With a €1.4 million investment, the modern facility will house over 190 animals and operate 24/7, ensuring improved welfare and veterinary care for Torrevieja’s stray population.
Torrevieja’s new municipal animal shelter is set to open during the first quarter of 2026, following the completion of the main accommodation facilities. Mayor Eduardo Dolón announced the timeline during a site visit with Councillor for Animal Protection and municipal veterinarian Beatriz Lloret, confirming that all animal housing units have been completed and that the current shelter’s residents will be transferred to the new facility this week.
Located on Avenida de los Nenúfares, the project is more than 40% complete and represents a total municipal investment of €1,412,330 (including VAT). The construction contract was awarded to CONSTRUCCIONES URDECON S.A. Once fully operational, the new centre will feature a veterinary consulting area, an operating theatre, a reception hall, meeting rooms, offices, storage spaces, and a dedicated laundry for animal care.
Councillor Lloret explained that the project is progressing according to the approved phases, ensuring a smooth transition between the old and new installations. The first phase — construction of the new animal housing units — is now finished, while work continues on the main building. Concurrently, environmental safety procedures such as asbestos removal are being carried out to enable demolition of the old kennels and clear access for municipal service vehicles.
In addition to the building works, the city has launched the procurement process for the shelter’s medical and operational equipment, including furniture and veterinary instruments, ensuring the facility can function at full capacity once opened.
The new shelter will be open to the public every day of the year and will include 64 enclosures — 36 for dogs, 20 for cats, and 8 isolation units. It will have the capacity to host more than 35 dogs and 160 cats, with facilities designed to provide a comfortable, hygienic, and secure environment for the animals.
Mayor Dolón emphasised the project’s importance for animal welfare and the city’s commitment to responsible management. “It is essential to provide modern, welcoming facilities that ensure the well-being of all the animals under our care,” he said. He also noted that the total municipal investment in animal protection approaches €2 million, combining the shelter’s construction cost with €642,136 allocated for animal care services over the next two years — a 24-hour operation, 365 days a year.
