Miwuki Report on Pet Adoption in Spain
Adoption on Miwuki in 2023
Miwuki Report on Pet Adoption in Spain with 2023 data: listed cases, profiles, recorded adoptions and, where available, requests and returns.
Listed cases
11,090
9.7% fewer than in 2022
In 2023
Recorded adoptions
6,650
12.3% fewer than in 2022
In 2023
Adoption requests
10,107Partial period
not comparable with 2022: a period is incomplete or the figure is not published
In 2023
Recorded returns
106Partial period
not comparable with 2022: a period is incomplete or the figure is not published
In 2023
Key points of 2023
The most relevant findings of the year. Each one states its figure, its period and its main limitation.
H-2023-01Descriptive
Cases listed in 2023
11,090
cases listed in 2023, 9.7% fewer than in 2022
Details
In 2023, 11,090 animal cases were listed for adoption on Miwuki in Spain, 9.7% fewer than in 2022: 7,422 dogs, 3,487 cats and 181 of other species.
Limitation: It measures cases listed on Miwuki, not abandonment or shelter intakes across Spain.
LinkCite
Miwuki. Miwuki Report on Pet Adoption in Spain. 2023 data (data version 2026.10.22-r1; data cut-off 22 October 2026). (finding H-2023-01). https://miwuki.com/en/adoption-report/2023/#h-2023-01
H-2023-02Descriptive
Dogs and cats in 2023
31.4%
of 2023 cases were cats (dogs: 66.9%)
Details
In 2023, cats made up 31.4% of the cases listed on Miwuki in Spain, 5.1 percentage points lower than in 2022; dogs made up 66.9%.
Limitation: It describes the make-up of the cases listed on Miwuki; it does not show how many dogs or cats are looking for a home across Spain.
LinkCite
Miwuki. Miwuki Report on Pet Adoption in Spain. 2023 data (data version 2026.10.22-r1; data cut-off 22 October 2026). (finding H-2023-02). https://miwuki.com/en/adoption-report/2023/#h-2023-02
H-2023-04Descriptive
Adoption requests
10,107 Partial period
adoption requests in 2023, from 5,430 Partial period people
Details
In 2023, 5,430 Partial period people sent 10,107 Partial period adoption requests to animals listed on Miwuki in Spain.
Limitation: A request is not an adoption, and one person may ask for several animals. Request data are available from June 2023.
LinkCite
Miwuki. Miwuki Report on Pet Adoption in Spain. 2023 data (data version 2026.10.22-r1; data cut-off 22 October 2026). (finding H-2023-04). https://miwuki.com/en/adoption-report/2023/#h-2023-04
H-2023-05Descriptive
Recorded adoptions
6,650
adoptions recorded in 2023, 12.3% fewer than in 2022
Details
In 2023, 6,650 adoptions of animals listed in Spain were recorded on Miwuki, corresponding to 6,464 distinct cases, 12.3% fewer than in 2022 in number of adoptions.
Limitation: These are the adoptions that publishers record on the platform; some adoptions may not be recorded. A case may have more than one adoption if the animal is adopted more than once.
LinkCite
Miwuki. Miwuki Report on Pet Adoption in Spain. 2023 data (data version 2026.10.22-r1; data cut-off 22 October 2026). (finding H-2023-05). https://miwuki.com/en/adoption-report/2023/#h-2023-05
H-2023-24Descriptive
Housing in private individuals' reasons
27.9% Partial period
of written reasons from private individuals mention housing
Details
In 2023, 27.9% Partial period of the private individuals who explained in writing why they were looking for a new home for their animal on Miwuki mentioned housing: 14.4% Partial period a home where pets are not allowed and 21.8% Partial period moving house.
Limitation: It is the reason stated by the publisher, and a text can mention several topics. It does not measure how many people give up adopting because of housing.
LinkCite
Miwuki. Miwuki Report on Pet Adoption in Spain. 2023 data (data version 2026.10.22-r1; data cut-off 22 October 2026). (finding H-2023-24). https://miwuki.com/en/adoption-report/2023/#h-2023-24
More findings from this year (27)
- 41.2%
Shelters and private individuals
of 2023 cases were listed by private individuals
Limitation: Private individuals have been listing animals on Miwuki since December 2018. “Shelters and other organisations” includes shelters, associations, rescuers, feral cat colonies and public administrations.
Details
In 2023, 41.2% of the cases listed on Miwuki in Spain were listed by private individuals looking for a new home for their animal, and 58.8% by shelters and other organisations.
Miwuki. Miwuki Report on Pet Adoption in Spain. 2023 data (data version 2026.10.22-r1; data cut-off 22 October 2026). (finding H-2023-03). https://miwuki.com/en/adoption-report/2023/#h-2023-03
- 106 Partial period
Recorded returns
returns of adopted animals recorded in 2023
Limitation: This is not a return rate, because it is not linked to the adoptions of a specific period. Returns have been recorded regularly since June 2023.
Details
In 2023, 106 Partial period returns of adopted animals originally listed in Spain were recorded on Miwuki.
