What to Do?

Over the years, we've learned a lot about horses, dogs and cats that live in Mexico.

Things are different here then they might be where you come from.

Here is what we know (we also know that we don't know everything) . . .

Your Safety

"Street" Animals

If you walk around the area at all, eventually you will:

Be followed home by a dog or cat.
Worry about dogs and cats that appear to be sick or starving.
Come across an injured or diseased animal that is in obvious need of help.

So, what is the "right" thing to do when your heart wants to act?

At the Refugio, we get many calls from foreigners wishing to "turn in" a local animal for care.

Even if we could take in more animals, many times the animal is already cared for and has a home.

Only in emergency situations does an animal truly need intervention from the Refugio.

Visiting Casas

When a dog or cat follows you home, they are most likely just out making friends.

Local pet owners don't necessarily keep their pets on a leash (this is very customary in many parts of the world).

The best thing to do is to walk backwards to where you remember the animal following you and they will get the message that it's time to go home.

Underweight Animals

Many cats and dogs in town look like they are at unhealthy weights, with ribs showing clearly through their fur.

Appearances may be different than what you are used to as most animals here are very active all day (except when they strangely choose to nap in the street) and accustomed to finding food where there is opportunity throughout the day.

If you think these animals need extra nourishment and you can provide that without injury to yourself - your generosity will likely be appreciated.

Injured or Diseased Animal

You may encounter a dog or cat that has sustained a life-threatening injury or is suffering horribly from a disease that requires treatment.

If you cannot locate the animal's owner, you may wish to contact a local veterinarian to arrange for the animal's care if you are able and willing.

Please help us when you can as we need others to join us in personal commitment so that all of our efforts can go further.

As you've already learned throughout the website, many of our animals came to us as puppies or severe injury or disease . . . and years later they are still with us as they have not yet been adopted.

We don't receive grant money, so eventually we have to adopt out our existing animals to make room for more.

You can contact the Refugio when other options are not available. There will be situations when what we have learned might help save a life.

Many dogs here have an important job, security detail, and they are happy to have it.

For your safety, never assume that a dog is just bluffing to scare you away from their assigned area.

Keep your distance when possible.