Travel has the power to connect us to places in meaningful ways. Visiting Colombia is not just about beautiful landscapes, food, and culture. It is also about the people and communities that make the experience unforgettable. Giving back, even in small ways, helps create a positive impact that lasts long after the trip ends.

Asociación Amor Animal

I recently visited Albergue Amor Animal in Montería, Colombia, run by the nonprofit Asociación Amor Animal. This organization is the largest animal shelter on Colombia’s northern coast and provides refuge to more than 400 dogs.

The animals here have been rescued from abuse, neglect, or abandonment. Despite what they have endured, the dogs are incredibly sweet, happy, and eager to greet visitors with excitement and affection. Seeing their resilience and joy is both emotional and inspiring.

You can immediately tell the shelter does an amazing job caring for them. The dogs are well looked after, social, and full of life, which speaks volumes about the dedication and compassion of the people behind the organization.

@cheyanneherrera

Visiting Albergue Amor Animal in Montería, Colombia 🐾 This animal shelter is home to more than 400 dogs rescued from abuse, neglect, and abandonment. Despite everything these dogs have been through, they are incredibly sweet, happy, and excited to greet visitors. The shelter does an amazing job caring for these animals, and unlike many shelters in the U.S., they do not euthanize dogs simply because they reach capacity. If you’re looking for a way to give back to the community in Colombia, please consider supporting this shelter. Ways you can help:
• Adopt if you live in Colombia. They have dogs of all sizes, ages, and breeds
• Bring dog food if you’re visiting Montería
• Donate to help feed and care for over 400 dogs daily I’ve shared their donation info on my website, http://www.medellintravelagent.com/giving-back, for anyone who wants to help support them 🤍 @ASOCIACION AMOR ANIMAL Huge thank you to @Nicoll for introducing me to this shelter and the work they do! 🫶🏼 #alberguedeperros #montería #monteria #colombiatravel #monteríacórdoba

♬ original sound – Cheyanne Herrera

One thing I deeply admire about this shelter is their commitment to life. Unlike many shelters in the United States, they do not euthanize animals due to capacity limits. Every dog is given care, patience, and the chance to find a loving home.

How You Can Help

There are several meaningful ways to support Asociación Amor Animal, whether you live in Colombia or are visiting.

Adopt if You Live in Colombia

If you are based in Colombia and looking to welcome a new pet into your life, adopting from this shelter directly changes an animal’s future. They have dogs of all types, sizes, and ages, from playful puppies to calm adult dogs, each one looking for a safe and loving home. Adopting not only changes one dog’s life but also creates space to rescue another.

Donate Dog Food if You Are Visiting Montería

If you are traveling through Montería, one of the most helpful ways to support the shelter is by purchasing dog food locally and bringing it directly to Albergue Amor Animal. With more than 400 dogs, food is always one of their greatest ongoing needs.

Make a Financial Donation

Caring for hundreds of rescued dogs requires a steady supply of food, medical care, and basic necessities. Financial donations help keep the shelter running and ensure the animals continue to receive proper care. You can donate through PayPal, and I also include their Bancolombia information for those who prefer to donate locally.

Why This Matters

Giving back helps strengthen the communities that welcome us as travelers. It is a way to travel more consciously and leave a positive footprint behind. Whether through adoption, donations, or simple awareness, your support makes a real difference.

If you are planning a trip to Colombia and want to travel with intention, I encourage you to consider supporting local organizations like Asociación Amor Animal. Small acts of kindness can have a lasting impact.