Andorra Dog Shelter Stable in 2025 Amid Senior Surrenders

Andorra's GosSOS dog shelter remained well below capacity in 2025, with 68 intakes and 74 exits, though managers highlighted persistent challenges from housing restrictions fueling surrenders of elderly dogs.

GosSOS president Audrey Montel presented the figures during Thursday's renewal of the partnership with the Centre de Protecció Caní and insurer Assegur. Intakes included 43 surrenders—covering abandonments—12 strays recovered, and 13 lost dogs returned to owners. Among exits, 54 involved adoptions, 13 returns to owners, and seven deaths, all occurring in foster homes. The centre now houses 43 dogs: 27 on-site and 16 with foster families.

Centre manager Jesús Cardesín described the numbers as stable and similar to 2024, following peaks in abandonments during 2022 and 2023. He noted a rise in senior dog intakes last year, driven by rental bans on pets, prohibitions in hotels and guesthouses, and ageing owners facing health issues or relocations. Cardesín said the team is currently negotiating with three owners at risk of surrendering dogs due to lease renewals or moves, aiming to prevent entries. "We are starting the year on the same note," he said, warning that older dogs prove harder to rehome as adopters often seek younger animals. He added efforts to place at-risk dogs in foster care or via social media before they reach the shelter.

Montel stressed that the centre is unsuitable for animals in their final life stages, crediting foster families for dignified end-of-life care. Government agreements now fund their food, veterinary, and behavioural needs, with three active cases. Both leaders called for more adoptions—particularly of seniors—and fostering, plus genuinely pet-friendly housing.

The Assegur deal offers free first-year insurance for adopters, alongside support for the association's annual calendar and social media promotion of available dogs. Commercial director Toni Navarro, an adopter himself, emphasised pet ownership's broader costs and dismissed superficial "pet-friendly" labels in favour of real action. Montel said the partnership enhances visibility and reinforces welfare responsibilities.