Volunteer/clinic manager Andrea and her boyfriend came up with the idea of parading some of our animals in the square on Sunday evenings when a lot of people are hanging out.  She made cute jackets that say 'ADOPT ME' on one side and Spanish 'ADOPTAME' on the other, and takes 4 to 6 dogs plus a few puppies and kittens that travel comfortably in a special stroller. PET PARADE has made a huge difference –at least doubled- in our adoption rate over the last two years. It also has been a very effective means to promote our work among the public and to distribute educational material, as well as to collect much needed donations and sell our t-shirts. It gives locals and tourists alike an opportunity to meet the animals outside of the shelter setting, but we do not adopt them out on the spot. When people are interested in adopting they are invited to visit the shelter, get interviewed by our staff and sign an adoption agreement before they can take him/her home.

Who makes this happen?

Parading our critters is easier said than done. It involves a lot of work! And its great success is a result of the discipline and dedication of many enthusiastic volunteers. Some of our regulars are: Deb Stine, Katie, Desiree, Susan Beech, Lynn Horowitz, Greg and Elvia, and various others that give there time while on vacation.

The two lead volunteers are Andrea Sekula and Teresa Mentzer. They take the biggest chunk of the leg work, as they are responsible for preparing (choosing, washing and grooming) the dogs Sunday mornings at the shelter, returning in the evening to pick them up and take them to the square, where they meet the rest of the volunteers who will walk dogs, puppy and cat stroller, hand out printed information and collect donation. When the parade is finished, animals have to be taken back to the shelter and tucked in bed. It is a huge undertaking, but well worth it as it has effectively saved many lives.

HOW CAN ONE VOLUNTEER?

We always need extra volunteers to help out. The more volunteers, the more animals we can bring out thus increasing their chances at finding their forever home. If you are on vacation and would like to volunteer for pet parade, please email Andrea at: pets@humanecozumel.org If you live on the island and are interested in becoming a lead volunteer, contact Andrea for orientation. A suitable vehicle is a must, such as a truck or van.