For years there have been a number of animal lovers who have volunteered their time to help the poor and homeless cats, dogs and other animals along the Mayan Riviera. What has really made a difference recently is that these people have banned together to share resources and network to make an even bigger impact. These groups are running clinics, helping with adoptions and doing what ever it takes to get the sick and starving animals off the streets and spayed, neutered and vaccinated.
Years ago there was an organization named YARF – Yucatan Animal Rescue Foundation. It ran small clinics with volunteer veterinarians and helpers. The organization did not last but some of their volunteers formed VIDAS, which continues the work with clinics from Puerto Morelos to Bacalar and inland to Coba.
Some of VIDAS' volunteers realized that in order to be sustainable, a local organization with local vets and volunteers had to be created. This organization would be in the communities all year round to aid and compliment the work the U.S. volunteers with VIDAS were doing.
Thus SPAY was formed. SPAY has done free clinics up and down the coast and most recently SPAY has joined forces to help the PEANUT Pet Shelter, in Playa del Carmen, by supplying it with much needed supplies and vaccines.
Each animal that has been fixed, vaccinated and found a good home can, in some way, thank all these groups and all these wonderful people for caring and doing what it takes to help solve the problem of overpopulation, neglect and homelessness for hundreds and hundreds of pets. This writer knows personally just how hard these people work, and has witnessed first-hand their dedication, devotion and passion. I have volunteered in clinics and am the proud owner of my second rescue beach mutt. The days I volunteered were hot, tick-infested, long days that I wouldn't take back for anything in the world.
If you would like to help these groups please visit their websites, make a donation or contact them about volunteering. They are always looking for veterinarians who would like to help. These groups are proof you can make a difference one animal at a time! |
