Support Cuale Spay and Neuter Clinics

The Cuale Spay and Neuter Clinic is now in its sixth year, and demand for its services in Puerto Vallarta continues to grow. Puerto Vallarta has an enormous problem with dog and cat overpopulation. There are so many homeless animals living in the street. Vallarta’s perfect year-round weather means the street cats who survive breed up to four times a year. Many of the residents are rescuing street animals and taking them into their homes, and they bring them to us as they want to have their pets sterilized.

Initially, when the clinic started, we were able to provide surgeries for 30 animals per month. Word spread quickly, and the number of animals soon doubled. Launching our Facebook page in 2016 to promote the clinics meant a rapidly increased popularity. We sterilized 721 animals in our first year and a total of 5,917 animals so far. Each year, we have seen the numbers rising, and now we are handling an average of 120 animals per clinic. Now that our numbers have doubled and prices have increased, a clinic costs around 35,000 MXN (approximately USD 1,750).

The pandemic last year didn’t slow us down. We had to close for two months but made up for it by holding two clinics in June and July. We still finished the year with higher numbers! We also had to find a new location while focusing on everyone’s safety. The challenges the pandemic presented led to some changes that have further improved our procedures. We now require appointments for everyone, and pet owners and volunteers must wear masks. The new space allows plenty of room for people to distance themselves.

We are looking forward to getting back to in-person events once it’s safe. Plans include a second Spayghetti and No Balls dinner and hopefully a drinks reception. And we are looking forward to continuing in 2022 with even more animals sterilized!