The devastating wildfire ravaging the Sierra Oeste region of Madrid has not only forced thousands of families to evacuate their homes, but has also left numerous pets in critical condition. To address this emergency, the Community of Madrid and the Official College of Veterinarians of Madrid (COLVEMA) have launched an extraordinary program of free veterinary care for pets affected by the fire . The initiative aims to ensure that dogs, cats, and other animals receive prompt and free treatment, regardless of where they come from.
The operation, which began on July 28, has a network of ten veterinary centers spread across six municipalities in the area, in addition to a house-call veterinary service. The professionals are prepared to treat burns, smoke inhalation, dehydration, stress, and other illnesses resulting from the fire. Rapid response is crucial to prevent serious complications , especially in cases of smoke inhalation or heat-related injuries.
Veterinary centers authorized in the affected municipalities
The centers participating in this initiative cover a large part of the affected area. In Aldea del Fresno, the Aldea Veterinary Center is providing service; in Villa del Prado, the La Plazuela Veterinary Clinic; and in San MartÃn de Valdeiglesias, three centers have joined: ValdeIglesias, La Encinilla, and Sierra Oeste. The Pelayos de la Presa Veterinary Clinic and the Huellas center in Navas del Rey are also part of the network. In Robledo de Chavela, the SCA Veterinaria Integral and a veterinary center will begin providing services as soon as residents are allowed to return , as the town remains under lockdown due to the advancing fires.
Residents of the affected towns can visit any of these centers without an appointment or additional justification. The service is completely free and open to all pets , regardless of whether their owners are registered residents of the municipality. This measure aims to eliminate barriers and facilitate access to animal healthcare at a time of heightened vulnerability.
Veterinarian home visit service for the most urgent cases
In addition to the care provided at clinics, a team of veterinarians has been organized to travel to homes and shelters. This service covers the towns of ChapinerÃa, Pelayos de la Presa, Navas del Rey, and Robledo de Chavela. Owners can request a visit through the Official College of Veterinarians of Madrid , which coordinates the routes and prioritizes the most serious cases. The initiative is designed for both private individuals and temporary shelters set up by the authorities.
The mobilization of volunteer professionals has been key to the success of this initiative. Many veterinarians in the area have opened their clinics free of charge, in a gesture of solidarity that the sector itself describes as a community response to a catastrophe of historic proportions . In addition, animal protection organizations and non-profit groups are collaborating on logistics and the supply of materials.
Support for livestock farms: fodder and water for livestock
The emergency plan is not limited to pets. The Community of Madrid has also activated measures to protect livestock on farms affected by the fire. 300.000 kilos of fodder and 20.000 liters of water are being distributed among the affected farms to prevent the animals from suffering malnutrition or dehydration and to reduce the economic losses for the owners. This aid began to be distributed in the first days of the emergency and will continue as long as needed.
The fire, which has ravaged more than 34.000 hectares in the region and forced the evacuation of tens of thousands of people, has left numerous farms without pasture or access to water. The distribution of fodder and water aims to mitigate the immediate effects of the disaster and provide relief to livestock farmers, who have already lost infrastructure and grazing land. The collaboration of veterinarians, volunteers, and industry associations is proving essential to reaching all affected areas.
The free veterinary assistance program for pets and support for livestock will remain active for the duration of the emergency. The Community of Madrid and COLVEMA have reiterated their commitment to animal welfare during this crisis, emphasizing that no animal should be left unattended due to a lack of resources . The solidarity of professionals and institutional coordination are enabling thousands of animals to receive the care they need during one of the worst wildfires the region has experienced in decades.