Veterinarians from Mexico, the United States and other countries will come to Yucatan for the annual Spay and Neuter Campaign 2018 in Progreso, Mérida and Valladolid.
The free of cost clinics are sponsored locally by Planned Pethood, Dr. Antonio Rios, and supported by Dr. Jeff Young, Planned Pethood International, Denver, Colorado. For the last eight years, these veterinarians along with an army of volunteers have committed to work long hours to spay and neuter thousands of companion animals in the Yucatan.
What began as a vision by Dr. Jeff has materialized into a successful campaign addressing the critical situation of animal overpopulation, not only in Yucatan and all of Mexico, but also in other countries such as India, Slovakia, Panama, Hungary, Poland and Turkey (just to mention a few).
When Dr. Rios, (affectionally called Dr. Tony) met Dr. Jeff, he quickly grasped how a spay and neuter campaign in Yucatán could make a difference in the lives of dogs and cats statewide. The goals, though simple, are long term: “Resolve the problem of companion animal overpopulation through EDUCATION, LEGISLATION and STERILIZATION.” Planned Pethood is proud to say that, since they opened their doors, they are responsible for sterilizing over 100,000 animals in the state of Yucatan.
Spay/neuter clinics will be held in Merida, Progreso and Kanasin Jan. 2016. (PHOTO: Melody McNarland)
Research indicates communities with active high-volume spay and neuter campaigns have reduced the number of shelter intakes and euthanasia. Cost is the reason many pet owners do not spay and neuter their pets. Low-cost or free spay and neuter is the only way to reach these segments of companion animals. It is not an overnight solution or a quick fix, it is a long range solution and requires commitment from those involved.
A prowess like this requires not only skilled and experienced veterinarians and technicians; it takes money and volunteers!
Every year the local government is solicited for sponsorship, and although they often provide money for some medical supplies the remaining cost is covered by independent sponsorships and donations. The average cost of this type of clinic is between $60,000 – $70,000 USD, (approximately $33 USD per animal). This cannot happen without the generous donations from the local and Expat community. By volunteering and donating you become part of the solution.
Here is the schedule for the spay/neuter clinics in Yucatan:
June 16 and 17 in Progreso
June 18, 19 and 20 in Mérida
June 22 and 23 in Valladolid
This year, the campaign desperately needs volunteers and donations, not necessarily economic donations, we also need food, and a whole bunch of other items that are vital in these type of operations… but most of all, we need people…
If you think that these poor animals deserve a little bit of your time, please give us a hand.
To donate or volunteer, contact:
- In Progreso: [email protected]
- In Mérida: [email protected]
- In Valladolid: [email protected]
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