• At the opening of the 8th edition of the Pet Fair, the president of the Cabildo, Antonio Morales, emphasized that “spaces like these are absolutely necessary because they generate awareness, information and consciousness about animals.”
• Until tomorrow Sunday, October 12, more than 30 exhibitors — companies, clinics, associations and public entities — are gathering at Infecar to present the public with the latest in products and services for companion animals.

The Pet Fair, Animundo, began this morning its eighth edition with a unanimous message: reinforcing education in values such as protection and responsible cohabitation.

The president of the Cabildo of Gran Canaria, Antonio Morales, inaugurated this annual event, now well established, which can be visited today until 8:00 PM and tomorrow, Sunday October 12, until 7:00 PM at Infecar, Feria de Gran Canaria. “This is the eighth edition, each time with more visitors, more presence of institutions, businesses and social organizations,” he noted before emphasizing the social impact of the event. He stressed that “spaces like these are absolutely necessary because they generate awareness, information and consciousness; and solidarity too, such as adoption.”

According to Morales, activities like this contribute to reducing animal abandonment on the island, which has dropped significantly.Morales further highlighted the cultural evolution that the island has experienced in recent years with respect to animal welfare. “A sentiment of affection, protection, above all respect and no mistreatment is being created,” he said, reminding that abandonment “does enormous harm to the animal, but also to biodiversity and our environment.”

Animundo, promoted by the Cabildo of Gran Canaria and organized by Infecar, aims to foster the meeting of professionals, families and animal lovers. This initiative becomes a gathering point that brings together products and services for the responsible care of companion animals. Its programming includes workshops and activities aimed at strengthening education and training in animal care, combined with the vision, knowledge and experience of experts.

In this edition more than 30 exhibitors participate, showcasing products and services in nutrition, veterinary clinics, therapy and animal education, home care services, alongside associations, shelters and public entities such as the Las Palmas de Gran Canaria City Council, the Gran Canaria Island Animal Shelter, and the Official Veterinary Association of Las Palmas.

The Animundo 2025 program began yesterday morning with Animundo Educa, a day dedicated to schoolchildren in the island, an initiative of the Cabildo Insular that promotes early education in values of protection and responsible cohabitation. Later in the afternoon the third edition of the Professional Day took place, where the new paradigm in veterinary medicine was addressed. Under the title “Caring the bond: the new paradigm of veterinary medicine,” the expert Elena García, specialist in behavioral medicine, advocated for “a more humane veterinary practice, centered on the emotional bond between people and animals,” and emphasized the importance of integrating communication and emotional support aspects into consultations for both caregivers and patients.

Presented by communicator Laura Torres, the event also included the participation of Alejandro Suárez, president of the Official Association of Veterinarians of Las Palmas, who moderated the roundtable “Multidisciplinary Work in Animal Welfare.” Alongside Elena García, the panel included ethologist Rosario Galtier and Yohanna Benítez, director of Zendog Canine Education. The debate underscored the necessity of strengthening cooperation among veterinarians, trainers and shelters to offer comprehensive solutions to behavioral problems and promote harmonious coexistence between people and animals. “Only by working in a coordinated way can we achieve real welfare for animals and for those living with them,” stated Benítez; while Suárez emphasized “the progress that comes from incorporating applied ethology into everyday clinical practice.”

Saturday’s opening day was marked by the talk-colloquium “Message in favor of responsible pet ownership and animal welfare,” led by actor Fernando Tejero and Canary presenter Eloísa González, who reflected on the responsibility involved in sharing life with an animal. Tejero maintained that “dogs receive everything that happens to us,” and remarked that “my dogs are my daughters… they are the true owners of the house.”

In terms of responsible adoption, Tejero delivered a direct message by stating that one must adopt “a breed that fits your lifestyle and assume that responsibility,” and, at the close of the talk, encouraged the audience to adopt “because it will change your life — it’s unconditional love; they live in the here and now and teach us to be better people.” Eloísa González, meanwhile, reminded attendees of the importance of avoiding impulsive adoptions with a clear message: “Don’t take them out of the shelter and bring them here just to return them later; it’s necessary to think well so that this life companion is well cared for.”

After this talk, which drew a large audience, the first adoption runway of the day began, presented by Tejero and Eloísa, with dogs mostly from the Island Shelter. The stage introduction noted that “now comes the jewel of the crown,” reminding that “they are not a toy — responsibility is required for them.”
Following the model from past editions, anyone interested in adopting an animal must begin the process and then complete it at the Island Animal Shelter of Gran Canaria, in order to avoid impulsive adoptions done without thoughtful consideration.

The afternoon of Saturday’s first day continued with a canine grooming demonstration by Dainelyn Jerez, followed by another adoption runway presented by broadcaster Tomás Galván. At 5:00 PM, Manuel Álvarez led an agility exhibition, a sport in which the dog and its handler form a unique bond while navigating obstacle courses with jumps, tunnels and platforms. Saturday also included a demonstration of assistance dogs by Meritxell Arias, from Terapican+, and a practical workshop on canine education led by Tamara de Juana. The evening concluded with the talk “Proyecto Arrugas con Huellas,” by veterinarian Minerva Artiles, focusing on the benefits of animal-assisted therapies for older adults.

Tomorrow, Sunday October 12, the program continues with new adoption runways, exhibitions and expert talks by Sara Peña, Miguel Cruz, Fernanda Betancur and Arianna García, among others, as well as the presence of presenters like Baby Solano, Ana Trabadelo, Roberto Herrera and Omar Tadeo.
The atmosphere in the pavilions and outdoor zones of Infecar has been warm and participative since first thing in the morning. Many people have come to Infecar accompanied by their dogs. Visitors can also enjoy a food truck area that complements the family experience. The organizers have reinforced welfare and safety measures, setting wide pathways and rest zones, and maintaining a special preventive veterinary care unit for the animals attending.

Animundo is promoted and funded by the Cabildo of Gran Canaria and organized by Infecar, Feria de Gran Canaria; sponsored by Kiwoko Mundo Animal, Koala Mascotas and El Corte Inglés; and counts on Cajasiete as official collaborator. Among its collaborators are the Las Palmas City Council, the Island Animal Shelter of Gran Canaria, the Official Veterinary Association of Las Palmas, Club Granky, Terapican+ and the Lomo Salas Agility Sports Club.