Miwuki. Miwuki Report on Pet Adoption in Spain. 2023 data (data version 2026.10.22-r1; data cut-off 22 October 2026). (finding H-2023-06). https://miwuki.com/en/adoption-report/2023/#h-2023-06
- 7.9%
Hard-to-place animals
of shelter cases were flagged as “hard to place”
Limitation: The flag is optional and each publisher may use it differently.
Details
In 2023, 7.9% of the cases listed by shelters on Miwuki in Spain carried the “hard to place” flag, which is set by the publisher. On Miwuki only shelters use it.
Miwuki. Miwuki Report on Pet Adoption in Spain. 2023 data (data version 2026.10.22-r1; data cut-off 22 October 2026). (finding H-2023-07). https://miwuki.com/en/adoption-report/2023/#h-2023-07
- 88.6%
Age and adoption
of puppies adopted within 180 days (adult dogs: 44.4%)
Limitation: Descriptive association in shelter cases: it does not show that age is the cause. It only counts adoptions recorded on Miwuki.
Details
Among the dogs listed by shelters on Miwuki in Spain in 2023, 88.6% of puppies had an adoption recorded within 180 days of listing, compared with 44.4% of adults (44.2 percentage points lower).
Miwuki. Miwuki Report on Pet Adoption in Spain. 2023 data (data version 2026.10.22-r1; data cut-off 22 October 2026). (finding H-2023-08). https://miwuki.com/en/adoption-report/2023/#h-2023-08
- 28.9%
Hard to place
of hard-to-place dogs adopted within 180 days
Limitation: Each shelter sets the flag voluntarily. It is an association, not a cause, and it only counts adoptions recorded on Miwuki.
Details
In 2023, 28.9% of the dogs listed by shelters on Miwuki in Spain with the “hard to place” flag were adopted within 180 days, compared with 70.7% of the rest (41.8 percentage points lower).
Miwuki. Miwuki Report on Pet Adoption in Spain. 2023 data (data version 2026.10.22-r1; data cut-off 22 October 2026). (finding H-2023-09). https://miwuki.com/en/adoption-report/2023/#h-2023-09
- 13.7% Partial period
The first month
of hard-to-place dogs got a request within 30 days
Limitation: A request is not an adoption. Photos, description and how visible the profile is also matter.
Details
In 2023, 13.7% Partial period of the dogs listed on Miwuki in Spain with the “hard to place” flag received at least one adoption request in their first month, compared with 32.3% Partial period of the rest.
Miwuki. Miwuki Report on Pet Adoption in Spain. 2023 data (data version 2026.10.22-r1; data cut-off 22 October 2026). (finding H-2023-10). https://miwuki.com/en/adoption-report/2023/#h-2023-10
- 45.4%
PPP dogs
of PPP-flagged dogs adopted within 180 days (others: 68.8%)
Limitation: Descriptive association: the PPP flag tends to go with size and age, and adopting a PPP dog requires a licence. It only counts adoptions recorded on Miwuki.
Details
Among the dogs listed by shelters on Miwuki in Spain in 2023, 45.4% of those with the PPP flag had an adoption recorded within 180 days, compared with 68.8% of the rest (23.4 percentage points lower).
Miwuki. Miwuki Report on Pet Adoption in Spain. 2023 data (data version 2026.10.22-r1; data cut-off 22 October 2026). (finding H-2023-11). https://miwuki.com/en/adoption-report/2023/#h-2023-11
- 85.3%
Age in years
of dogs under one year old adopted within 180 days
Limitation: Age is calculated from the date of birth in the profile, which is often estimated. Association, not causation.
Details
Among the shelter dogs listed on Miwuki in Spain in 2023, 85.3% of those under one year old, 44.4% of those aged three to five and 42.2% of those aged nine or older were adopted within 180 days.
Miwuki. Miwuki Report on Pet Adoption in Spain. 2023 data (data version 2026.10.22-r1; data cut-off 22 October 2026). (finding H-2023-12). https://miwuki.com/en/adoption-report/2023/#h-2023-12
- 27.3%
Dogs with leishmaniasis
of dogs with leishmania adopted within 180 days (others: 68.1%)
Limitation: The flag is set by the publisher. Association, not causation.
Details
In 2023, 27.3% of the dogs listed by shelters on Miwuki in Spain with the leishmaniasis flag were adopted within 180 days, compared with 68.1% of the rest (40.8 percentage points lower).
Miwuki. Miwuki Report on Pet Adoption in Spain. 2023 data (data version 2026.10.22-r1; data cut-off 22 October 2026). (finding H-2023-13). https://miwuki.com/en/adoption-report/2023/#h-2023-13
- 26.6% Partial period
Why they look for a new home, in their own words
of written reasons mention lack of time or work
Limitation: Automatic classification of the texts, checked against a blind-reviewed sample; it may fall short for some topics and one reason may cover several topics. Private individuals only, since June 2023.
Details
In 2023, 26.6% Partial period of the private individuals who explained in writing why they were looking for a new home for their animal mentioned a lack of time or work; 21.8% Partial period, a move; and 14.4% Partial period, a home where pets are not allowed.
