Cadela Carlota & Companhia

Cadela Carlota & Companhia is a non-profit animal protection association founded in July 2008 in Lagos, caring for abandoned dogs and cats in the area. It works in formal partnership with the Câmara Municipal de Lagos under a protocol signed in January 2010 and strengthened in July 2018: the council contributes to the shelters' veterinary costs, and in return the association houses puppies and other animals that the municipal kennel cannot take in. The charity runs two shelters, a dog shelter in a rural area between Odiáxere and Mexilhoeira Grande, and a cattery in the centre of Lagos at Largo Dr. Vasco Garcias 36, together housing around 80 dogs and 60 cats. Some animals are adoptable; others are considered permanent residents because of age, chronic health problems or physical limitations that would make rehoming difficult, and the shelters remain their home for life. A team that includes many volunteers provides daily care, comfort and training, with rehoming as the ultimate goal for animals that can be adopted. Two charity shops help fund the association's running costs, food and veterinary bills: one in Lagos on Rua Dr. António Guerreiro Tello 10, near the Mercado de Santo Amaro, and one in Almádena on Largo do Poço 32. Both accept donations of used goods for resale, including furniture collected by prior arrangement. Nandi Charity, which has worked with street animals in Lagos since 1996, has supported Cadela Carlota since its founding, contributing monthly to food and sterilisation costs. Residents can help by adopting one of the association's animals, becoming a foster family, taking out membership or sponsoring an animal, volunteering at the shelters, or donating by bank transfer, PayPal or MB WAY. Visiting hours at the shelters are available on request by message.