Background

Mexico is home to an estimated 18.8 million free-roaming dogs, with Mexico City alone capturing and euthanising around 20,000 dogs each month. Although animal protection laws exist, enforcement is limited, and neglect, abuse, and abandonment remain widespread. Misconceptions about neutering contribute to uncontrolled breeding, resulting in countless stray puppies born into harsh and unsafe conditions. Many free-roaming dogs endure severe suffering from starvation, dehydration, and disease, with preventable illnesses such as heart worm claiming countless lives due to limited access to veterinary care and medication. 

Our Partnership 

Wild at Heart Foundation partners with Maya Animal Alliance (MAA), founded by Gillian Wood, to address these challenges and reduce animal suffering. This collaboration began when our founder, Nikki, met Gillian at a mass sterilisation event in Puerto Rico, where Gillian’s recovery team demonstrated exceptional care and efficiency. With more than 25 years of experience in New York shelters, Gillian developed highly effective recovery protocols that align closely with our mission to create long-term, humane solutions to the stray dog crisis. 

The Difference Made So Far 

With our ongoing support, Gillian and her team have sterilised more than 4,000 animals and improved the lives of thousands more through welfare initiatives.  

A further achievement with our financial support was the construction of an isolation kennel block, which is hugely important for keeping sick and vulnerable dogs safe in a sterile environment. 

Together, we are making a measurable and lasting difference in reducing Mexico’s free-roaming dog population and improving quality of life for animals and communities alike. 

Building the Future with Your Support 

The priority in Mexico is to establish consistent sterilisation and vaccination clinics, reaching as many dogs as possible. By expanding the on-the-ground team’s capacity, both within local communities and into remote regions, we aim to break the cycle of suffering before it begins. 

A mobile sterilisation unit would be transformative, enabling Gillian’s team to reach areas without transport infrastructure and provide vital care where it’s needed most. This initiative would deliver lasting, life-changing impact for dogs and communities alike. 

Every contribution to our cause helps brings us closer to realising this vision and helping create a safer, healthier future for dogs across the globe.