Miwuki. Miwuki Report on Pet Adoption in Spain. 2023 data (data version 2026.10.22-r1; data cut-off 22 October 2026). (finding H-2023-14). https://miwuki.com/en/adoption-report/2023/#h-2023-14
- 25.0%
The reason private individuals choose
of private individuals chose “lack of time or space”
Limitation: One option per case, from the platform list. Private individuals only.
Details
In 2023, 25.0% of the private individuals who listed on Miwuki chose “lack of time or space” as the reason for looking for a new home for their animal, and 17.7% a change of address.
Miwuki. Miwuki Report on Pet Adoption in Spain. 2023 data (data version 2026.10.22-r1; data cut-off 22 October 2026). (finding H-2023-15). https://miwuki.com/en/adoption-report/2023/#h-2023-15
- 33.1%
Microchip when listed
of cats from private individuals were microchipped (shelters: 83.0%)
Limitation: Stated by the publisher when creating the profile.
Details
In 2023, according to the profile, 33.1% of the cats listed by private individuals on Miwuki in Spain had a microchip, compared with 83.0% of shelter cats.
Miwuki. Miwuki Report on Pet Adoption in Spain. 2023 data (data version 2026.10.22-r1; data cut-off 22 October 2026). (finding H-2023-16). https://miwuki.com/en/adoption-report/2023/#h-2023-16
- 31.1% Partial period
Adopting in another province
of requests for dogs came from another province (cats: 15.0% Partial period)
Limitation: Province from the person's profile; it does not show where the animal ends up living.
Details
In 2023, 31.1% Partial period of adoption requests for dogs listed on Miwuki in Spain came from people in another province; for cats, 15.0% Partial period.
Miwuki. Miwuki Report on Pet Adoption in Spain. 2023 data (data version 2026.10.22-r1; data cut-off 22 October 2026). (finding H-2023-17). https://miwuki.com/en/adoption-report/2023/#h-2023-17
- 64.3% Partial period
No requests in the first quarter
of dogs got no requests within 90 days (seniors: 79.7% Partial period)
Limitation: Organisations also receive interest through other channels: it does not mean that nobody was interested.
Details
64.3% Partial period of the dogs listed on Miwuki in Spain in 2023 received no request through the platform in their first 90 days; among seniors, 79.7% Partial period.
Miwuki. Miwuki Report on Pet Adoption in Spain. 2023 data (data version 2026.10.22-r1; data cut-off 22 October 2026). (finding H-2023-18). https://miwuki.com/en/adoption-report/2023/#h-2023-18
- 16
Days to adoption
days to adoption (median), puppies (adult dogs: 49)
Limitation: It only counts cases adopted within that period and adoptions recorded on Miwuki.
Details
Among the shelter dogs listed on Miwuki in Spain in 2023 and adopted within 180 days, half were adopted in under 16 days if they were puppies and in under 49 days if they were adults (33 days more).
Miwuki. Miwuki Report on Pet Adoption in Spain. 2023 data (data version 2026.10.22-r1; data cut-off 22 October 2026). (finding H-2023-19). https://miwuki.com/en/adoption-report/2023/#h-2023-19
Christmas
At Christmas 2023 (from 15 December to 6 January), animal cases were listed on Miwuki in Spain at a rate 19.8% fewer per day than in the previous three weeks, and adoptions were recorded at a rate 9.2% more per day than in the previous three weeks.
Limitation: It describes the calendar, not its causes.
Details
Miwuki. Miwuki Report on Pet Adoption in Spain. 2023 data (data version 2026.10.22-r1; data cut-off 22 October 2026). (finding H-2023-23). https://miwuki.com/en/adoption-report/2023/#h-2023-23
- 52
Who waits longest
days to adoption, hard-to-place dogs (puppies: 16)
Limitation: It only counts shelter dogs adopted within 180 days, and the flag is set by the publisher. It is an association, not a cause.
Details
Among shelter dogs listed on Miwuki in Spain in 2023 and adopted within 180 days, half of those flagged as “hard to place” were adopted in under 52 days, compared with 16 days for puppies and 38 for PPP dogs.
Miwuki. Miwuki Report on Pet Adoption in Spain. 2023 data (data version 2026.10.22-r1; data cut-off 22 October 2026). (finding H-2023-26). https://miwuki.com/en/adoption-report/2023/#h-2023-26
- 61.8% Partial period
Who sends requests
of people sending requests were women, according to their profile
Limitation: Stated by the person in their profile; it describes those who request, not those who adopt.
Details
In 2023, according to their profile, 61.8% Partial period of the people who sent adoption requests through Miwuki were women and 33.3% Partial period men; 24.4% Partial period were aged between twenty-five and thirty-four.
Miwuki. Miwuki Report on Pet Adoption in Spain. 2023 data (data version 2026.10.22-r1; data cut-off 22 October 2026). (finding H-2023-27). https://miwuki.com/en/adoption-report/2023/#h-2023-27
- 62.9%
Budget and hours alone
of people seeking a dog would leave it alone under four hours
Limitation: It is what form respondents say, not what they do later, and only those who fill in the form answer.
Details
In 2023, 57.3% of the people who filled in the “Perfect pet” form to adopt a dog said they would spend “whatever is needed” each month, and 62.9% that the dog would be alone for under four hours a day.
