For a lot of residents in the Algarve, home is here in Portugal. For others, it is a little further away. “We have a large mix of members. Some of them are transient and others more or less permanent.” Jenny Clarke, President of the Association for Protection of Animals Algarve (APAA), sees how the membership changes from one decade to another. “There are members who have time on their hands, unexpectedly losing a partner and needing to fill their time meeting new people and making new friends at our events.”
Jenny has just finished unloading the last of the newly-sterilised cats from the vets. “Other members want a more hands-on experience and, believe me, they are more than just welcomed! All members are equally important, each fulfilling a role. Whether through continued loyal membership and donations, or fostering abandoned animals.”
The younger members of the community are always a gift when they join. “We love new ideas, the fresh approach. We already have a small and unique band of students from the Silves School, headed by Joe. He always has friends tagging along!” Jenny is laughing. “Oh, to be young again!” Still, wise-heads and hard-working hands, whatever age, are always appreciated.
“The year has been an exceptionally good one. There have been sad moments and happy times. Saying au revoir to Wendy and Gary at Pet Park, but welcoming new people to help us out, like Mayday Algarve in Vila da Bispo, shelters and associations that appear from seemingly nowhere to take on abandoned animals. As well as the tried-and-trusted, well-known names like Cadela Carlota in Lagos. All needing help at this time of the year.”
APAA’s SNiP (Spaying and Neutering Programme) takes most of the time and effort, and money. All funds raised from events and pop-up shops go towards the sterilisation campaign. Not only for the ever-increasing cat colonies but abandoned animals, pregnant cats and dogs.
Their recent Charity Variety Show, held in Portimão, was a huge giant step for APAA. “Our Christmas lunch raising just under a substantial €800 for our treasure chests.” Charity begins at home. And home is indeed where the heart is. A huge ‘thank you to everyone’ for a big-hearted year!
Visit APAA charity shops
- Alvor: Dunas de Alvor: Mon-Sat, 10.30am-2pm
- Silves: Rua Elias Garcia 20, Mon-Fri, 10am-2pm (Sat 1pm)
Real bargains. Christmas presents, hand-made jewellery, ornaments. Home-made chutneys, jams, marmalades, pickles and cookies. Everything you need for your home or rental. Spoil yourself!
2026 date for your diary
- January 11: Ferragudo Fair/Car Boot Sale. Every second Sunday. Come and see the specials on offer. A great morning out, from 8am to 12 noon. Lots of places for refreshments.
- APAA events: events.apaaportugal@gmail.com
- Pets: info.apaaportugal@gmail.com (mark for Anita-Legacy)
- Legacy video
- Always check out Facebook APAA Portugal
