25/02/2026
The 8th AEDPAC FORUM will bring together experts from the petcare sector at Iberzopropet'26 to analyze the great economic, regulatory and social challenges facing the pet sector in Spain.
The 8º FORUM, “The Forum of the industry and trade of the companion animal sector in Spain”, will hold its eighth edition on March 11, 12 and 13, 2026, in Hall 10 of IFEMA MADRID, within the framework of IberzooPropet 2026.
Organized by the Spanish Association of the Industry and Trade of the Companion Animal Sector (AEDPAC), the FORUM is consolidating itself as the major professional meeting space for the petcare sector in Spain, bringing together entrepreneurs, executives, veterinarians, regulatory experts, public administration and market analysts.
According to
Ignasi Solana Vinyoles, FORUM commissioner and secretary general of AEDPAC: “Since its creation, the FORUM has consolidated itself as the major meeting point for analysis and debate on the industrial, business and commercial activity of the companion animal sector in our country. It is an open space to detect new trends, generate valuable content and project the voice of the sector to the markets and public opinion.”
This edition has the support of IFEMA Madrid and the collaboration of the General Directorate for Animal Rights, AMVAC and the Vet+i Foundation
Official Programme . 2026 Edition.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11 - Markets, humanization and internationalization
The day will begin with a panel focused on the transformation of the business model in the petcare market, addressing the new role of manufacturers, distributors and pet shops.
"Towards new business models in the petcare market chain. Product and brand values. The new role of manufacturers, distributors and pet shops."
Moderated by
Milagros Rodero, specialized editor at Alimarket.
Participants:
- Josep Casas, CEO and co-founder of Food for Joe.
- Ricardo Herrero, Expansion Director at Crazypet, Miscota and Petness.
- Daniel Lizárraga, CEO of Gloriapets.
- Diego González, Commercial Manager Petfood & Petcare at Carrefour.
"Pet humanization: progress or risk? Impact on animal welfare and limits of the human-animal bond".
The debate on the evolution of the human-animal bond will be one of the central points of the programme. The panel will analyze the impact of humanization on animal welfare and the limits of the bond.
Moderated by:
Ignasi Solana Vinyoles, secretary general of AEDPAC.
Speakers:
- Paula Calvo, PhD in Anthrozoology.
- María Sanz (@mariavetican), veterinarian and communicator.
- Sofía Bienes, founder of The Dogg Hotel & Spa.
- Blanca Mª Blanco, president of CEVE León.
The day will conclude with a panel focused on the international expansion of the sector.
"Opening new markets for Spanish petcare. Experiences, case studies and international expansion opportunities".
Moderated by
Fito Santa-Olalla, president of AEDPAC.
Participants:
- Josep Piqué, CEO of Cunipic.
- José Herrero, Commercial and Marketing Director at PSH.
- Martín Proetto, CEO of Pampaspet.
- Pablo Gómez, CEO of YowUp.
THURSDAY, MARCH 12 – “Innovation, digitalization and animal welfare”
In collaboration with the Vet+i Foundation, this session will address regulatory, technological and digitalization advances in veterinary medicines and clinical management.
Moderated by
Pablo Hervás, vice president of the Vet+i Foundation.
Participants:
- Jorge Muniesa, Regulatory Manager Spain & Portugal at Elanco.
- Marta Martín, Head of Area of the Veterinary Medicines Department (AEMPS).
- Augusto Macías, General Director of VetPartners.
- Jesús Charlán, professor and ESIC consultant.
"Abandonment and adoption in Spain: real data and challenges. The vision of shelters, administration and companies in the face of a structural challenge"
A panel of special social impact will bring together representatives from public administration, foundations and veterinarians to analyze the structural situation of abandonment and adoption.
Moderated by
Ruimán Duarte, animal welfare consultant.
Participants:
- Ana Mª Catalán, General Directorate for Animal Rights.
- Isabel Buil, Director of the Affinity Foundation.
- Belén Muñoz, president of AVEM.
- Elena García, co-founder of Ethogroup.
Balance of Law 7/2023
The General Directorate for Animal Rights will present an official assessment following the entry into force of Law 7/2023. The presentation will be given by
José Ramón Becerra, Director General for Animal Rights, introduced by
Adolfo Santa-Olalla, president of the Companion Animals Commission of AEDPAC
FRIDAY, MARCH 13 - The veterinary profession in the mirror. Context and challenges.
The third day will focus on the present and future of veterinary clinical practice, in collaboration with AMVAC.
Moderated by
Jaime Díaz, Commercial Director Spain and Portugal at UNAVETS.
Participants:
- Hernán Fominaya, Medical Director Hospital AniCura VETSIA.
- Beatriz Escribano, veterinarian specialized in ophthalmology..
- Inmaculada de la Escalera, independent clinical veterinarian
Designing the future of the profession
The final session will bring together business leaders from the veterinary field:
Moderated by
Ramón Estéban, General Director of Nuzoa .
- Augusto Macías, General Director VetPartners Spain and Portugal.
- Ángel Rodríguez, owner of Wecan Segovia..
- Huges Salord, CEO Santévet Group
- Pere Mercader, managing partner of VMS.
The 8ºFORUM will be held with free admission for professional visitors to IberzooPropet 2026, thus reinforcing its vocation as an open space for knowledge, dialogue and generation of valuable content for the entire ecosystem of the companion animal sector in our country and reinforcing its commitment to knowledge generation, sector dialogue and institutional projection of the sector in Spain.
Madrid, February 24, 2026.
_____
PRESS CONTACT INFORMATION.
If you wish to receive graphic material or detailed information about the participants, presentations and round tables of the FORUM, please contact:
