Mass Adoption Events: When Medellín Goes Crazy for Stray Dogs

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.

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.

Reference prices (April 2026):

• 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

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## Boletería, Precios y Dónde Comprar La entrada a las jornadas de adopción masiva es **totalmente gratuita**. No se requiere boletería previa ni registro en línea; solo debes presentarte en los puntos de adopción durante los horarios establecidos. Sin embargo, para agilizar el proceso, te recomendamos llevar tu documento de identidad y, si es posible, una prueba de residencia. Los costos asociados a la adopción (como la esterilización, vacunación y desparasitación) están cubiertos por la Alcaldía de Medellín a través del Centro de Bienestar Animal La Perla. Si deseas hacer un donativo voluntario para apoyar la causa, puedes hacerlo en las urnas dispuestas en cada sede. ## Programación Oficial y Horarios por Tarimas Las jornadas de adopción se llevarán a cabo del **viernes 14 al lunes 17 de agosto de 2026**, en un horario continuo de **11:00 a. m. a 5:00 p. m.** en los siguientes puntos de la ciudad: - **Centro Comercial Premium Plaza** (Carrera 43A # 30-25, El Poblado) - **Centro Comercial Unicentro** (Carrera 66B # 32-21, Belén) - **Parque Comercial Florida** (Carrera 76 # 44-20, Laureles) En cada sede habrá un equipo de veterinarios y voluntarios de La Perla para asesorarte. Además, el **sábado 15 de agosto** se realizará una actividad especial de bienvenida para los adoptantes, con charlas sobre tenencia responsable. ## Cómo Llegar y Consejos de Seguridad **Cómo llegar:** - **Premium Plaza:** Metro hasta la estación Poblado, luego caminar 10 minutos o tomar un taxi/uber. - **Unicentro:** Metro hasta la estación Belén, luego tomar un bus del sistema integrado (ruta 302) o un taxi. - **Parque Comercial Florida:** Metro hasta la estación Estadio, luego caminar 15 minutos o tomar un taxi. **Consejos de seguridad:** - Asiste en horario diurno y preferiblemente acompañado. - Mantén tus pertenencias seguras y evita mostrar objetos de valor. - Si viajas en transporte público, ten cuidado con el cosquilleo, especialmente en el metro (se han reportado bandas dedicadas a esto). - Sigue las indicaciones del personal de cada centro comercial y del equipo de La Perla. - Recuerda que la adopción es un compromiso de por vida; asegúrate de tener el espacio y tiempo necesario para tu nueva mascota.

Tickets, Pricing, and Where to Buy

The mass adoption event is free and open to the public. No tickets or prior registration are required to attend. However, to adopt a pet, interested parties must meet the requirements set by the La Perla Animal Welfare Center: be of legal age, present an ID, demonstrate adequate conditions for the animal, and go through a responsible adoption interview. The event will take place on Sunday, October 30 at Parque de los Deseos, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For more information, visit the Medellín Mayor's Office website or go directly to the venue.

Official Schedule and Stage Timetables

The second-chance fair includes a mass adoption day for dogs and cats from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. In addition, there will be cultural programming, commercial and recreational offers for families and their companion animals. During the event, the Ministry of Environment will offer institutional services such as characterization and microchipping. 1,600 dogs and 25 cats rescued by the La Perla Animal Welfare Center will be available, ready to find a new home. The detailed schedule of cultural activities will be published on the Mayor's Office official channels.

Getting There and Local Safety Tips

Parque de los Deseos is located in the northern part of Medellín, near the Universidad metro station. It is recommended to arrive by public transportation: nearby metro stations (Universidad and Hospital) and bus routes along Avenida del Río. For those attending with pets, bring a leash and muzzle if necessary, as well as water for the animals. Arrive early to avoid crowds and ensure service. Keep your belongings safe and follow the instructions of logistics staff. The event has security measures and veterinary care on site.