An unconditional love that cannot be explained in words. That is the phrase with which animal lovers who have already visited Animundo this Saturday morning, 18 November, identify themselves.

In numbers, almost a thousand people and 141 dogs enjoyed the opening of this sixth edition of the Companion Animal Fair, which will be open until 8 p.m. today, and will be open again from 10.30 a.m. to 8 p.m. tomorrow, Sunday, 19 November.

The President of the Cabildo de Gran Canaria, Antonio Morales, accompanied by Minerva Alonso, Councillor for Economic Development, Industry, Trade and Crafts of the Cabildo de Gran Canaria; Raúl García, Councillor for the Environment, Climate, Energy and Knowledge; and the Managing Director of Infecar, Natalia Santana, opened this year’s fair.

“Animundo was set up six years ago with the firm intention of being a space for raising awareness among the public and a meeting place for professionals in the sector, which we can say has become consolidated over time,” said Antonio Morales, who also pointed out that “the programme includes talks, workshops and the now traditional adoption catwalks, which are undoubtedly one of the most successful sections and one of the most popular with the public, and which also brings relief to the Bañaderos Island Animal Shelter”.

Morales also appealed to the public to “avoid buying animals, urging them to think about adoption, because there are many animals in need of this show of solidarity and affection from everyone”.
The Pet Fair, promoted by the Cabildo de Gran Canaria and organised by Infecar, aims to bring together professionals, families and animal lovers, who can find all the products and services for the responsible care of pets in the same space.

This sixth edition has almost thirty exhibitors, who show their commercial offer and include sectors such as food, insurance, education, fashion, veterinary clinics and centres or associations and shelters.
Programme

The actress Clara Lago was in charge of opening the programme of talks at the Pet Trade Fair with a talk focusing on empathy, which was widely followed. “I am a strong advocate of adoption and that is why I am here today, but, and at this time I always like to give a but, it is absolutely necessary that we are aware of what we are doing with this act,” said Lago.

“We cannot adopt on a whim or as a gift, with the adoption we acquire a commitment of love for that animal and we have to be aware of all that it entails in terms of care and that we will be able to maintain it over time”, she pointed out. Clara Lago also reviewed different anecdotes and experiences of the Ochotumbao Foundation, which she runs together with Dani Rovira and Dani Solano.

So, in addition to the informative programme, which can be consulted in detail at www.animundo.es, the outdoor exhibitions and the adoption catwalks, this year’s Companion Animal Fair is bringing back the dog parks and pools, with a total of four spaces, two for small breeds and two for larger breeds.

In addition to this, Animundo is launching a new children’s area called ‘Anipromesa’, which will be running educational and fun activities throughout the weekend, with special emphasis on raising awareness among youngsters.

Also, on this occasion, and given the growing interest of the public to know in detail the new Animal Welfare Law, Animundo has a space in charge of the Official College of Veterinarians of Las Palmas at the information point to resolve doubts in relation to this matter.

Sunday

Tomorrow, Animundo will once again open its doors at 10.30 am, with the programme of talks starting at 11 am. On this occasion, actress and animal advocate Mónica Cruz will open the day’s proceedings. Through ‘Pandora, Robin, Mia, Raven, Bella and Juanita. Surrounded by love and life, Mónica Cruz will review what it has meant to her to extend her family by adopting animals.

In addition, three adoption catwalks will be repeated, presented by Mónica Cruz, Jorge Bolaños and Roberto Herrera. As for the morning’s informative programme, Animundo will feature a round table discussion on ‘Sport and fun for dogs and people’; and an outdoor exhibition by the Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Local Police GOIA-UE and the Coexistence and Mediation Unit (UMEC).

In the afternoon, Animundo will address the importance of knowing how to manage the death of our pets, responsible animal ownership and good practices for managing cat colonies.