FAQs
How does Mexipets work?
Mexipets is a US nonprofit organization that operates primarily in Maravatío, Michoacán, Mexico. It’s a relatively small-scale operation but increases capacity by working with local animal rescue organizations and independent rescuers to identify animals in need of spay/neuter as well as those that are eligible to be transported to the US for adoption. Mexipets also transports animals to San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato and Mexico City and on occasion, places them locally.
Where do Mexipets animals come from?
The majority of animals are abandoned locally, literally on the street. Dedicated rescuers pick them up and take them in, taking them to a vet when necessary for medical treatment, and arranging their spay/neuter and vaccination. Others come from private citizens who publish puppies or kittens on local sites when their animal has a litter. (We always offer low-cost or free spay or neuter to these individuals.)
Why should I adopt an animal from Mexipets?
In Mexico, the dog and cat overpopulation problem is enormous.
Spaying and neutering is relatively rare compared to the US, which means that there are millions of animals here in need.
There are often no shelters in Mexican communities, and those that do exist are often overcrowded and provide substandard care. Many lack electricity, and available animals are not vaccinated or fixed.
Abandoning entire litters at the dump or on the highway is common practice.
The transportation cost is comparable to US shelter adoption fees.
You lighten the load for Mexican rescuers to be able to rescue more.
You are quite literally saving a life. They will forever be grateful!
You will have an awesome and unique adoption story to share!
How do I apply to adopt an animal from Mexipets?
Please fill out our adoption form, available in English and Spanish:
How much does it cost?
Our adoption fee is $500.
Note: This is for US adoption that requires transportation. If you are located in Michoacán or Guanajuato and interested in adopting, the fee will be much lower.
Your adoption fee covers:
Transport costs (50-80%)
Spay/neuter
Vaccines
Deflea/deworm meds
Vet check (including documentation for international travel)
Plastic or soft-sided carrier
If I am approved to adopt an animal, how long will it take?
The length of time it takes for you to get your animal can vary widely. In some cases we may be able to get her on a plane or moving truck to you within days. In other cases we may be able to “hold” her for a certain period of time. It all depends on where you are located and when we have someone headed that way.
Another option is to fly down yourself and pick out your Mexipet.
How does the animal get to the US?
Your Mexipet will likely travel on a commercial airline, Volaris, with a pupscort to Oakland, CA. We also occasionally transport animals to the US on a moving truck.
Are all of the adoptable animals spayed/neutered and current on all their shots?
In the vast majority of cases, an animal you adopt from Mexipets will be spayed or neutered, up to date on primary vaccines. (All have to have the rabies vaccine to travel to the US and be parasite free.) In some cases, if you apply to adopt an animal less than a week before the transportation is to take place, we may send you an animal that has not been fixed. We will ask for your firm commitment to get the animal spayed or neutered before they reach maturity.
What if the animal I adopted from Mexipets is not a good fit for me?
While we ask for a commitment from our adopters, we also consider applications from fosters in which case you may be able to meet the animal beforehand. In any case if you feel the animal is not a good fit, we will make every effort to help you re-home her in your community through our contacts. Returning the animal to Mexico is not an option.
How can I support Mexipets?
Lots of ways! Check out the "How to help" page.