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8th Annual Rancho Viejo Spay & Neuter Campaign 2020

General Info

Welcome to our info page for Volunteers. Here you will find everything you need to know about our campaign, what to expect, and what is expected of you.

Dates: Nov 11 – 15 (5 days of surgeries straight, no day off this year)

Clinic location: Same great spot as last year – Manolo’s! Map: https://tinyurl.com/y3fvlobg

NOTE: Deadline to commit – September 15, 2020 – We need time to find you housing.  After September 15th, you may need to find your own housing.

Sign up here: https://forms.gle/Bk7st13aDfcYAdnb7

  • Monday Nov 9 – Arrival date for most people
  • Tuesday Nov 10 – Set up date. We’ll need as many people as possible! Mandatory Meeting at 5 PM at the clinic (Manolo’s)
  • Wednesday Nov 11 to Sunday Nov 15  – CAMPAIGN SURGERY
  • Monday Nov 16 – Tear down. Again, we will need as much help as possible!
  • Tuesday Nov 17 – Check out at 11:00 AM

Michelle Bradet-Simpson has offered to host the After-Party Monday Nov 16 at 4 PM at her beautiful home on Isla Mujeres. We hope everyone can make it!

When you book your CARM Transfers airport transportation, in the comment section put the number of pieces of luggages/crates you have.  That way CARM knows how many people and luggage pieces will be on a van.

Separate supplies and personal luggage.  All supplies will be dropped off at the mainland house before you get to the ferry.

TRAVELING FROM CANADA: If you have supplies that you would like to donate and flying out of Toronto (YYZ) we could use your help in escorting supplies and crates down. If you are flying from anywhere else in Canada, also please contact Cindy Krysmanski who will assist and coordinate the details and supplies to be escorted at krysmacy@gmail.com. (There is NO cost to you if flying West Jet or Air Transat to escort supplies)

TRAVELING FROM USA: If you can bring supplies but have questions about what is needed, contact our queen of supplies:  Alex alexnashfordemail@gmail.com

VERY IMPORTANT: Please DO NOT bring any expired drugs or supplies. Customs will give you a very hard time and might even charge to dispose of them, they will not allow them into the country and that will just be wasted space.

Do not bring sheets, pillow cases or towels, that just take up space for other supplies that we need. We are working on getting donations of these items from hotels in Cancun.

Do not put meds in crates, everyone flying with crates is subject to customs search. If you are traveling with crates, only travel with crates and soft supplies. If you are traveling with pure medical supplies, pack in a suitcase.

Register here for airport transfers: CARM Group Transfers

This is the ONLY way to get airport transportation. No Whatsapp, No Facebook messenger, No text. Any questions? Email us at office@cancunandrivieramaya.com

Additional info:  You might have to wait a little at the airport, but the CARM driver will get you all together like little chicks and take you to Puerto Juarez.  If you are staying on Isla Mujeres, the earliest ferry is 6 AM, so you cannot make a flight at 8:30 AM or earlier.

Your transportation is direct to your lodging. There are NO STOPS included.

Ferry tickets provided by CARM again this year!  Yay!  This includes going to and from the clinic and airport ONLY.

BREAKFAST

A light breakfast will be served at the RV clinic daily,starting at 8:00

  • Coffee, Tea, Fresh Juices and water
  • Toast,  muffins, bagels and biscuits
  • Boiled Eggs
  • Breakfast meats
  • Yogurt

MORNING SNACKS

  • Iced coffee
  • Fruits and vegetables
  • Protein and energy bars

LUNCH

Lunch will be provided by various restaurants in Isla Mujeres, with fill ins as needed by Marrien, our Food & Beverage coordinator.
We will try to have vegan options, but if you have a special diet, please bring your own lunch.

AFTERNOON SNACKS

  • Fresh vegetables with dips
  • Cheese & crackers
  • Cookies
  • Candy bars

Ice Tea, Gatorade, Water and coffee will be provided throughout the day.

