Mascotizate Fest 2026, an initiative focused on animal welfare, public health, and responsible pet ownership, is debuting in Asunción. The event will provide veterinary care to pets without cost on Sunday, 24 May 2026, at the Costanera’s Tourist Esplanade. Additionally, the authorities have officially declared the project to be of Municipal Interest.
From neighbourhood clinics to a large-scale public event
Organiser Hugo Guerreño (71) is a veterinary doctor and former lecturer at the Faculty of Veterinary Sciences of the National University of Asunción. He says that the initiative is an expansion of previous events.
“This Mascotizate Fest comes from carrying out several small events, small outreach days in the neighbourhoods of Asunción to bring our services and contribute something to the citizens in the neighbourhoods we visit.”
Guerreño explains that after treating approximately 800 animals, mainly dogs and cats, the team decided to amplify the effort. Now, Mascotizate Fest 2026 has become a larger public event with 15 experienced, high-level professionals in attendance.
Mascotizate Fest 2026: Veterinary care for hundreds of pets
The initiative promotes responsible pet ownership. “The main objective is awareness-building: to create policies of awareness regarding pet ownership in terms of their health and animal welfare, framed within a law we have, Law 7513, which establishes that animals are sentient beings,” Guerreño explains. Additionally, Law N.º 7513/2025 reinforces a commitment to protecting animals and preventing their suffering.
Thus, Mascotizate Fest is also an opportunity for tangible data collection. Guerreño says. “The fest will also serve to create and obtain statistical data through digital registration. And in the future, this can be used to develop public policies based on solid evidence.”
Focus on access to veterinary services and family pets
Beyond the legal obligation to care for animals. “It is important because nowadays pets are already part of the family, and their care must be comprehensive. Their health, handling, and welfare must be taken care of, dogs, cats, and even other kinds of pets as well.”
Therefore, the event ultimately aims to improve families’ access to veterinary services Central veterinary services, such as the National University of Asunción, located in San Lorenzo, are about 10 kilometres away from downtown Asunción. Those living further away face a barrier in providing care for their pet.
Institutional support and annual projection
Many people’s support makes the project possible. “It is also being carried out thanks to the collaboration of companies and organisations that have seen the project favourably, because nothing is easy. Nothing can be done in isolation.”
Guerreño emphasises the idea of support and the hope of creating an annual event. “One always needs support, contributions, and ideas from other people, companies, or organisations. In our case, we have broad support, with the hope that this will be a success and serve as a starting point for future events. We plan to do it every year, and we hope that each year it can grow and even expand further, across the entire nation.”
A public health and awareness initiative
Mascotizate Fest 2026 is open to everyone. Therefore, organisers encourage pet owners to come and receive professional care for their pet companions. The event will take place with free veterinary attention. At the same time, digital registration system is intended to support future policy planning in Asunción. For more details, follow Mascotizate Fest on Instagram.