Miwuki. Miwuki Report on Pet Adoption in Spain. 2023 data (data version 2026.10.22-r1; data cut-off 22 October 2026). (finding H-2023-28). https://miwuki.com/en/adoption-report/2023/#h-2023-28
- 1.5%
Adopting in pairs
of dogs had to be adopted with another animal (cats: 5.9%)
Limitation: The flag is set by the publisher. We do not know how many of these adoptions actually take place together.
Details
In 2023, 1.5% of dogs and 5.9% of cats listed on Miwuki in Spain had to be adopted together with another animal; 70.4% Partial period of those dogs received no request in their first 90 days.
Miwuki. Miwuki Report on Pet Adoption in Spain. 2023 data (data version 2026.10.22-r1; data cut-off 22 October 2026). (finding H-2023-29). https://miwuki.com/en/adoption-report/2023/#h-2023-29
- 28.4%
Private owners rehome older animals
of private owners' dogs were under one year old
Limitation: Age is calculated from the date of birth in the profile, which is often estimated.
Details
In 2023, 28.4% of the dogs listed by private owners on Miwuki were under one year old, compared with 44.0% of shelter dogs. Among cats, 50.6% compared with 55.7%.
Miwuki. Miwuki Report on Pet Adoption in Spain. 2023 data (data version 2026.10.22-r1; data cut-off 22 October 2026). (finding H-2023-30). https://miwuki.com/en/adoption-report/2023/#h-2023-30
- 61.8%
More males among private owners' dogs
of private owners' dogs were male
Limitation: Stated by the publisher; we do not know why more males are rehomed.
Details
In 2023, 61.8% of the dogs listed by private owners on Miwuki were male, compared with 55.1% of shelter dogs.
Miwuki. Miwuki Report on Pet Adoption in Spain. 2023 data (data version 2026.10.22-r1; data cut-off 22 October 2026). (finding H-2023-31). https://miwuki.com/en/adoption-report/2023/#h-2023-31
- 79.0%
Private owners' cases left open
of private owners' cases are still “up for adoption” at cut-off
Limitation: Many private owners do not close the case: we do not know whether the animal was adopted outside Miwuki, stayed at home or was withdrawn, so their adoptions are not compared with those of shelters.
Details
Of the cases listed by private owners in 2023, 79.0% were still “up for adoption” on the cut-off date and 19.3% appeared as adopted; in shelters, 84.3% appeared as adopted.
Miwuki. Miwuki Report on Pet Adoption in Spain. 2023 data (data version 2026.10.22-r1; data cut-off 22 October 2026). (finding H-2023-33). https://miwuki.com/en/adoption-report/2023/#h-2023-33
- 51.1%
First dog, more hours alone
of first-time dog seekers would leave it alone under four hours
Limitation: Only people who fill in “Perfect pet” answer it, and it is what they expect, not what happens later.
Details
In 2023, 51.1% of the people about to have their first dog said in “Perfect pet” that it would be alone for under four hours a day, compared with 65.5% of those who had had a dog before.
Miwuki. Miwuki Report on Pet Adoption in Spain. 2023 data (data version 2026.10.22-r1; data cut-off 22 October 2026). (finding H-2023-34). https://miwuki.com/en/adoption-report/2023/#h-2023-34
- 30.6%
More space, bigger dogs
of people in a large home with outdoor space want a large dog
Limitation: Only people who fill in “Perfect pet” answer it, and several sizes can be ticked.
Details
In 2023, 30.6% of people living in a large home with a balcony, patio or terrace were looking for a large dog, compared with 11.8% of those living in a small one without them.
Miwuki. Miwuki Report on Pet Adoption in Spain. 2023 data (data version 2026.10.22-r1; data cut-off 22 October 2026). (finding H-2023-35). https://miwuki.com/en/adoption-report/2023/#h-2023-35
- 16.5%
Where shelter animals come from
of shelter animals were found in the street
Limitation: Stated by the publisher, and the list mixes origin and reason.
Details
In 2023, 16.5% of the cases listed by shelters on Miwuki were recorded as “found in the street” and 54.7% as “taken in by the shelter”.
Miwuki. Miwuki Report on Pet Adoption in Spain. 2023 data (data version 2026.10.22-r1; data cut-off 22 October 2026). (finding H-2023-36). https://miwuki.com/en/adoption-report/2023/#h-2023-36
- 67.5%
Adopted within their first six months
of shelter dogs were adopted within 180 days
Limitation: It only counts the adoptions that shelters record on Miwuki, and how much they record changes over the years: years are not compared.
Details
Of the dogs listed by shelters on Miwuki in 2023, 67.5% had an adoption recorded within 180 days of listing; of the cats, 61.2%.
Miwuki. Miwuki Report on Pet Adoption in Spain. 2023 data (data version 2026.10.22-r1; data cut-off 22 October 2026). (finding H-2023-37). https://miwuki.com/en/adoption-report/2023/#h-2023-37
What changes compared with 2022?
