Compassion without Borders is founded on the premise that all animals deserve to be free of suffering, wherever they are. Geography doesn’t dictate who merits our compassion and action. That said, up until this point we have been primarily dedicated to the animals of Mexico, where assistance is scarce and the need so immense. We are passionate about serving animals in these traditionally under serviced communities.

Over the past few years, however, it has become very obvious that there is a real need for CWOB to reach out to under-serviced communities right here in northern California, where I work as a shelter veterinarian when not volunteering for CWOB.

The local Latino population here in Sonoma County has a very high rate of relinquishment at local shelters, a large percentage of unsterilized and unvaccinated animals, and is severely underserved amongst animal welfare agencies and shelters , where bilingual services are next to non-existent and cultural barriers prevent meaningful outreach and education.

These communities have a higher than average rate of low-income wages and the need for affordable veterinary services and access to free and low-cost spay/neuter is critical.

So, we are in the initial stages of trying to set up a local Latino project, wherein we will set up monthly outreach and wellness clinics and coordinate free and low-cost spay/neuter surgeries in Latino neighborhoods. We will also be creating Spanish humane education materials for schools and kids in the area and utilize the program as a vehicle to educate these communities and raise the status of companion animals.

This effort will in no way detract from our commitment to animals south of the border, which will remain our primary focus. It just seems to me a logical extension of our work, which aims to help the animals that are at highest risk and in need of most assistance.

I’d love to hear what others think of this program and am trying to create a committee of interested folks to spearhead this effort and help me to organize. Let me know if you are interested.