- The animals arrive from shelters and foster homes, previously dewormed and vaccinated.
- Potential adopters fill out a form and go through an interview with the organizers.
- A commitment to sterilization and follow-up is required (often with home visits).
- The adoption is completely free, but a voluntary donation to cover veterinary costs is recommended.
The process is not immediate: organizers prefer to ensure the animal goes to a responsible home, so interviews can last up to 30 minutes per person.
Event Details: Love Pet Fest 2026 and Upcoming Dates
The most anticipated event this year is Love Pet Fest 2026, which will be held next February 14 (Yes, on Valentine's Day, because love is also for the furry ones) at Parque de los Deseos, from 10 am to 3 pm. This festival not only includes adoptions but also:
- Pet food stands (with local brands like Dog Chow and Nutrecan)
- Basic training workshops
- Dog costume contests
- Free rabies vaccination
- Subsidized sterilization (from $15,000 COP)
Additionally, throughout the year, smaller but equally important events are held in different neighborhoods. For example, in March 2026, an Adoptatón was held in Comuna 13 (San Javier), where 12 adoptions were achieved in a single Saturday. The next confirmed dates are:
- May 2026: Adoptatón at Parque de la 93 (exact date TBD, recommended to follow the social media of the Ministry of Environment)
- July 2026: Mass sterilization drive in Belén (La Mota neighborhood)
- September 2026: Spring Love Pet Fest at the Jardín Botánico
Stories of Improbable Adoptions
One of the cases that has moved the city the most is that of Gretel, a 9-year-old greyhound adopted by a family in the Laureles neighborhood. But the curious thing is not her age, but that Gretel arrived at her new home and soon "adopted" a stray cat that lived in the building. Today, the greyhound and the cat sleep together and chase each other on the balcony. The story went viral on social media, and even the Mayor's Office used it in a veteran adoption campaign.
Another case is that of Rocky, a mixed-breed dog who spent 12 years in a shelter run by the Fundación Ángeles de Cuatro Patas, in the El Poblado neighborhood. Rocky was adopted at the February 2026 Adoptatón by a foreigner living in Medellín who, upon learning his story, decided to give him a home. "He had been waiting for 12 years. I couldn't believe no one wanted him. Now he's the king of the house," his new owner said in a radio interview.
Prices and How to Get Tickets
Most mass adoption events are free and do not require tickets. You simply show up at the location at the indicated time. However, if you want to adopt, you must meet some basic requirements:
- Be of legal age
- Present a national ID or passport (for foreigners)
- Demonstrate that you have adequate space for the animal (organizers may ask for photos of the home)
- Sign a commitment to sterilization and responsible care
If you just want to attend as a visitor, that's fine. You can bring donations like dog and cat food, blankets, collars, or cash. Many events also sell raffles or artisan products (like t-shirts, bags, and mugs) whose proceeds go to the shelters.
- Subsidized sterilization: from $15,000 COP (regular price at private clinics: $80,000 - $150,000 COP)
- Rabies vaccination: free at events (at clinics: $25,000 - $40,000 COP)
- Recommended voluntary donation to adopt: $20,000 - $50,000 COP
To stay updated on upcoming dates, it's best to follow the social media of:
- Secretaría de Medio Ambiente de Medellín (@AmbienteMed)
- Fundación Ángeles de Cuatro Patas (@angelesdecuatropatas)
- Amigos del Parque de los Deseos (@amigosparquedeseos)
How to Get There
The events usually take place in central locations well connected by the public transportation system.
To Love Pet Fest at Parque de los Deseos (February 14)
- Metro: Universidad Station (Line A). From there, walk 5 minutes north along Carrera 45.
- Metrocable: Line K (Acevedo station) or Line J (San Javier station). Get off at Universidad station and walk.
- Bus: Routes that pass along Avenida 45 (e.g., routes 301, 302, 304). Ask for "Parque de los Deseos".
- By car: There is public parking at the Unicentro Shopping Center (2 blocks away) or on the street, but it fills up quickly on weekends.
To the Adoptatón at Parque de la 93
- Metro: Poblado Station (Line A). Then take a taxi or bus (route 301) that goes up Avenida 9.
- By car: There is paid parking at the park itself (rate: approximately $5,000 COP per hour).
To the Sterilization Drive in Belén (La Mota neighborhood)
- Metro: Belén Station
Tips for Attendees
Know the Adoption Process
Before attending an adoption event, it's key to understand how the process works. Most events require you to fill out a form and, on some occasions, an interview is conducted to ensure the animal goes to a suitable home.
Visit Parque de los Deseos
This park is an ideal place to learn more about dog culture in Medellín. Insider Tip: Bring dog treats and play with the dogs you find. Many of them are rescued and can help you connect emotionally before adopting.
Prepare for the Weather
Medellín has a changing climate, so make sure to wear comfortable and appropriate clothing for the day's weather. Insider Tip: Check the weather forecast before the event and bring water for yourself and the dog you are considering adopting.
Meet the Rescuers
Talking to volunteers and rescuers will give you valuable information about each dog's history. Insider Tip: Don't hesitate to ask questions about the animals' behavior and health; they know the dogs better than anyone.
Consider the Adjustment
Adopting a dog is a long-term commitment. Think about how your lifestyle will adjust to the needs of your new companion. Insider Tip: Learn about the basic training and education your new friend will need to ease the transition to their new home.
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