Animal Welfare Ambassadors

We completed another indigenous community project! 

This was by far one of the most difficult spay & neuter projects due to the general restrictions imposed by the Covid-19 emergency, the fact that the clinics had to be postponed more than once, and the difficult access to both indigenous communities: Copey and Pita in La Casona, Costa Rica. The Pita community has access only by horse, so just imagine our vet and volunteers struggling with horse rides and mud for 2 hours. Copey has access by 4WD vehicle only. Both communities lack power and rely on generators when electricity is needed. 

250 dogs and cats were snipped in 3 different clinics. On average, each animal owner was able to contribute with $0.93 to the surgery fee. Once again we can confirm that owners do love their animals, they simply need financial aid. In each community where SNIP, together with Zappa, offered spay & neuter clinics, we were able to appoint animal welfare ambassadors: Ilanita, Editas, Santos, Ceferino and Javier are the local persons who helped with the organization and execution of the clinic, either announcing/promoting the dates, helping with registration and pre-op or post-op procedures. They will be the main contacts in order to continue offering support and guidance with pet population control.

Since veterinary services are non-existent in these communities, ZAPPA and the vet donated the cost of 3 surgeries to remove tumors, the cost to treat 5 dogs with severe mange, 1 dental procedure, and 15 consultations for gastrointestinal issues. Also, ZAPPA donated dog and cat food plus deworming pills for all animals. Truck transportation was provided for 30 pets, otherwise owners would have had to walk more than 2 hours.  Hands for Health, a human health program, sponsored meals and lodging for the medical and volunteer team.  Thanks for their efforts!!! 👏🏻.

This project was completed thanks to a grant from Lush Charity Pot. A huge thank you to them and to Zappa for arranging these difficult spay & neuter blitzes. Each dog and cat says “Gracias!”