Travel Tips

Voluntourism Spotlight: Rescue Stray Dogs in Cancun

Did you know two dogs can ultimately be responsible for up to 4,000 puppies in 7 years? Given that there are more than 30 million stray dogs in Mexico, this exponential growth depicts a severe health and environmental problem for the country’s community. Mexico’s local nonprofit organizations and volunteers are looking for volunteers to combat a situation that has spiraled out of control.

149050_10150112509365278_33906_nRescate Malix A.C., is a nonprofit organization registered in Cancun, Mexico, that helps rescue stray dogs and cats and provides educational programs for the local community. It rescues stray cats and dogs, rehabilitates and cares for them on-site, providing immediate veterinary assistance until they find a home that will provide them with the love they need.

The nonprofit works with Customs in Cancun, AmeriJet, Delta, AirTransat, Candi International, and many other organizations that relieve the pain and suffering for so many abandoned dogs and cats.

Together they have increased overall awareness through the help of workshops and the media, and achieved a way for rescues to find homes outside of Cancun where adoptions are limited. The nonprofit has also hosted and participated in numerous spay and neuter clinics and continues to be a part of the ongoing legislative negotiations for the approval of laws benefiting animal welfare in Mexico.

3449_10151406605320278_1531702728_nRescate Malix A.C. rescued upwards of 750 stray dogs in 4 years and another 1,000 have been rescued and adopted through its network that expands into the U.S., Canada, and even Europe. It welcomes volunteers all year long, and is visited by local schools, universities, and church communities.

Interested volunteers can dedicate their time from a couple of hours up to long-term work spending time bathing, walking, and giving affection to abandoned dogs and cats. The organization is also in constant need of fund donations, dewormers, antibiotics, shampoos, ear infection medications, and pet food.

But the best way to help is to simply to adopt one of  “Mayan Mutts” and bring it safely home, or just giving them a lift by claiming one for the flight back home.

To learn more about the benefits of the volunteer program, click here. If you would like to volunteer, contact founders Eddie and Angie by visiting Rescue Malix’s Facebook page.

By Cathrine Schermann for PeterGreenberg.com