How to Adopt an Animal from Mexico

There are so many animals in the world that need a loving home. Most of the animals available for adoption in Mexico have had very hard lives, from abuse to neglect and starvation. Some are purebred dogs, living on garbage in the streets, others are cats and kittens that have been left in garbage cans to die. If you are vacationing in Mexico, please consider giving one of these wonderful hard-luck cases a permanent home full of love and joy. I promise, their gratitude will be worth it!

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• A wonderful animal to adopt
• Vaccinations
• Health Certificate

1. There are many places to find animals to adopt no matter where you go on vacation. In major cities, there is a municipal animal shelter where you can go to view available pets. Unfortunately, most of these shelters have a very high kill rate. There are other shelters, usually private and non-profit, too. These are no-kill and by adopting from them, you make a place for other cats and dogs to have a safe environment.
2. When choosing a pet from a shelter, it's important to look for signs of health. The animal should be alert and have clear eyes. Some discharge, especially in the case of cats, is usually something that can be cleared up with ointment or eye drops. The fur should be somewhat shiny and soft. Ask about the appetite of the animal. It should be friendly and respond to you. Remember many of these animals came from very bad situations, so they might not be the picture of beauty and health, but with some TLC and soap, they can be cleaned up and transformed.
3. Once you have selected an animal for adoption, if you have the facilities, spend as much time with the animal as you can. In traumatized animals and animals in flux, their personalities won't start to truly emerge until after they've settled into a permanent home. Use patience, love and kindness to help your new family member adjust.
4. Take the animal to a vet. The animal must be completely de-fleaed, vaccinated, and receive a health certificate before it can enter the US or Canada. Expect some upset tummy from dewormer or other medications, if the animal needs them.
5. Make your new pet comfortable. If traveling by air, use an airline approved travel case for your pet. They will understandably be freaked out by air travel (or any kind of travel!). Just be patient and understanding. A soft towel with your scent, a catnip toy or a chew toy will make your animal feel a little better during transit. I've found that drugging animals for travel tends to make it worse for them since they do not know why they feel so weird!
6. Once your new pet is safely home, keep them confined to a small space for at least 24 hours. This will give them an opportunity to get used to their surroundings and all the sounds and smells. After 24 hours, introduce them to the rest of the house a little bit at a time.
7. Keep cats indoors for at least a week (if not permanently). With both cats and dogs, when they are outside for the first few times, go with them and spend time with them in the yard. Once they realize that home is where food, water, love and safety are, they will stick around!

Tips & Warnings

• If you can't adopt an animal from Mexico, please consider bringing supplies on your next vacation: Flea prevention, medications, collars, toys, blankets and more would all be welcome at all shelters.
• Cash and pet food are also great donations.
• Feral or wild cats do best in quiet homes without other animals. They can make great pets if given the chance.
• Avoid animals that are listless or that have wheezing breath.
• Many animals have never been in homes with families before. Be patient and help them learn the right behaviors gently!