In 2019, Diario Los Andes reported on Rescatalos.com, a nonprofit platform created by siblings Danilo and Gianella Vezzoni to centralize listings for lost, found, and adoptable pets.
Centralizing scattered information
The idea emerged from the large number of animals living on the street and the difficulty of searching through many separate social-media groups. The platform aimed to bring those posts into one place, helping lost pets return home and homeless animals find new families.
The website offered two clear paths: lost pets and animals available for adoption. Users could filter listings by area and animal characteristics, reducing the effort required to identify relevant matches.
A tool for families, rescuers, and shelters
People who found an animal could upload a photograph, provide the location, and publish contact details. Rescuers, shelters, and foster homes also used the system to share recovered animals, request adoption, and connect directly with interested people.
The platform was not limited to dogs; it also included cats and other pets. After an initial connection, the people involved continued the conversation outside the platform and coordinated the reunion or adoption.
Information and future stages
Rescatalos also included a blog with guidance on what to do after finding an animal, basic care, and other common situations. Planned features included a donation system for veterinary treatment and dedicated listings for animals requiring financial support.
Another planned stage was a geolocated directory of veterinary practices and pet-related businesses, including information about 24-hour care, surgery, and other services.
According to figures published by Los Andes in January 2019, the platform had already helped locate 80 pets, rescue 50 animals, and complete 18 adoptions.
A project open to collaboration
Rescatalos was designed without a commercial objective. Its purpose was to use technology to simplify rescue work and increase the visibility of each case. The platform invited shelters, rescuers, professionals, and citizens to contribute information, awareness, and support.
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