Patamiga: Estudo preliminar de um Centro de Acolhimento e Serviços para animais domésticos em João Pessoa-PB

Abstract

Pets have become an increasingly important part of Brazilian homes. The country now ranks third in the world for the number of domestic animals, with dogs and cats being the main contributors, and this number is expected to grow. This factor also implies the expansion of the pet market, public policies on the issue, and the need to raise public awareness about animal care. Meanwhile, the number of abandoned animals on the streets is also growing, surpassing 30 million defenseless animals in Brazil alone, according to studies. In João Pessoa, it is estimated that more than 16,000 dogs and cats are roaming the streets, impacting urban relations: public health, infrastructure, interspecies relations, etc. These numbers may reflect the lack of public investment in the sector, where the lack of urban veterinary equipment, both in quantity and quality, discourages public commitment to animal protection. Despite recent actions by the city government, particularly regarding animal welfare legislation, there is a clear need for investment to support animals, the public, and those who independently contribute to the cause. Therefore, this work proposes a preliminary study for a shelter and service center for domestic animals, primarily dogs and cats, in João Pessoa, Paraíba, as a measure to mitigate animal abandonment and the resulting negative urban impacts caused by this problem. It uses a methodology based on bibliographic research, normative, suggestive, and design references, as well as studies of architectural techniques that can contribute to animal welfare within a humane policy. Indirectly, the aim is to colaborate to social learning about animal care, encouraging adoption, while presenting an alternative approach to addressing the issue of abandonment through architecture and urban planning.