This year, between January and August, 500 animals have already been adopted at the Famalicão Official Animal Collection Centre (CROA). The number is significant, but the municipality and the Famalicão CROA are continuing to appeal for conscientious adoption and for animals not to be abandoned, above all through the various activities it is carrying out with the community, such as the action it is holding this Friday, 4 October, as part of World Animal Day. 

The CROA will be marking the date at the dog park in Sinçães Park, between 9h00 and 13h00. Famalicenses are therefore invited to meet the dogs and cats available for adoption, play with them and walk them in the dog park. At the same time, there will be activities for children involving face painting, educational games and drawing pictures alluding to the day, among others. 

Despite the number of animals adopted, between January and August, more than 670 animals entered the CROA, of which 507 were picked up from the street and were unclaimed, 75 had guardians and 69 are at the centre due to the impossibility of keeping them. The CROA also appeals ‘to take on a pet as a lifelong commitment and, in case of extreme need, to try to find a new home and a new guardian who will appreciate and take good care of them’. CROA is currently home to 160 dogs and cats who are waiting for a new home. Another 120 dogs can still be found in the centre's old premises. 

Although the CROA receives several requests to take in animals, it should be noted that the centre is unable to take in anymore because of space limitations and because the number of adoptions does not exceed the number of animals taken in. 

Famalicenses can visit CROA and meet a new four-legged friend during CROA Mornings, which are usually held on the first Saturday of every month. The centre is also open during the week, from Monday to Thursday, from 14:30 to 17:00, and on Fridays, from 10:30 to 12:30. In this case, visits must be booked in advance by contacting 934 037 817.