Job Discussion Forums

[Betty Rubble]

Greetings!

I think I am moving to Tuxtla Gutierrez in a few weeks! You will probably see lots of posts from me over the next couple of days as I have many questions...

I was thinking that it would be good for me to have a dog to keep me company. Has anyone adopted a dog in Mexico? What is the process for bringing it back to the States when I return? What are vet costs like? Are there dog pounds there, or should I just find a street dog that looks hungry? Would it be wiser for me to adopt a dog here to take with me?

Thanks in advance for your words of wisdom.

[notamiss]

A street dog is an excellent choice! Yes, a number of us have �bought� our dogs from God�s great pet shop in the street. There are also dog rescue organizations and pounds. To find dog rescue organizations, try doing a search for terms like rescate animal, rescate canino and perros en adopci�n, limiting your search with �site:mx�. Dog pounds are called Centro de control canino and there is not much to say about them, I don�t think they promote adoption.

How to find your dog: Take your time, �shop� around and see what there is. But when you meet your dog, you will know somehow. Caution: not every dog wandering the street is homeless. Some people let their dogs live in the street.

Veterinary costs are very economical compared with North America.

As for bringing it back, a quick search will find you the infomation you need, such as http://www.foreignborn.com/visas_imm/entering_us/2bringyourpet.htm. When you are ready to return, it would be a good idea check the corresponding US government website again for up-to-date information on the requirements.

[Samantha]

You will be able to find an entire petting zoo to adopt once you are here. Do not adopt a dog to bring to Mexico! There are way too many starving creatures here. I feed several cats and dogs on our block (only one little block and there are more than a couple homeless animals). One little dog paid me back by having 10 puppies in our yard! It's all good. I found homes for all of them and Mama dog has been our burglar alarm system ever since. We got her fixed so as not to have a repeat performance. As a bonus she has trained all the newcomers to the street, on how to be watch dogs too. So don't worry, you will find all kinds of opportunity to have a charitable heart here. There are no real SPCA type organizations in most cities, but there are "animal shelters" where many suffering and rescued animals are supported by donation and volunteers. There is a huge opportunity for volunteering, AND you get first pick. The charity animal rescue center here has litters of dogs and kitties dropped off on the front doorstep every day. It is so so sad.

P.S. As far as taking them back home, all you will need is a very recent clean bill of health and proof of certain current vaccinations. Many of my friends who drive north every year don't even get checked for papers, but you need to have them just in case. It's not a big deal.

[Betty Rubble]

Thanks for the info! I had thought about getting one before coming because I am driving down, and it would make the trip less lonely. But now I found a friend to come, so I guess I will just wait until I am settled! Thanks for the quick responses and the good advice... I'm so excited to be back on Dave's- I've missed it since I was in S. Korea!