The Humane Society of Cozumel Island was founded in 1993 by Karla Porter, a girl from Pennsylvania. Soon after she moved to Cozumel, Karla was shocked when she realized that the City poisoned dogs and cats randomly to get rid of stray animals.  A very determined woman, she put an add in the local newspapers to recruit animal lovers, and a few people joined her to legally establish a local SPCA in Cozumel. In 1995, they received a one-time grant from the Federal Government of approximately $20,000 dollars, which was used to build the initial part of our clinic-shelter, and to buy some basic equipment. Most of the founding members don’t live on the Island anymore, including Karla. But they would all be proud to see how the project they bravely started not only prevailed but has been very successful, helping many animals in need every day.

Our current president, Monica Velasco, worked with Karla during 1996 and took over the project in the beginning of 1997. The Cozumel SPCA became Sociedad Humanitaria de Cozumel, A.C., and since then we have focused our efforts towards promoting an ethical dog and cat population control program, by means of a steady and free spay/neuter campaign, an active adoption program and humane euthanasia when necessary.

Very important additions and improvements have been made to our facility in the last 12 years, with the help of wonderful loyal friends who have given us their steady support.