We will make every attempt to have vegan and vegetarian selections available. There are convenience stores across the street from the clinic but it’s all sugar and NOTHING vegan. You can also bring them from back home or try to get them at Walmart or a specialized store once you arrive.

VERY IMPORTANT: If you are allergic to something, ie peanuts or shellfish, YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE for asking if the meals include any of the items you are allergic to.

The fabulous people on Isla Mujeres will be providing housing on Isla Mujeres.

You will be dropped off at the ferry (tickets included) and take a 20 minute ferry ride to the island. You will be picked up in a golf cart by your local host, or if your hotel is close to the ferry, walk to it.

Your costs for the clinic:  Prices in USD

Room for Nov 9 check in to Nov 17 check out – Includes room, transportation, driver tips to and from clinic and food at clinic.

  • $250 – full week
  • $32 / night (3 days minimum)

Licensed Vets are free

Volunteering less than three days, volunteers must provide their own accommodations.

If you have your own housing:

  • FOOD – We will provide light breakfast & lunch at the clinic. If you have a special diet, bring your own lunch.
  • TRANSPORTATION – We will provide your transportation to and from the Airport and the clinic each day.
  • Please show appreciation for the caring and hard-working drivers. Tip your Driver $3-$4 USD (at least) each day to the clinic and to and from the airport.

Volunteers need to pay their housing option.

CANADIANS:  CASH is always good (CAD / MXN)  Remember the exchange rate!

  • E-Transfer to Anna Krallis (employee of Isla Animals) bcrevyak@gmail.com
  • Canadians – DO NOT USE PayPal.  They take a large fee.

AMERICANS:

  • CASH is always good (USD or MXN)
  • Venmo: 919-381-2840
  • Direct Deposit to Bank of America:
    • Name: Patrina Noakes
    • Account number: 354007586147
    • Routing number: 081000032
  • Zelle trina@islaanimals.org or mobile 919-381-2840
  • PayPal: info@islaanimals.org

BRAZILIANS or any others: MXN or USD Cash is probably the best way.

If you are planning on taking a dog or cat back with you, coordinate ahead of time with Anna Krallis, the Director of Operations. Email: info@islaanimals.org

Here is a blog post with more info for you:  https://islaanimals.org/faq/

Communication is extremely important in these clinics, we all need to be able to contact each other to make sure everything runs smoothly.

We will be using Messenger ONLY to communicate. You do NOT need to be on Facebook to download Messenger. Once you have done that, look up Pat Fulton Jennings and Wave 👋 at her.

TEXTING IS NOT AN OPTION because it does not work well between multiple countries / phone numbers.

AIRPLANE TICKETS: If you’re coming and you haven’t gotten your plane ticket please start looking.  Mid November is the beginning of the busy season in Cancun so if you want the good flights think about it now.

MONEY: get your money changed to pesos BEFORE you leave home, it is so much easier.  You can use USD and CAD at the bigger grocery stores but Mexican pesos are preferred. Check out this blog on CARM: https://www.cancunandrivieramaya.com/blog/can-i-use-us-dollars-in-mexico/

EXTENDED STAY:  If you want to arrive early or stay later for R&R, the accommodations are on you.  A good place for that is on Isla Mujeres.  We will only provide housing from Nov 9 check in to Nov 17 check out.

SAFETY: The working venue is located in an area called Rancho Viejo or RV for short. This is a family-oriented area and also very poor. Technically RV is part of the municipality of Isla Mujeres but, on the mainland. We will only be there during clinic hours. Normal travel advice applies: Watch your belongings, don’t leave items unattended, be smart, & don’t do anything you wouldn’t do back home.