Cases listed in 2023: 9.7% fewer than in 2022
- 11,090listed cases
- 6,650recorded adoptions
Read the full analysis
We compare 2023 with 2022. When a change on the platform or an incomplete year prevents a comparison, we say so. Proportions are compared in percentage points.
- Listed cases: 9.7% fewer than in 2022.
- Cases from shelters and other organisations: 12.0% fewer than in 2022.
- Cases from private individuals: 6.3% fewer than in 2022.
- Recorded adoptions: 12.3% fewer than in 2022.
These differences describe what happened on the platform. On their own, they do not explain their causes.
Part 1 of 5
The animals
Which animals were listed on Miwuki in 2023: species, who listed them, age, size, breed, what their profile says, where they come from and where they were listed.
How many dogs and cats?
Cats: 5.1 percentage points lower than in 2022
- 7,422dogs listed
- 3,487cats listed
- 31.4%of cases were cats
Read the full analysis
In 2023, 7,422 dogs and 3,487 cats were listed. Cats made up 31.4% of cases, 5.1 percentage points lower than in 2022.
Who lists them?
- 6,525cases from shelters and other organisations
- 4,565cases from private individuals
- 41.2%of cases were listed by private individuals
Read the full analysis
In 2023, 58.8% of cases were listed by shelters and other organisations, and 41.2% by private individuals who cannot keep their animal.
These are two different situations: an organisation that takes in animals and a family looking for a new home for its own. That is why we show the two groups separately.
How old and how big are they?
Among dogs listed in 2023, 3.6% were seniors; among cats, 1.7%. Puppies made up 37.1% of dogs and kittens 51.6% of cats.
From the date of birth in the profile, 37.0% of dogs were under one year old when listed and 5.3% were nine or older. Among cats, 54.1% were under one year old.
In 2023 the way dog size is measured changed: since June it has been taken from the breed. That is why we do not compare it with other years.
Percentage of dogs and of cats listed that year. Age estimated by whoever listed the animal.
View the data as a table
| Category | Dogs | Cats |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy or kitten | 37.1% | 51.6% |
| Young | 35.1% | 26.7% |
| Adult | 22.0% | 17.5% |
| Senior | 3.6% | 1.7% |
Source: Miwuki Report on Pet Adoption in Spain · cut-off 22 October 2026 What IND-12 measures
From the date of birth in the profile.
View the data as a table
| Category | Dogs | Cats |
|---|---|---|
| Under 1 year | 37.0% | 54.1% |
| 1 to 2 years | 25.3% | 18.4% |
| 3 to 5 years | 15.0% | 8.5% |
| 6 to 8 years | 8.8% | 4.2% |
| 9 years or older | 5.3% | 2.1% |
Source: Miwuki Report on Pet Adoption in Spain · cut-off 22 October 2026 What IND-24 measures
Which breeds are listed?
7.6%of dogs had the PPP flag
- 54.8% Partial periodwere mixed breed
- 9.5% Partial periodwere PPP breeds
- 8.8% Partial periodwere hunting breeds
Breed stated in the profile.
Source: Miwuki Report on Pet Adoption in Spain · cut-off 22 October 2026 What IND-26 measures
Read the full analysis
7.6% of listed dogs carried the potentially dangerous dog (PPP) flag, which requires the adopter to hold a licence.
By breed (since June 2023, when breed became mandatory), 54.8% Partial period of dogs were mixed breeds, 9.5% Partial period PPP breeds and 8.8% Partial period hunting breeds (greyhounds, podencos, scent hounds and pointing dogs). More listed does not mean more abandoned.
Health, temperament and identification
- 80.4%of shelter dogs, microchipped
- 83.0%of shelter cats, microchipped
- 55.2%of shelter dogs, neutered
- 1.3%of dogs flagged with leishmania
- 53.6%of dogs get on well with children
Percentage of dogs and of cats listed with each flag. Flags are set by the publisher.
View the data as a table
| Category | Dogs | Cats |
|---|---|---|
| Shy | 11.1% | 12.4% |
| Independent | 9.3% | 11.8% |
| Escape artists | 4.5% | 2.2% |
| Playful | 67.4% | 62.5% |
| Affectionate | 72.8% | 72.5% |
| Good with children | 53.6% | 42.9% |
| Good with cats | 27.0% | — (No data) |
Source: Miwuki Report on Pet Adoption in Spain · cut-off 22 October 2026 What IND-32 measures
Read the full analysis
According to the profile, when listed, 80.4% of shelter dogs and 83.0% of shelter cats had a microchip; among those from private individuals, 80.7% of dogs and 33.1% of cats. 55.2% of shelter dogs and 63.7% of shelter cats were sterilised.
1.3% of dogs were flagged with leishmaniasis. Among cats, 1.0% were flagged with feline immunodeficiency and 1.2% with feline leukaemia.
According to publishers, 53.6% of dogs get on with children, 27.0% get on with cats and 11.1% are shy. 1.5% of dogs and 5.9% of cats had to be adopted together with another animal.
These flags are set by the publisher.
Where do shelter animals come from?
- 54.7%recorded as “taken in by the shelter”
- 16.5%recorded as “found in the street”
- 13.3%recorded as an unwanted litter
Percentage of cases listed by shelters and other organisations, by the origin they state when listing.
