Tulum, Quintana Roo — Civil organizations have launched a low-cost spay and neuter campaign in Tulum to address the overpopulation of stray dogs and cats, aiming to encourage responsible pet ownership and reduce abandonment.
Regina Torres, a member of the association Alma Animal, said the campaign is being carried out with support from Help Tulum Dogs, which is funding 400 sterilizations for dogs, while Alma Animal is subsidizing 100 surgeries for cats. The effort is expected to benefit hundreds of families and pets in the municipality.
Unlike previous campaigns, this one will run for several weeks or until all available slots are filled, giving more pet owners the chance to participate.
Torres noted that abandoned dogs and cats are seen daily across the municipality, highlighting the need to strengthen the culture of sterilization and owner responsibility. While more people are rescuing animals and having them sterilized, she said some owners still allow uncontrolled breeding, contributing to the growing stray population.
A key draw of the program is its low cost. A private veterinary clinic may charge between 2,000 and 3,000 pesos for a medium-sized dog, not including medication or follow-up visits. In contrast, the campaign asks only a 200-peso recovery fee, which covers:
- Surgery
- Medication
- One vaccine for the pet
The organizations urged residents to schedule appointments in advance due to high demand. They also invited donations to sponsor sterilizations for rescued dogs and cats, aiming to further reduce the stray animal population and improve their quality of life.