Schedule

  • Monday Nov 9 – Arrival date for most people
  • Tuesday Nov 10 – Set up date. We’ll need as many people as possible! Mandatory Meeting at 5 PM at the clinic (Manolo’s)
  • Wednesday Nov 11 to Sunday Nov 15  – CAMPAIGN SURGERY
  • Monday Nov 16 – Tear down. Again, we will need as much help as possible!
  • Tuesday Nov 17 – Check out at 11:00 AM

Michelle Bradet-Simpson has offered to host the After-Party Monday Nov 16 at 4 PM at her beautiful home on Isla Mujeres. We hope everyone can make it!

Bringing Supplies to Cancun

When you book your CARM Transfers airport transportation, in the comment section put the number of pieces of luggages/crates you have.  That way CARM knows how many people and luggage pieces will be on a van.

Separate supplies and personal luggage.  All supplies will be dropped off at the mainland house before you get to the ferry.

TRAVELING FROM CANADA: If you have supplies that you would like to donate and flying out of Toronto (YYZ) we could use your help in escorting supplies and crates down. If you are flying from anywhere else in Canada, also please contact Cindy Krysmanski who will assist and coordinate the details and supplies to be escorted at krysmacy@gmail.com. (There is NO cost to you if flying West Jet or Air Transat to escort supplies)

TRAVELING FROM USA: If you can bring supplies but have questions about what is needed, contact our queen of supplies: Alex at alexnashfordemail@gmail.com

VERY IMPORTANT: Please DO NOT bring any expired drugs or supplies. Customs will give you a very hard time and might even charge to dispose of them, they will not allow them into the country and that will just be wasted space.

Do not bring sheets, pillow cases or towels, that just take up space for other supplies that we need. We are working on getting donations of these items from hotels in Cancun.

Do not put meds in crates, everyone flying with crates is subject to customs search. If you are traveling with crates, only travel with crates and soft supplies. If you are traveling with pure medical supplies, pack in a suitcase.

Airport Transportation

Register here for airport transfers: CARM Group Transfers

This is the ONLY way to get airport transportation. No Whatsapp, No Facebook messenger, No text. Any questions? Email us at office@cancunandrivieramaya.com

Additional info:  You might have to wait a little at the airport, but the CARM driver will get you all together like little chicks and take you to Puerto Juarez.  If you are staying on Isla Mujeres, the earliest ferry is 6 AM, so you cannot make a flight at 8:30 AM or earlier.

Your transportation is direct to your lodging. There are NO STOPS included.

Ferry – Gran Puerto Juarez Ultramar Ferry Dock

Ferry tickets provided by CARM again this year!  Yay!  This includes going to and from the clinic and airport ONLY.

Food

BREAKFAST

A light breakfast will be served at the RV clinic daily,starting at 8:00

  • Coffee, Tea, Fresh Juices and water
  • Toast,  muffins, bagels and biscuits
  • Boiled Eggs
  • Breakfast meats
  • Yogurt

MORNING SNACKS

  • Iced coffee
  • Fruits and vegetables
  • Protein and energy bars

LUNCH

Lunch will be provided by various restaurants in Isla Mujeres, with fill ins as needed by Marrien, our Food & Beverage coordinator.
We will try to have vegan options, but if you have a special diet, please bring your own lunch.

AFTERNOON SNACKS

  • Fresh vegetables with dips
  • Cheese & crackers
  • Cookies
  • Candy bars

Ice Tea, Gatorade, Water and coffee will be provided throughout the day.

We will make every attempt to have vegan and vegetarian selections available. There are convenience stores across the street from the clinic but it’s all sugar and NOTHING vegan. You can also bring them from back home or try to get them at Walmart or a specialized store once you arrive.

VERY IMPORTANT: If you are allergic to something, ie peanuts or shellfish, YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE for asking if the meals include any of the items you are allergic to.

Housing

The fabulous people on Isla Mujeres will be providing housing on Isla for many of our volunteers.

You will be dropped off at the ferry (tickets included) and take a 20 minute ferry ride to the island. You will either be picked up in a golf cart by your local host or if your hotel is close to the ferry, walk to it.

