Andorra's GosSOS Adopts Extended Hours at Dog Shelter After Successful Pilot

GosSOS, Andorra's animal welfare association, has permanently adopted extended hours at the Centre de Protecció Caní following positive results from a February pilot programme that boosted volunteer participation and animal welfare.

The decision came during the association's annual general meeting on Wednesday. The centre will now open from 7am to 7pm Monday to Saturday, and 8am to 4pm on Sundays. Association president Audrey Montel noted that the afternoon access has drawn additional volunteers for dog walks and ensured up to 12 hours of daily companionship for the animals. "This guarantees that the dogs are accompanied for 12 hours a day, which has a very positive effect on their wellbeing," she said.

To support the expanded schedule, GosSOS has contracted a fifth staff member, increasing the team from four, and committed the necessary funding.

Dog walks will continue to be paused in summer from 1pm to 5pm due to peak heat.

Assembly members also discussed infrastructure upgrades, including recent government work on the services building and planned exercise enclosures on terraces built by FEDA over the new ETR near the border roundabout. Montel highlighted the enclosures as a major forthcoming benefit for the dogs.

Delegates ratified the 2025 accounts, 2026 budget, and activity report, covering initiatives such as a solidarity calendar, educational programmes in schools, ties with FC Andorra, presence at events like Serenalla and the Andorra la Vella fair, and media campaigns to promote adoptions.

For 2026 so far, 21 dogs have arrived at the centre, five lost animals have been returned to owners, and 22 have been adopted. Currently, 35 dogs are in care: 19 at the centre and 16 with foster families.