AGUASCALIENTES, Mexico— Last year, Humane World for Animals Mexico, then known as Humane Society International Mexico, established an ambitious goal: to provide care for more than 2,800 dogs and cats in 2025. According to a study the charity conducted in 2022, less than half (46%) of families with pets reported taking their animal to a veterinarian in the past year and 20% of low-income households reported having surrendered a pet in the past, mainly due to the inability to afford veterinary care. Additionally, the survey showed 53% of animals living in rural areas have not visited a veterinarian in at least one year. Prohibitory cost was the most common reason among these individuals, followed by a lack of awareness and/or logistical.
To improve the lives of these animals and the communities in which they live and to prevent the need to surrender pets due to financial hardship, Humane World for Animals Mexico launched mobile clinics as a pilot program in 2024. The program consists of a team operating a vehicle and setting up mobile clinics in communities, offering preventive care services, such as treatment for fleas and ticks, deworming and treatment of skin conditions, as well as vaccinations for deadly illnesses and more. More advanced medical cases are referred to Humane World for Animals allied veterinary clinics, at no cost to the owner. In addition to this, the program has also trained government veterinarians in better surgical practices, to improve outcomes and community acceptance of free government-sponsored spay/neuter.
By providing free veterinary services through mobile clinics in Aguascalientes, Humane World for Animals exceeded that 2025 goal in July and has gone on to care for more animals, now surpassing 3,000 dogs and cats who have received much needed veterinary care including lifesaving vaccines to prevent rabies and other infectious diseases, deworming, and flea and tick treatment. The clinics are also an opportunity to make residents aware of government spay/neuter services and to discuss the benefits of spay/neuter procedures.
“The kind of impact we at Humane World for Animals Mexico can have goes far beyond veterinary care—we’re building a culture of empathy and collaboration. By treating companion animals with care, and leading by example, we show that there are kinder, more humane ways to engage with both people and animals. Each field visit becomes a holistic effort to support the well-being of entire communities," says Bárbara Morales, program manager, Companion Animals and Engagement for Humane World for Animals Mexico.
The program includes formal agreements with local clinics to provide specialized care in emergency cases. One such case involved a puppy named Pat, the only survivor of a litter of dogs infected with parvovirus. Pat arrived at the Humane World for Animals mobile clinic in Aguascalientes in critical condition. Although ambulance services weren’t available, the veterinary team coordinated with local leaders. A night watchman stepped in, offering transport to a partner clinic equipped to provide emergency care. Thanks to this swift collaboration, Pat received lifesaving treatment and made a full recovery.
“I’m deeply grateful. You saved Pat’s life with professionalism and care,” says her guardian. “She’s healthy and full of energy now. Thank you for making a real difference.”
The Mexico team continues to operate mobile clinics every Friday and Saturday, committed to improving animal welfare and strengthening the bond between people and their pets.
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