The alarming number of stray dogs begging for food outside the restaurants and the presence of hungry cats under the tables had developed into a serious situation. The children living in the surrounding low income neighborhoods were threatened by sickly packs of dogs roaming their neighborhoods. The volunteers began the difficult task of relocating the ill and injured dogs and cats away from the beaches and streets of Cabo San Lucas.
In 1997 the Victor Hugo Cesena family showed their appreciation for the group's dedication and accomplishments by donating the land for our Animal Center. Construction of the much needed facility was financed solely by donations from local residents and tourists. The Center began offering rescue and rehabilitation to homeless animals in early 1998.
We accept all animals to our shelter. Once dogs have been evaluated for general health, behavior, age, gender, they are tested for distemper, Parvovirus. If they test negative they are moved into one of the kennels. They are retested 21 days later for distemper; if negative they are spayed or neutered and made available for adoption. If they test positive for distemper, they may be kept in a separate kennel area until they test negative 30 days after. The decision to keep a dog that has tested positive for distemper is made on a case-by-case basis.
Sometimes the animals that come to us are too sick, old or exhibit unacceptable behavior for adoption. Sadly, they have to be euthanized. Unlike in the U.S., adoptable animals are kept at The Center until they find a "forever home" through adoption by locals, tourists or sent to one of Our Partner rescue groups where an adoptive family is waiting for them.
TODAY:
There are three cat houses: two are for adults and one is for kittens six months and younger. The average cat population is 35 cats.
The dogs are kept in two areas. The first area consists of 21 kennels for dogs that are ready for adoption and for dogs during their quarantine period that have tested negative for distemper once and are waiting for a second test 21 days later.
The second area has seven kennels for dogs that have tested positive for distemper but have no symptoms. This area is not open to volunteers, only staff is allowed.
The average dog population at is 65 dogs. Approximately 350 animals found their "forever homes" in 2009!
THE FUTURE
Our long term goal is to have a new more efficient facility that can better serve the growing needs of our community.
WHERE OUR ANIMALS COME FROM
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