Street dogs and cats are a worldwide problem. Many of these dogs and cats are born on the streets, while others are abandoned pets, or pets that are permitted to roam free. In Mexico hundreds of thousands of animals are estimated to be homeless. These animals fight to survive, living on the edge of society. They are often starving, sick or injured, facing countless health challenges. Not only are their lives at risk, but feral street dogs in particular pose a public health danger through bites and transmission of rabies to people.

These animals need our help. In Aguascalientes, Mexico the answer is provided by our partner organization. This organization is tackling the local pet overpopulation problem head on. Their ethical and humane programs focus on three main areas. School aged children and the general population are taught about responsible pet ownership through a dedicated education campaign. Spay and neuter clinics offer low cost pet sterilization to members of the community. And their adoption program finds homes for dogs and cats rescued from the streets of Aguascalientes. These programs have ensured that thousands of dogs and cats have received immediate veterinary care and have been provided with foster homes. Hundreds of animals have been adopted into loving families and the attitudes of people in the community have changed for the better as people learn what it means to be a responsible pet owner. Whether your interests are in education, veterinary medicine, or providing support for an excellent organization that is changing lives in Mexico, your help is needed today!  

Volunteer Activities

Volunteers are involved with all aspects of the program. The office and clinic are open from Monday to Saturday and adoption events are held on Sundays. Rescues can happen at any time – during the day or at night. Shifts are from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Monday to Friday and from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm on Saturdays. Adoption event hours will vary on Sundays.

While in the clinic, volunteers help keep the clinic organized and assist with animal care. Depending on skill and comfort level, this may include helping with treatments, helping the animals after surgery, feeding the animals, and socialization. Volunteers also help clean and prepare everything for the next day. On event days volunteers take care of the animals, and help out as needed.

Volunteers never work alone and are always under the guidance of other staff or volunteers. Volunteers have two days off per week. The exact days will be determined with the volunteer coordinator once you arrive, and will depend on the number of volunteers and activities at the clinic.

Accommodation 

Volunteers stay at the home of a local family who support our partner organization and support the work that they do. The home is a short drive from the clinic, in beautiful Aguascalientes. When at the house, all your meals will be provided by the family. On volunteer days, lunches are provided by the clinic.  Transportation to and from the clinic is included.

Safety

Do you have questions about safety? We have answers right here! 

Includes

Airport pick up and drop off (at the closest airport), accommodation, meals while on site, on-site training, donation to Placement Partner, AEI Travel Manual, emergency support while at placement, carbon credits to offset 3 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions, premium Individual Travel Insurance (up to $500, 000 USD in emergency medical coverage), travel discounts (through automatic membership to a volunteer only travel discount program), 24/7 travel and emergency assistance, enrolment with the Global Travel Academy to earn a certificate in International Volunteering. This 3-hour online course is curated by travel professionals and is designed to help you get the most out of your adventure.

Excludes

Some meals, flights, entry visa costs, international and domestic airport taxes, immunizations and medications. Note: The rabies vaccine is recommended but not required for this Experience. If volunteers are interested in becoming rabies vaccinated, the average cost is $600- $1000 in North America.

What is Serious

If you spend time in Mexico you will quickly become aware of the stray dogs and cats living in the streets and on the beaches. These animals are in poor health, have little food, and endure extreme heat with very little shelter. Addressing the problems and health issues caused by the overpopulation of street dogs and cats is a huge task. These animals are in need of immediate assistance, and the rescue team and clinic staff are able to respond within their community and offer shelter and medical treatment. Spaying and neutering is not widely accepted in Mexico, which means there is a real need for educating the public and teaching about responsible pet ownership. By working with our partner organization you are supporting their important work in the clinic, helping to find homes for rescued dogs and cats and educating the public. This is your opportunity to make a small difference and to change the lives of the animals you help for the better.

What is Fun

Aguascalientes is the capital of the state Aguascalientes, located in central Mexico. The area is known as one of the best and safest places to live in Mexico, and we know you will enjoy your stay! Walking through the downtown is fun and easy. Enjoy the colonial style housing and churches throughout this vibrant and beautiful city. You will be very close to a number of cathedrals, restaurants, cafes, food stands and museums - like The Mexican Museum of Death. Make sure you check them out to understand more about the famous Day of the Dead and other Mexican traditions.

You will enjoy working with this group, and staying in the home of team members. Home stays are an amazing way to feel like part of the family from day one and to experience authentic Mexico. You will love getting to know this beautiful part of Mexico, the people you live and volunteer with - and of course the Mexican dogs and cats!

Dates and Details

This is an ongoing program with operations every day of the year. There are no specific start or end dates. We work with you and your schedule so you can serve this community and help animals when you are available. Placements start on weekdays and volunteers are asked to arrive on the day they start their experience.

Fundraising

Are you thinking of fundraising for a portion, or all your fees? Many of our clients have been very successful with their fundraising efforts. To learn more about their successful fundraising projects and see how you can fund raise for your experience, please visit our fundraising page!