Content Summary
Adopting a dog is a wonderful decision, but also a great responsibility. In Barcelona there are many shelters and adoption centers with dogs waiting for a home, and before choosing yours it’s worth knowing some aspects of health and adaptation.
At Veterinari del Clínic we accompany families from day one, helping that new stage begin on the right foot thanks to a preventive medicine plan adapted to each dog.
In this article you’ll find:
- Where to adopt a dog in Barcelona.
- Advice before choosing one.
- What veterinary checkup a newly adopted dog needs.
- Vaccines, deworming, and microchip.
- How to help them adapt to their new home.
Where to adopt a dog in Barcelona
Barcelona has numerous shelters, refuges, and associations dedicated to responsible adoption. Some of the best known are:
- CAACB (Centre d’Acollida d’Animals de Companyia de Barcelona).
- Fundación Altarriba.
- SOS Galgos, Amics dels Animals del Maresme, and other local associations.
In all of them you can meet dogs of different ages and sizes. Choose calmly: adoption is not an impulse, it’s a long-term commitment.
Before adopting: what you should consider
Before bringing them home, reflect on your lifestyle:
- Do you have time to walk and train them every day?
- Is your home suitable according to their size and energy level?
- Can you afford veterinary and food expenses?
There’s no such thing as the perfect dog, but there is the right dog for you. Adopting an older dog or one with special needs can also be a precious experience: they usually adapt quickly and appreciate every show of affection.
First veterinary visit: key to starting well
After adoption, it’s essential to go to the veterinarian for a complete checkup.
At Veterinari del Clínic we perform a general examination, check vaccination and deworming status, and design a personalized preventive plan according to their age, origin, and lifestyle.
This first consultation allows us to detect possible health problems (such as parasites, skin infections, or digestive alterations) and update their health record.
Vaccines, deworming, and microchip
Every adopted dog must:
- Have a microchip registered with the updated information of their new family.
- Be vaccinated against the main diseases (distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis, leptospirosis, and rabies).
- Have regular internal and external deworming, especially if they come from shelters or have been in contact with other animals.
At Veterinari del Clínic we plan the annual vaccination and deworming schedule to guarantee their protection from day one.
How to help them adapt
The first days are key:
- Maintain a stable routine of schedules and walks.
- Offer them a quiet space where they can rest.
- Use positive reinforcement to gain their trust.
- If they show fear or anxiety, consult with a behavior professional.
Remember: an adopted dog may need time to adapt, but with patience and love, they’ll soon become part of the family.
Conclusion
Adopting a dog is a decision full of love, but also responsibility.
Having the support of a trusted veterinarian will help you start with confidence and enjoy a healthy and happy coexistence.
If you’ve just adopted or are thinking about doing so, book your first checkup at Veterinari del Clínic.
We’ll help you update their health, their vaccines, and prepare for their new life at home.
