In the aftermath of the recent torrential rains, known locally as the DANA, the animal community in Valencia is struggling. The floods, which hit the southern areas of Valencia particularly hard, have left streets littered with mud and debris, putting pets and wildlife at severe risk.
In towns like Catarroja and Benetússer, hundreds of pets were swept up by the rising waters. The total toll is yet unclear, but many animals are feared to have drowned or succumbed to trauma and infections. Despite the grim circumstances, the community’s response has been one of solidarity. Volunteers and veterinarians have mobilised to rescue and care for the surviving animals. Everyday citizens are pitching in, helping wherever they can. Néstor and Claudia, who were forced to leave their flooded home in Catarroja, exemplify this spirit as they transport their two cats to safety. “Leaving them behind wasn’t an option,” says Claudia in 20Minutos, reflecting the determination seen across the region.
Veterinary clinics overwhelmed by demand
One of the few veterinary clinics still operational is Vetology in Picanya. “We’ve been handling basic triage from day one,” says Francisco Navarro, a vet at the clinic. His team has been treating animals for infections and injuries. They coordinate critical cases with larger hospitals. Leptospirosis, a bacterial infection spread through the floodwaters, is becoming a growing threat for pets, causing vomiting, diarrhoea, and sometimes death.
The CEU-Cardenal Herrera Veterinary Clinic in Moncada has become a crucial hub. The team and volunteers here are not only treating pets but also coordinating food and supply distribution. Demand for essentials remains high, especially for food and pet carriers. Pet owners like Borja, from Aldaia, are being extra cautious, trying to keep their pets away from contaminated areas during daily walks.
Community efforts bring hope amidst struggles
Food supplies for pets are running low. Volunteers like Nuria Pobo, a student coordinating donations, have set up distribution points. “We’re doing our best to keep supplies stocked, but items like cat litter are particularly hard to come by,” Nuria explains from her stand in Picanya. She is one of many volunteers helping trapped or isolated pets still in flooded homes.
Meanwhile, local wildlife also faces devastation. Displaced turtles have been found along the Poyo ravine, with volunteers working to bring them to Oceanogràfic for specialist care. “We’re rescuing them as we can,” Nuria says, highlighting the far-reaching effects of the flooding.
Government support for animal shelters
The Spanish government has stepped in to aid animal shelters affected by the floods, approving a fund of 390,000 euros to help reconstruct damaged facilities. This unprecedented support aims to rebuild key infrastructures that provide care for lost or abandoned animals. Furthermore, to address public health concerns caused by the increased number of stray animals in affected areas.
According to Ángela Molina, president of the Coordinadora Animalista de la Comunidad Valenciana, over ten shelters have been severely impacted, particularly in the Ribera Alta region. The largest shelter, Modepran in Carlet, which housed over 500 animals, was completely destroyed. Volunteers had to relocate animals to temporary facilities, including makeshift shelters like sports fields and private homes.
Also read: Volunteers also in action to help affected animals after the DANA