Source: Miwuki Report on Pet Adoption in Spain · cut-off 22 October 2026 What IND-14 measures
Read the full analysis
When listing, shelters state where the animal comes from. In 2023, 54.7% of their cases were recorded as “taken in by the shelter”, 16.5% as “found in the street” and 13.3% as an unwanted litter. It is stated by the publisher and the list mixes origin and reason.
Where were cases listed?
Breakdown by province of the cases listed in 2023. It describes activity on Miwuki, not the incidence of abandonment. Provinces with few cases change a lot from one year to the next.
Activity on Miwuki, not the incidence of abandonment.
Source: Miwuki Report on Pet Adoption in Spain · cut-off 22 October 2026 What IND-16 measures
Part 2 of 5
Why do they need a new home?
What private individuals explain when they list their animal on Miwuki, and how much housing weighs in those reasons.
What reasons do private individuals give?
- 25.0%chose “lack of time or space”
- 17.7%chose a change of address
- 7.8%chose allergies
- 21.8% Partial periodof written reasons mention a move
One option per case, from the platform list.
Source: Miwuki Report on Pet Adoption in Spain · cut-off 22 October 2026 What IND-38 measures
Percentage of written reasons mentioning each topic; one reason may mention several.
Source: Miwuki Report on Pet Adoption in Spain · cut-off 22 October 2026 What IND-23 measures
Read the full analysis
When listing, the private individual chooses a reason from a list and, since June 2023, also explains it in their own words. In 2023, 25.0% chose “lack of time or space”, 17.7% a change of address, 7.8% allergies, 7.6% a litter and 4.6% the birth of a child.
In their own words, 26.6% Partial period of written reasons mention a lack of time or work, 21.8% Partial period a move, 14.4% Partial period a home where pets are not allowed, 10.0% Partial period a baby or children and 8.6% Partial period allergies. One reason may cover several topics. Texts are classified automatically and are never published.
Housing and pets
What private individuals say about their home
27.9% Partial periodof written reasons mention housing
- 14.4% Partial periodmention a home where pets are not allowed
- 21.8% Partial periodmention moving house
- 5.0%chose “pets not allowed” from the list
- 17.7%chose a change of address from the list
Read the full analysis
In 2023 (from June, when the written reason was first requested), 27.9% Partial period of the private individuals who explained in their own words why they were looking for a new home for their animal mentioned housing: 14.4% Partial period a home where pets are not allowed and 21.8% Partial period moving house. Among dogs, 29.2% Partial period; among cats, 22.8% Partial period.
From the platform list, 5.0% chose “pets not allowed at home” and 17.7% a change of address. The figures differ because only one option can be chosen from the list, whereas a single text can mention several topics.
It is the reason stated by the publisher: it does not measure how many people give up adopting because of housing or how many animals are abandoned because of it.
Part 3 of 5
Who wants to adopt
The interest the animals attract and what people who want to adopt are looking for, when the platform records it.
How much interest do they attract?
- 10,107 Partial periodadoption requests
- 5,430 Partial periodpeople sent requests
- 31.1% Partial periodof requests for dogs came from another province
- 64.3% Partial periodof dogs got no requests within 90 days
Distinct people in the year, by the age in their profile.
Source: Miwuki Report on Pet Adoption in Spain · cut-off 22 October 2026 What IND-27 measures
Read the full analysis
In 2023 (from 14 June 2023), 5,430 Partial period people sent 10,107 Partial period adoption requests. A request shows interest in a specific animal. It is not an adoption and does not allow us to calculate what share of requests ends in adoption.
31.1% Partial period of requests for dogs and 15.0% Partial period of requests for cats came from people in another province. By age, 27.5% Partial period of the people sending requests were aged sixteen to twenty-four and 24.4% Partial period twenty-five to thirty-four. According to their profile, 61.8% Partial period were women and 33.3% Partial period were men.
In their first three months, 64.3% Partial period of listed dogs and 64.7% Partial period of listed cats received no request through Miwuki. Organisations also receive interest through other channels, so this does not mean that nobody was interested.
What are people who want to adopt looking for?
- 41.5%live in a large home with a balcony, patio or terrace
- 41.7%already have another dog, a cat or another pet
- 26.1%have young children at home
- 17.7%are about to have their first dog
“Perfect pet” form. Several sizes can be ticked.
Source: Miwuki Report on Pet Adoption in Spain · cut-off 22 October 2026 What IND-33 measures
“Perfect pet” form: percentage of forms to adopt a dog.
Source: Miwuki Report on Pet Adoption in Spain · cut-off 22 October 2026 What IND-33 measures
Read the full analysis
Among those who filled in the “Perfect pet” form in 2023 to adopt a dog, 41.5% lived in a large home with a balcony, patio or terrace and 13.3% in a small one without any of them. 41.7% already had another dog, a cat or another pet at home, 26.1% had young children and 9.5% had moved house in the last two years. For 17.7% it would be their first dog, and 62.9% said the animal would be alone for less than four hours a day.
