By Joe Howell, Ashlee Lane & Kiko Rodriguez—

San Miguel de Allende has long been home to a deeply compassionate animal rescue community. Yet critical gaps remain in how dogs and cats—and the people who care for them—are supported.

Enter Animal Angels SMA, a new U.S.-registered 501(c)(3) organization founded by three longtime animalistas in San Miguel de Allende. Its mission focuses on three areas aimed at addressing some of the root causes of animal neglect and hardship: Nourish, Transport, Educate.

Nourish
No family should have to choose between feeding their household and feeding a beloved animal. Animal Angels SMA is developing a local animal food bank with three areas of focus. The first supports independent rescuers caring for dogs and cats taken off the streets.

The second works with established organizations in San Miguel to identify families experiencing hardship in the campo. The goal is to offer short-term assistance through regular despensas of dog and cat food, helping families keep their animals fed during difficult periods.

The third initiative will test a feeding station in San Miguel, providing food and water for street dogs at a designated location. Working with the surrounding community, Animal Angels SMA hopes to ensure the station is maintained and that animals have regular access to food and water.

Transport
Finding local homes for every rescued animal is an uphill battle. Animal Angels SMA helps transport rescued dogs north of the border, where they can be placed in permanent homes in the United States and Canada. Each successful placement also frees up valuable space and resources for rescuers here in San Miguel.

The Animal Angels SMA team has already been helping dogs make these journeys, either by flying them to major cities in the United States and Canada or through the Rescue Express, a bus capable of transporting as many as 70 dogs to new homes in the U.S.

Thousands of Mexican rescue dogs have been safely transported north through these efforts over the years. In July and August alone, dogs were sent to Toronto, New York, Portland and Iowa. Animal Angels SMA may be new in town, but the people behind it have been doing this work for a long time.

Educate
True, lasting change begins with prevention. Animal Angels SMA is developing community outreach and school programs designed to teach children about responsible pet care and the humane treatment of companion animals.

The education program is still in its early stages, and the team recognizes that reaching young people throughout the community will be a significant undertaking. But teaching empathy and responsible animal care to the next generation is an important part of creating long-term change.

It Takes a Village
When it comes to animal welfare, the old saying really does apply: it takes a village. No single rescue group or organization can solve the problem alone.

Animal Angels SMA was created around the belief that collaboration increases everyone’s impact. Whether you’re an independent foster, a local business owner, a frequent flyer or simply someone who would like to see fewer hungry animals on San Miguel’s streets, there is a way to help.

A bag of dog food costs MXN $305 and a bag of cat food MXN $430, and food donations help support the Nourish program.
Travelers can also become flight angels, escorting a rescued dog to its new home in the United States or Canada. Those flying Aeroméxico, Volaris or Viva may be able to accompany a dog at no cost to themselves.

Animal Angels SMA is also looking for volunteers to help package food and deliver it to communities in the campo, as well as people willing to host small “Yappy Hour” gatherings where friends and neighbors can learn about the organization’s work.

Together, we can help make compassion for San Miguel’s four-legged residents part of everyday life.

Want to become an Animal Angel?
Follow @animalangelssma on Facebook and Instagram for upcoming fundraising events, volunteer opportunities and updates on the organization’s programs.
animalangelssma@gmail.com

Donations can be made via PayPal or Zelle to:
Friends of Mexican Animal Welfare