Your costs for the clinic:  Prices in USD

Room for Nov 9 check in to Nov 17 check out – Includes room, transportation, driver tips to and from clinic and food at clinic. 

  • $250 – full week
  • $32 / night (3 days minimum)

Licensed Vets are free

Volunteering less than three days, volunteers must provide their own accommodations.

If you have your own housing:

  • FOOD – We will provide light breakfast & lunch at the clinic. If you have a special diet, bring your own lunch.
  • TRANSPORTATION – We will provide your transportation to and from the Airport and the clinic each day.
  • Please show appreciation for the caring and hard-working drivers. Tip your Driver $3-$4 USD (at least) each day to the clinic and to and from the airport.  

Payments

Volunteers need to pay their housing option.

CANADIANS:  CASH is always good (CAD / MXN)  Remember the exchange rate!

  • E-Transfer to Anna Krallis (employee of Isla Animals) bcrevyak@gmail.com
  • Canadians – DO NOT USE PayPal.  They take a large fee.

AMERICANS:

  • CASH is always good (USD or MXN)
  • Venmo: 919-381-2840
  • Direct Deposit to Bank of America:
    • Name: Patrina Noakes
    • Account number: 354007586147
    • Routing number: 081000032
  • Zelle trina@islaanimals.org or mobile 919-381-2840
  • PayPal: info@islaanimals.org

BRAZILIANS or any others: MXN or USD Cash is probably the best way.

Transporting an Animal Home (adoption or to a rescue)

If you are planning on taking a dog or cat back with you, coordinate ahead of time with Anna Krallis, the Director of Operations. Email: info@islaanimals.org

Here is a blog post with more info for you:  https://islaanimals.org/faq/

Changes from 2019 Campaign

TBA

Communication

Communication is extremely important in these clinics, we all need to be able to contact each other to make sure everything runs smoothly.

We will be using Messenger to communicate. You do NOT need to be on Facebook to download Messenger. Once you have done that, look up Pat Fulton Jennings and Wave 👋 at her.
TEXTING IS NOT AN OPTION because it does not work well between multiple countries / phone numbers.

Tips

AIRPLANE TICKETS: If you’re coming and you haven’t gotten your plane ticket please start looking.  Mid November is the beginning of the busy season in Cancun so if you want the good flights think about it now. If you are staying on Isla Mujeres, do not book a flight departing Cancun earlier than 8:30 AM.

MONEY: get your money changed to pesos BEFORE you leave home, it is so much easier.  You can use USD and CAD at the bigger grocery stores but Mexican pesos are preferred. Check out this blog on CARM: https://www.cancunandrivieramaya.com/blog/can-i-use-us-dollars-in-mexico/

EXTENDED STAY:  If you want to arrive early or stay later for R&R, the accommodations are on you.  A good place for that is on Isla Mujeres.  We will only provide housing from Nov 9 check in to Nov 17 check out.

SAFETY: The working venue is located in an area called Rancho Viejo or RV for short. This is a family-oriented area and also very poor. Technically RV is part of the municipality of Isla Mujeres but, on the mainland. We will only be there during clinic hours. Normal travel advice applies: Watch your belongings, don’t leave items unattended, be smart, & don’t do anything you wouldn’t do back home.

Meet The Leaders

Department Heads

GOALS

Our goal for 2020 is 1,500 animals out of the breeding pool. This will be a combination of Dogs & Cats, Male and Female. I think we should get extra points for pregnant females.

Want to get involved?

Contact us

If you have any questions or comments, please fill out the form below and we’ll reply as soon as possible or you can email us directly at: info@islaanimals.org

Thank you for your interest!

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Our clinic is located mid-island on Isla Mujeres in La Gloria nestled into the Hacienda Mundaca Parque. You can’t miss it – there is a HUGE thatched palapa roof over an open space.