71.6% ticked that they were looking for a small dog, 52.8% a medium-sized one and 22.1% a large one (several sizes can be ticked). 30.6% of those living in a large home with a balcony, patio or terrace were looking for a large one, compared with 11.8% of those living in a small one without them.
Only people who fill in the form answer it, so it does not represent everyone who adopts.
Part 4 of 5
Outcomes
How many adoptions and returns were recorded, how long animals take to find a family and which profiles find it hardest. We only count what is recorded on Miwuki.
How many adoptions and returns were recorded?
- 6,650recorded adoptions
- 6,464different cases adopted
- 57.5%of 2023 cases, adopted at the cut-off date
- 106 Partial periodrecorded returns
Read the full analysis
In 2023, 6,650 adoptions of animals listed in Spain were recorded, corresponding to 6,464 distinct cases. These are the adoptions that publishers record on Miwuki; some adoptions may not be recorded.
Of the cases listed in 2023, 57.5% were marked as adopted on the cut-off date. These cases have had several years to find a family, so the percentage is not compared with other years.
In 2023, 106 Partial period returns were recorded from June, when they started being recorded regularly. This is not a return rate.
How long does it take to find a home?
- 52days to adoption: hard-to-place dogs
- 16days to adoption: puppies
- 49median days until an adult dog is adopted
- 79.7% Partial periodof senior dogs got no requests within 90 days
Read the full analysis
An adoption platform sees a part of the journey that other studies do not: how long each animal takes to find a family and how many attract no interest.
- The wait. Among shelter dogs listed in 2023 and adopted within 180 days, half of the puppies found a family in under 16 days and half of the adults in under 49; half of the hard-to-place dogs, in under 52.
- The invisible ones. 64.3% Partial period of dogs and 64.7% Partial period of cats listed received no request through Miwuki in their first 90 days; among senior dogs, 79.7% Partial period.
They describe what happens on the platform, not its causes.
Which profiles find it hardest?
Who finds a home sooner?
88.6%of puppies adopted within 180 days
- 44.4%of adult dogs
- 40.8%of senior dogs
- 28.9%of hard-to-place dogs
Cases listed by shelters in 2023 with an adoption recorded within the following 180 days.
Source: Miwuki Report on Pet Adoption in Spain · cut-off 22 October 2026 What IND-21 measures
Associations, not causes. Percentages based on fewer than thirty cases carry a “small base” warning.
Source: Miwuki Report on Pet Adoption in Spain · cut-off 22 October 2026 What IND-21 measures
Read the full analysis
Among dogs listed by shelters in 2023, 88.6% of puppies had a recorded adoption 180 days after listing, compared with 44.4% of adults and 40.8% of seniors. Among cats, 74.7% of kittens compared with 38.4% of adults.
By age in years, 44.4% of dogs aged three to five and 42.2% of those aged nine or older were adopted within 180 days. Among those adopted within that period, half of the dogs were adopted in under 23 days (puppies: 16; adults: 49).
With the “hard to place” flag, 28.9% of dogs were adopted within 180 days, compared with 70.7% of the rest. With the PPP flag, 45.4%, compared with 68.8%. With leishmaniasis, 27.3%, compared with 68.1%.
Among dogs that had to be adopted together with another animal, 54.2% Small base; among those described as independent, 52.1%; and among those that get on with cats, 76.3%. Among cats, independent ones: 37.8%, compared with 62.2% of the rest.
In their first month, 13.7% Partial period of dogs with the “hard to place” flag received at least one request, compared with 32.3% Partial period of the rest.
These are associations, not causes: the profile alone does not explain the difference, and we only count the adoptions that shelters record on Miwuki. We compare profiles within 2023, not 2023 with other years, because how much shelters record changes over time.
Month by month
To compare months of different lengths, we show the daily average of each month.
- Summer (July and August): listed cases, 12.2% more per day than the rest of the year; recorded adoptions, 2.4% fewer per day than the rest of the year.
- Christmas (from 15 December 2023 to the following 6 January): listed cases, 19.8% fewer per day than in the previous three weeks; recorded adoptions, 9.2% more per day than in the previous three weeks.
| Year | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sept | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 33.2 | 31.9 | 30.7 | 27.9 | 39.3 | 37.2 | 35.7 | 36.8 | 36.7 | 33.7 | 33.8 | 26.7 |
| 2023 | 27.6 | 31.6 | 35.6 | 32.4 | 37.4 | 24.0 | 36.5 | 30.3 | 28.2 | 29.8 | 29.0 | 22.1 |
Daily average of each month.
Source: Miwuki Report on Pet Adoption in Spain · cut-off 22 October 2026 What IND-01 measures
| Year | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sept | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 27.5 | 23.4 | 21.3 | 19.6 | 17.8 | 18.4 | 19.1 | 20.1 | 24.2 | 20.2 | 20.3 | 17.6 |
| 2023 | 20.4 | 19.4 | 17.0 | 16.1 | 20.2 | 16.8 | 18.9 | 16.8 | 18.5 | 20.7 | 17.0 | 16.9 |
Daily average of each month, by adoption date.
