Animal shelters, often described as sanctuaries of compassion, play a crucial role in society by offering refuge, care, and hope for countless animals in need. These havens work tirelessly to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome animals while raising awareness about responsible pet ownership and animal welfare. However, shelters alone cannot reduce the population of homeless animals, and in some cases, unintentionally encourage the irresponsible behavior of owners who allow overbreeding or abandon pets due to poor planning.
That’s why Casa Sheila, originally founded as a shelter, has evolved into a clinic, aiming to address the root of the problem through sterilization programs, vaccinations, and medical testing.
At the core of Casa Sheila’s mission is the desire to strengthen the bond between humans and animals. They seek to recognize and nurture the emotional significance of this relationship through compassionate care. In a world where animals bring so much joy and companionship, Casa Sheila strives to be a sanctuary of healing, understanding, and love. By supporting their cause, we help build a future where animals receive the care and respect they deserve.
Casa Sheila is run by Sandy Motter, an American from Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, who moved to Los Cabos from Puerto Vallarta in 2009. Soon after arriving, she met Sheila Marshall, a woman who had dedicated over 30 years to rescuing animals in Los Barriles. Sandy, eager to get involved, was encouraged to meet Sheila and their connection was instant. They began working together and formed a strong mentor-mentee bond, eventually deciding to open a shelter. Sadly, only six months later, Sheila suffered a stroke and passed away. Thankfully, a dedicated team of supporters carried the project forward.
Initially, the shelter was overwhelmed with people abandoning animals, tying dogs to the fence or leaving boxes of kittens at the door. This misuse contradicted the shelter’s purpose. As a result, Sandy decided to close its doors in 2019. To put this in context, Mexico has approximately sixteen million homeless dogs, the highest number of street dogs in Latin America.
Although the shelter was closed, Sandy couldn’t turn away from the growing need during the pandemic. With widespread unemployment and no government relief programs, many animals were left starving. Motivated by compassion, Sandy and a few friends began distributing around 2,000 pounds of food every other week.
Funding came mainly from donations and garage sales. Eventually, Sandy decided to reopen, not as a shelter, but as a clinic. She named it Casa Sheila in honor of her late friend.
The clinic’s first location was in an old church in the La Ballena area, with dirt floors and no electricity. Despite the conditions, they treated 211 animals on their opening day. The new focus was to offer free medical services to those unable to care for their animals properly.
Today, the clinic remains Casa Sheila’s main initiative. Skilled veterinarians provide medical care, diagnose illnesses, administer treatments, and perform surgeries, helping over 300 animals each month. They rotate clinic locations to serve various neighborhoods.
In 2023 alone, Casa Sheila helped nearly 5,000 animals. This work is largely sustained by the generosity of American and Canadian donors. While participation from the Mexican community is growing, it’s essential to increase local involvement in this shared responsibility.
“As a Mexican, I joined the association because I recognized the importance of changing the mindset of my peers, many of whom misunderstood pet care due to cultural beliefs. I’m proud of the Mexicans who are now joining the cause,” says Mariana Lemus, a Casa Sheila team member. “Together, we work toward a future with zero stray animals, free from abuse, and a more educated understanding of animal welfare.”
More and more locals are realizing the importance of sterilization. This shift in mindset is vital to controlling the stray population. Neutering not only improves animals’ quality of life but also fosters responsible ownership. Those who understand its importance must spread the word to others. Education and awareness are key to lasting change.
Casa Sheila is proud to announce a major milestone: 10,000 spay and neuter procedures. This achievement was reached on May 18th in the Villa de Cortés neighborhood of San José del Cabo, thanks to the tireless work of volunteers. It’s a powerful testament to the community’s commitment to solving a shared problem. Let’s continue to join forces to eliminate stray animals and cultivate a culture of compassion and responsibility.
Don’t miss the opportunity to get involved in this noble cause. Visit Casa Sheila Animal Welfare and support this pawsitive mission. Remember, it costs nothing to be kind to an animal, especially when they don’t have a voice of their own. ,