Published on 6 min read By Granja Natura
Animal adoption and sponsorship: alternative to buying pets
Buying a pet is not the only option. Discover how animal adoption and sponsorship are responsible alternatives that teach children values and help animals in need.
When a child asks for a pet, many families’ first reaction is to head to a shop or look for a breeder. But buying an animal is not the only option, nor the best one. Shelters are home to many animals waiting for a family, and programmes such as animal sponsorship offer a way to enjoy a bond with animals without the daily commitment of a pet at home.
At Granja Natura (Navas, Barcelona province) we believe that adoption and sponsorship are the most responsible, educational and ethical options. That is why we run a sponsorship programme that allows families and children to create a real connection with an animal at our centre.
Why not buy?
The pet-breeding industry generates serious problems that many buyers are unaware of:
The breeding business
- Puppy mills: Many animals sold in shops come from intensive breeding farms where females live in deplorable conditions
- Genetic problems: Selective breeding for aesthetics produces breeds with chronic health issues (breathing problems in bulldogs, hip dysplasia in German shepherds, heart conditions in cavalier King Charles spaniels)
- Abandonment: Many abandoned animals were bought on impulse, without thinking about the long-term commitment involved
- Illegal trade: The illegal animal trade is an illicit business that moves vast sums of money and causes suffering worldwide
The human and animal cost
Every animal bought from a shop is one fewer adoption from a shelter. While pet shops turn a profit, shelters are overwhelmed and many animals end up euthanised for lack of space.
Many of the animals entering shelters spend months or years confined, waiting for a family that may never come.
Adoption: saving a life
Adopting an animal from a shelter is an act of responsibility and love with multiple benefits:
Advantages of adoption
- You save two lives: The animal you adopt and the next one that can take its place
- Healthy, prepared animals: Shelters hand over animals vaccinated, dewormed, neutered and microchipped
- Known temperament: Unlike puppies, adult animals already show their character, making the choice easier
- Lower cost: The adoption fee (EUR 50-200) covers veterinary expenses and is far less than the purchase price
- Post-adoption support: Many shelters offer guidance and follow-up after adoption
Where to adopt in Catalonia
| Shelter | Location | Types of animals |
|---|---|---|
| FAADA | Barcelona | Dogs, cats, farm animals |
| Fundacio ARCA | Barcelona | Dogs, cats |
| CAAD Barcelones | Barcelona | Dogs, cats |
| Protectora de Mataro | Maresme | Dogs, cats, rabbits |
| SOS Gats del Raval | Barcelona | Cats |
| CRARC | Masquefa | Reptiles and amphibians |
| Santuario Gaia | Camprodon | Farm animals |
The adoption process
- Visit the shelter: Meet the animals available and talk to volunteers
- Questionnaire: Complete a form about your living conditions (space, schedule, experience)
- Interview: The shelter assesses whether animal and family are a good match
- Meet-and-greet visits: Some shelters offer pre-adoption visits to get to know the animal
- Adoption: Contract signing, fee payment and… welcome your new family member!
- Follow-up: The shelter checks in periodically to ensure the animal’s welfare
Sponsorship: loving without taking home
But what if your family wants to enjoy animals without the full responsibility of a pet? That is where sponsorship comes in.
What is animal sponsorship?
Sponsorship is a form of collaboration in which a person or family contributes financially to the upkeep of an animal that lives at a protection or educational centre such as ours. You do not take the animal home, but you establish a special bond with it.
How it works at our centre
Our sponsorship programme allows families and children to create a real connection with one of the 30-plus species at the centre:
1. Choose your animal You can choose from the different species at the centre: goats, sheep, emus, tortoises, birds of prey, rabbits, chickens and many more. Each animal has its own story and its own needs.
2. Annual contribution You choose one of the sponsorship tiers (EUR 30, 60 or 120 per year). Your donation goes entirely towards:
- Species-specific food
- Veterinary care and check-ups
- Enclosure maintenance and improvements
- Environmental enrichment
3. What you receive as a sponsor
- Personalised sponsorship certificate
- Visits to your sponsored animal during the centre’s opening hours (weekends and holidays)
Why sponsorship is perfect for children
Sponsorship gives children all the emotional benefits of a bond with an animal without the risks of irresponsible ownership:
- Empathy: Knowing that “their” animal eats thanks to them develops empathy
- Responsibility: Committing to contribute regularly teaches responsibility
- Education: Visits to the centre allow ongoing learning about the animal
- No abandonment risk: The animal will always be well cared for, regardless of family circumstances
- No allergies: You enjoy the bond without daily cohabitation
Sponsorship as a gift
One of the most meaningful uses of sponsorship is as a gift for special occasions:
For birthdays
Instead of a toy that will be forgotten in a week, give a sponsorship. The child receives the certificate with a photo of “their” animal and the excitement of the first visit.
