Things to Know when Bringing Pets Back & Forth to Mexico.
by Steven Forman

San Felipe Animal Rescue has surgically altered more than 4000 stray and indigent street dogs and cats since 2003. Nearly 400 since February. Over the last four years we have worked hard creating a strong presence here in our small town.

I get emails all the time from tourists who want to communicate how much improvement they notice on our streets, and we are grateful for the words of support. In Cabo San Lucas, there are actually leash laws in place. The local Cabo Shelter is clearly ahead of us in their overall process. In a perfect world, dogs would not be chained to trees in the hot sun, and all animals and children would be fed and immunized against disease----heaven knows, that’s what we all strive for here. Let’s keep up the good work.

If you’re planning a trip into Baja, or back to the states with pets and adopted dogs and cats, then here are some things to know. Always travel with vaccination and rabies certificates. Although Mexico is less stringent about laws regarding dogs and cats, you never know when you’ll be stopped. Birds are another problem entirely. It’s difficult to import birds into Mexico and especially difficult to export. They almost always require quarantine. Check out this internet link for more information. http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dq/faq_animal_importation.htm

If you’re visiting Mexico with pets, never walk them without a leash. Especially puppies that are not vaccinated. They’re extremely vulnerable to Parvo and Distemper. Parvo can be transmitted through dirt and feces, and Distemper is airborne. Both are almost always fatal. Always keep shots up to date!

Currently, ZAPP and SFAR hold two spay/neuter clinics every month in San Felipe for street dogs and cats. In attendance are veterinarians, Dr.Antonio Solis, Surgical Professor from the University of Baja Veterinary School, along with two competent interns.

We try to “fix” at least 50 animals twice a month. The July ZAPP clinics at Conalep School in San Felipe, are Saturday, July 12th & Saturday, July 26th.

Donations are appreciated, however not required.

We have recently published a new Spanish language brochure, available for distribution thru Solis’s Clinic and our Thrift Store. The brochure is proving helpful when addressing the issues of spay/neuter to Mexicans. It answers lots of questions about sexually transmitted cancers prevalent among fertile dogs and cats. Most importantly, it clears up some of the myths about male dogs, specifically fertility, and why male dogs are so vulnerable to highway hit and runs when they are NOT neutered. Please stop by the office or our Segunda and pick up as many copies as you like. If you’re currently working with a rescue group in Baja, email me at bajaanimalrescue@yahoo.com and I’ll send the art so you have this brochure available.

Call 707-320-4969 from the States anytime, or 686-577-2708 when calling from Mexico. Visit our Website to Donate at: sfanimalrescue.org or email us at bajaanimalrescue@yahoo.com with questions or feedback.