Street dogs and cats are a worldwide problem. Many of these dogs and cats are born on the streets, others are abandoned pets, or pets that are permitted to roam free. In Mexico, hundreds of thousands of animals on the streets are estimated to be homeless. Living on the edge of society, these animals constantly have to fight to survive. They are often starving, sick, or injured as a result of fights, accidents, or abuse, all of which lead to countless health challenges. In addition to the many dangers around them, feral dogs pose a public health risk in terms of spreading rabies among the local wildlife and people. Whether your interests are in education, veterinary medicine, or community work with an organization that is changing lives in Mexico, your help is needed today!
In Aguascalientes, Mexico, our placement partner has a working solution. This partner organization is tackling the local pet overpopulation problem head-on. Their 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 an adoption program finds homes for local stray dogs and cats. Through these programs, they have provided veterinary care and foster homes to thousands of dogs and cats. Hundreds of animals have been adopted into loving families, and the community’s morale has changed for the better as people learn what it means to be a responsible pet owner.
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. Shifts are from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday to Friday and from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturdays. Adoption event hours will vary on Sundays. Rescues can happen at any time—day or night.
At the clinic, volunteers help keep the place organized and assist with animal care. Depending on skill and comfort level, activities may include helping with treatment, 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 can always count on the guidance of other staff or volunteers. Volunteers have two days off per week. The volunteer coordinator will determine the exact days once you arrive and it will depend on the number of volunteers and activities at the clinic.
Volunteers stay with a local family that supports our partner organization and the work that they do. The home is connected to the vet clinic, making your commute very easy. The family will provide all the meals you have at their home. On volunteer days, lunches are provided by the clinic.
Do you have questions about safety? We have answers right here!
We’ve got you covered every step of the way! Your volunteering journey includes:
Airport pick-up and drop-off at Aguascalientes Airport
Comfortable accommodation with a local family
Most meals
Wifi
Comprehensive pre-departure & on-site training
A donation to our Placement Partner
AEI Travel Manual brimming with key travel insights including packing list, currency information and in-depth placement description
Premium Individual Travel Insurance (up to USD 500,000 in emergency medical coverage)
24/7 emergency support throughout your placement
One tree planted for every volunteer to help offset carbon emissions and create more livable ecosystems for wildlife
Enrolment with the Global Travel Academy to earn a certificate in International Volunteering
This program does not include all meals, flights, entry visa costs, international and domestic airport taxes, immunizations, and medications. The rabies vaccine is recommended but not required for this experience. If volunteers are interested in becoming rabies vaccinated, the average cost is $600 to $1000 in North America.
Are you thinking of fundraising for a portion of 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 fundraise for your experience, please visit our fundraising page!
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.
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 can be in poor health, have little to no food, and endure extreme heat and sunlight with very little shelter. Addressing the problems and health issues caused by the overpopulation of street dogs and cats is a huge task. By working with our partner organization, you are supporting their work in the clinic, helping to find homes for rescued dogs and cats, and educating the public. 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 as needed. Spaying and neutering are not widely practiced in Mexico, which means there is a need to educate the public and teach about its importance and responsible pet ownership. This is your opportunity to make a difference and to change the lives of the animals you help for the better.
Aguascalientes is the capital of the state of 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 love your stay! Downtown is easy to navigate and you will enjoy the colonial-style housing and churches throughout this vibrant and beautiful city. Where you are staying, 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 appreciate working with this group and staying in the home of team members. Homestays are a fantastic 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!
B Corps are certified by the non-profit B Lab to meet rigorous social and environmental performance standards, accountability, and transparency. We have been a B Corp since 2013, and since then, we have always been in the top 10% of quantifiable benefits to the environment and the communities in which we operate.
We acknowledge the traditional and contemporary custodians of the land on which Animal Experience International’s Barrie office is located. These people are the Ho-de-no-sau-nee-ga (Haudenosaunee), Anishinabewaki ᐊᓂᔑᓈᐯᐗᑭ, Mississauga, and Wendake-Nionwentsïo People and we recognize their continuing connection to the land, waters, and culture. We pay our respect to their Elders, past, present, and emerging.
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