Spay and Neuter Clinic in Mexico Doing Good for Everyone
Overpopulation in pets is a growing problem not only in the United States but also around the world. There are some communities in Mexico where this problem is acute. When spending time in one of the communities in Mexico, Kim Anderson, Janice Boback & Jessica Marshall Founder, learned about the problem with strays there and decided to be part of the solution. In January 2013, she joined a small group of Telchac Puerto Yucatan Expats met to address their concern about the growing number of street dogs in their community and joined the group. From that first meeting, PAAR (Programa de Animales al Rescate) was created to help manage the stray animal population in the community.
At that time, packs of stray dogs were a significant health problem for both animals and people. Today, there is a significant improvement. But it takes continued efforts to keep the animal population healthy and at sustainable levels.
PAAR exists as a fundraising organization established to fund spay/neuter services for the community. The first-ever spay and neuter clinic was held on March 17, 2013. An amazing 126 animals were sterilized. The resounding success and the supportive response of the entire community at that initial clinic empowered the organization to continue their efforts.
Anderson Boback & Marshall were a part of the initial meeting and continue to be a part of the organization today. On March 11, 2018, we participated in the clinic that sterilized another 100 animals. We were there to greet the puppies coming in, as well as to assist the veterinarians do their work. There isn’t enough room here to thank the tireless efforts of the veterinarians and the young kids who volunteered hour after hour of their time to make Sunday’s clinic a success.
Anderson Boback & Marshall is also a part of the community outreach program that is helping to educate today’s children of Telchac about the importance of spaying and neutering. At school, children are provided with books about the process and why it is important to spay and neuter. As these children grow, it is our hope that they will provide further education in their community and this problem will cease to exist in their community.
Subsequent clinics have led to hundreds more animals, both dogs and cats, being sterilized. Along with eloping to manage the street dog population, the organization provides free spay/neuter services to Telchac Puerto pet owners who may not be able to afford these services. PAAR is funded solely from donations from the community. 100% of the money raised goes to the care of animals. PAAR relies on volunteers for all coordination and fundraising. For more information or to make a donation, please contact paar@telchacpuertoyucatan.com and a board member will respond to you.