For Christmas
The perfect alternative to giving a real pet. The child enjoys the thrill without the risk of post-holiday abandonment.
For communions and special occasions
An original gift with values that sets the celebration apart. (In Spain and Catalonia, first-communion celebrations are a common occasion for gift-giving.)
For companies
Companies can sponsor animals as a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, associating their brand with sustainability and animal-welfare values.
For schools
A class visiting us on a school trip could consider sponsoring an animal collectively as a shared project. You will find the options on the sponsorship page.
Adopt or sponsor: comparison
| Aspect | Adoption | Sponsorship |
|---|---|---|
| The animal lives at… | Your home | The centre |
| Cost | EUR 50-150/month (food, vet) | EUR 30-120/year |
| Daily time | 1-3 hours | 0 hours |
| Space needed | Yes (suitable for the species) | No |
| Commitment | 10-20 years | Renewable annually |
| Ideal for | Prepared families | Everyone |
| Bond with the animal | Daily and intense | Periodic but meaningful |
How to help animals without spending money
If the family budget does not stretch to adoption or sponsorship, there are other ways to contribute:
- Volunteering: Dedicate time to animal care at the centre or at a shelter
- Sharing: Share adoption posts on your social media
- Foster care: Temporarily foster a shelter animal while it waits for a permanent home
- Material donations: Blankets, food, toys for shelters
- Education: Explain to your children and those around you why adopting is better than buying
Start today: adopt, sponsor or visit
The decision not to buy animals is the first step towards a world with less abandonment and more respect for living beings. Whether you are ready to adopt or prefer sponsorship, you have options:
- Visit a shelter and meet the animals waiting for a family
- Sponsor an animal at Granja Natura: check the available animals on the sponsorship page
- Come and visit us: A visit to the centre is the first step towards understanding what animals truly need
At Granja Natura (Navas, Barcelona province), every animal has a story. And you can be part of it, without needing to buy.
Contact Granja Natura and find out how to sponsor an animal or support our project.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between adopting and sponsoring an animal?
Adopting means taking the animal home and assuming full responsibility for its care (food, vet, space). Sponsoring means contributing financially to the upkeep of an animal that lives at a centre like Granja Natura, without taking it home. Sponsorship is ideal for those who want to help but cannot keep a pet.
How does animal sponsorship work at Granja Natura?
You choose the animal you wish to sponsor from among the species at the centre. You make an annual contribution, with tiers of EUR 30, 60 or 120 per year, that goes entirely towards its food, veterinary care and enclosure maintenance. You receive a personalised sponsorship certificate and can visit the animal during the centre's opening hours.
Can I sponsor an animal as a gift for a child?
Yes, it is one of the most meaningful and values-rich gifts you can give. The child receives a personalised sponsorship certificate, can visit the animal at Granja Natura during opening hours and learns about responsibility and empathy. It is perfect for birthdays, Christmas or other celebrations as an alternative to giving a real pet.
Where can I adopt an animal in Catalonia?
There are dozens of shelters across Catalonia: FAADA, Fundacio ARCA, Protectora de Mataro, CAAD Barcelones, among others. Most municipalities have an animal-protection service. For exotic animals, specialist centres such as CRARC or specific associations can help.
How much does it cost to sponsor an animal at Granja Natura?
Sponsorship at Granja Natura works with annual tiers: EUR 30, 60 or 120 per year depending on the level you choose. Every euro goes directly to the animal's care. Check the sponsorship page on the website to choose your level and set up the sponsorship.
Related articles
-
Responsible pet ownership: animals are not toys
Over 280,000 animals are abandoned in Spain every year. Learn what responsible pet ownership truly means, legal obligations, and how to educate children about animal respect.
-
Volunteering with animals near Barcelona: what to expect
Want to volunteer with animals near Barcelona? We explain what the tasks involve, the requirements and how to take the first step to get started.