Source: Miwuki Report on Pet Adoption in Spain · cut-off 22 October 2026 What IND-05 measures
Recommendations
- For families: give adults, seniors and animals flagged as hard to place a chance. Their temperament is already known and they are looking for a home too.
- For publishers: complete the profile and record adoptions and returns on Miwuki, including the reason. A complete profile is good practice; this report does not measure its effect.
- For Miwuki: document every change in the way data are recorded and keep this report's definitions so that years can be compared.
Part 5 of 5
About these data
The report's technical summary, the data that existed in 2023, what they do not allow us to conclude, the methodological annex and how to cite them.
Technical summary
- Edition
- Annual report produced in 2026
- Year analysed
- 2023
- Period analysed
- 1 January 2023 – 31 December 2023
- Data cut-off
- 22/10/2026
- Publication
- 24 October 2026
- Edition type
- reconstruction
- Scope
- Animal cases listed on Miwuki with country Spain. Not a national statistic.
- Reference dates
- adopciones: adoption date · casos: creation date · devoluciones: return date · solicitudes: date sent
- Data version
- 2026.10.22-r1
- Status
- Approved
Outside this edition or pending: adoption channel (outside the scope of the study) · origin of shelter animals (verification pending) · adoptions by private individuals in the barrier indicators (incomplete recording).
Miwuki Report on Pet Adoption in Spain · 2023 data · produced in 2026 with data as of 22 October 2026 · publication date: 24 October 2026.
It reconstructs what happened on Miwuki in Spain in 2023 with the report's current definitions and the data available at the cut-off date. It only includes what the platform recorded that year: when a data item did not exist yet, we say so.
What data exist for 2023 and what changed
New platform in June 2023. Since then:
- private individuals explain in writing why they are looking for a new home for their animal;
- breed is mandatory in the profile, which also records the health record book;
- adoption requests are recorded with their date, from 14 June 2023;
- dog size is taken from the breed;
- returns are recorded regularly.
This is why, in 2023, these data only cover the second half of the year.
What can we not conclude yet?
These data describe what happens on Miwuki, but they do not answer everything.
- How many animals are abandoned in Spain. Listing a case on Miwuki is not the same as an abandonment, and many organisations and families do not use the platform.
- Why the figures change. Fewer cases or fewer requests may be due to many factors, such as how many organisations use Miwuki or changes to the platform itself. We describe what happens, not its causes.
- What share of requests ends in an adoption. Requests and adoptions are counted separately and do not form a funnel.
- Why some profiles are adopted sooner than others. We show differences by age, size or the hard-to-place flag, but not their causes: photos, description, the organisation or the area also play a part.
- Whether COVID-19 increased adoptions. This is a hypothesis we are studying with controls; for now it is not a conclusion.
- Who adopts. Most recorded adoptions do not include data about the adopter.
- Whether private owners' animals find a home sooner or later than shelter animals. Most private owners do not record their animal's adoption on Miwuki, so their figure is a minimum.
- Where there is more abandonment. The breakdown by province reflects where Miwuki is used, not the incidence of abandonment, and the origin stated by shelters describes their cases, not the whole of Spain.
- The size of dogs compared with years before June 2023, because the way it is recorded changed.
Methodological annex
Definitions, coverage, recording changes and data protection: see the methodology page.
Downloads and citation
This year's PDF report and infographics are on the downloads page, with their citation format. The published figures, reports and infographics are licensed under CC BY 4.0 (Creative Commons Attribution): you may reuse them for any purpose, including commercial use, crediting the source, the data version and the cut-off date. The Miwuki logo and the illustrations are not covered by the licence.
2023 report downloads
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- PDFVertical infographic630 KB
- PDFPrintable A4 infographic635 KB
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2023 data · report produced in 2026
- 11,090 animal cases listed in Spain. 9.7% fewer than in 2022.
- 31.4% of the cases were cats. 5.1 percentage points lower than in 2022.
- 10,107 partial period adoption requests. Sent by 5,430 partial period people; a request is not an adoption.
- 6,650 adoptions recorded on the platform. 12.3% fewer than in 2022.
- 28.9% of hard-to-place dogs listed by shelters were adopted within 180 days. Compared with 70.7% of the rest (association, not causation).
Giving older and hard-to-place animals a chance makes a difference too.
Cases listed on Miwuki in Spain in 2023. Not a national statistic and not a measure of abandonment.
Source: Miwuki Report on Pet Adoption in Spain (cases listed on Miwuki; cut-off 22 October 2026).
Data version 2026.10.22-r1 · Data cut-off 22 October 2026
https://miwuki.com/en/adoption-report/2023/
How to cite
Miwuki. Miwuki Report on Pet Adoption in Spain. 2023 data (data version 2026.10.22-r1; data cut-off 22 October 2026). https://miwuki.com/en/adoption-report/2023/
Short credit: Source: Miwuki Report on Pet Adoption in Spain (cases listed on Miwuki; cut-off 22 October 2026).
The published figures, reports and infographics are licensed under CC BY 4.0 (Creative Commons Attribution): you may reuse them for any purpose, including commercial use, crediting the source, the data version and the cut-off date. The Miwuki logo and the illustrations are not covered by the licence.