Santa Cruz de Tenerife will celebrate Animal Day on Saturday, 27th September, from 10:00 to 19:00 hours in the Plaza del Príncipe.
The event is organised by the Santa Cruz Sostenible Foundation and the Department of Strategic Planning, Environmental Sustainability and Public Services of the City Council, in collaboration with various social and environmental organisations.
The day will bring together animal protection associations, biodiversity-related groups, and engaged citizens in a space filled with informational tents, family activities, workshops, talks, exhibitions, and a photographic gallery of animals available for adoption. Attendees will also be able to contribute by donating food, blankets, towels, and other items to support animal care.
The Mayor of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, José Manuel Bermúdez, emphasised that “Santa Cruz will become a benchmark for commitment towards animals and biodiversity this weekend. We want this city to be increasingly compassionate, sustainable, and respectful of our natural environment and its living beings.”
In a similar vein, the First Deputy Mayor and Councillor for Animal Welfare, Carlos Tarife, explained that “this day aims not only to raise awareness about the importance of responsible adoption and animal protection but also to engage society in the active defence of biodiversity. We encourage families to enjoy a day of activities and learn about the great work of our protectors and environmental organisations.”
Tarife added that “the celebration of Animal Day is designed for the whole family and presents a unique opportunity to learn, enjoy, and connect with organisations that work daily for a fairer world for animals and a more respectful planet.”
The manager of the Veterinary College, Pedro Brito, expressed gratitude for the City Council’s collaboration during a press conference and highlighted the evolution of the veterinary profession over the past three decades. He also noted its urban character, with a greater presence in centres, clinics, and hospitals.
According to him, “an animal is now a family member in today’s society, and Canary Islands has over 700,000 registered pets. Therefore, the Veterinary College takes the opportunity to be present at events such as Animal Day in Santa Cruz to raise awareness about the responsibilities associated with animal care.”
The event schedule includes exhibitions by the Canine Guide Group of the Santa Cruz de Tenerife Local Police, an Agility demonstration, a workshop on natural horse management, and several informative talks focused on animal welfare, marine conservation, environmental volunteering, and the fight against illegal wildlife trafficking.
Participating associations and entities include: Valkiria Animal Rescue, El Valle Encantado Animal Association, FECAPAP (Valle Colino), 4 Patas Rescue and Outreach, Finca Enxo & ADA, 4A Friends of Animals in Arico, Tierra Blanca Refuge, Canis Proficio, Acción del Sol Refuge, Artemisa’s Footprints, Nankurunaisa, Tenerife Coastal Action Group, Veterinary College, Neotrópico Foundation, Local SEO BirdLife Group, Anaga Biosphere Reserve, Gesplan, Association for the Conservation of Canary Diversity, and Insitu Canarias.
Event Schedule
27th September (10:00-19:00 Plaza del Príncipe)
» Morning Session
• 10:00-14:00 Grooming Service
• Donations
• Exhibitions: Animal protectors, endemic fauna…
• 10:00-11:00 Anaga Documentary
• 10:00-11:45 Animal documentation registration and control
• 11:00-11:45 Exhibition by the Local Police’s Canine Guide Group
• 11:45-12:30 Talk on Illegal Wildlife Trafficking. Neotrópico Foundation
• 13:00-14:00 Animal Presentations
» Afternoon Session
• 16:00-19:00 Grooming Service
• Donations
• Exhibitions: Animal protectors, endemic fauna…
• 16:00-16:20 Coastal Action Talk
• 16:20-17:00 Talk on Volunteering Programmes Related to Wildlife. Gesplan
• 17:00-18:00 Natural Horse Management
• 18:00-19:00 Agility Exhibition
-This schedule is subject to change-
