30 Years of SOS Animal in Mallorca: Open Day in Calvià on October 18

30 Years of Commitment to Animals – a day you’ll want to drop by

On Saturday, October 18, 2025, the SOS Animal shelter in Calvià opens its doors: from 11:00 to 17:30 there will be celebration, storytelling, and of course fundraising — for the animals. If you arrive a bit later, say at 11:05, you can already smell coffee and freshly baked cake; that’s such a small, reliable scent that always belongs here.

What to expect

On the grounds at Camino Sa Canera 11 there’s a flea market, a tombola (sometimes hotel stays are included), homemade cakes, drinks, German sausages and small snacks. Calendars and other keepsakes are for sale. Everything that comes in goes to animal care — this is not a cliché, this is intentional.

Access is exclusively via Palmanova — caution, the route via Santa Ponça and Son Bugadelles is closed. Plan a few extra minutes, parking on the site is limited.

A look behind the scenes

SOS Animal was founded in 1995; since then a small, steady team handles emergencies, surrenders and injured animals. Founder Maxi Lange remains at the forefront. Today five permanent staff work at the shelter, complemented by a colorful crowd of volunteers. Together they trap cats, care for dogs, and search for new homes — often under surprisingly creative conditions. A cat catcher recently laughed, saying he had already used a handful of sardines twice against the stubborn refusal of a tomcat.

The numbers, soberly and honestly

Currently around 100 cats and about 16 dogs live at the shelter. Each year the association cares for an estimated 500–600 cats and about 100 dogs. Many come from the street, many from private donors — a problem that has increased in recent years due to housing shortages and economic pressures. "That wasn’t the case ten years ago," says a volunteer, "now sad stories ring at our door more often."

Funding and care

The municipality of Calvià provides the property; about a quarter of the ongoing costs are covered by it. The rest is secured by donations, campaigns and sometimes bequests. Every help counts: whether 5 euros in the donation box or a larger inheritance — both forms enable routine treatments and operations.

Adoption, protection fee and taking home

Anyone who wants to adopt an animal pays a protection fee. All animals are microchipped, vaccinated and tested; possible illnesses are communicated openly. For very young animals there are neutering vouchers, and transports abroad (e.g., to Germany) are organized by volunteers — after prior screening of the new home.

If you’re stopping by on Saturday: bring cash (some stalls), bring patience and perhaps a bit of time for a tour. If you like, you can donate on site or consider a small bequest — it’s more serious than it sounds, but it helps a lot.

More information and contact details can be found at: www.sos-animal-mallorca.org