Our Mission Statement
Mission Statement 2025 - 2026
The Humane Society of Cozumel Island
The Humane Society of Cozumel Island. Since opening our doors in August 1995, HSCI has remained dedicated to addressing the overpopulation of street dogs and cats through mass sterilization, rehabilitation, rehoming, and education aimed at bringing dignity to all domestic animals.
Our FREE spay & neuter program began that same year and continues today, with 2500-3000 sterilized dogs and cats annually. This effort has been instrumental in dramatically reducing the number of animals living on the streets. As we enter a new decade of service, our mission continues to evolve. While our year-round free sterilization program remains at the heart of our work, education has now become the leading focus -made possible by decades of successful sterilization campaigns, ongoing rescue efforts, and the growing commitment of our community in personal rescues and adoption initiatives.
Free TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) Program
TNR stands for Trap, Neuter, Return.
It is a humane and effective method used to manage and reduce the population of community cats (also called feral or stray cats).
Our Story
Before our mission began, Cozumel, like many municipalities around the world, resorted to scattering poison-laced meat in an attempt to reduce the number of unwanted dogs. This cruel method indiscriminately killed any animal that consumed it, including many of the island’s precious endemic species, while the population of street dogs continued to rise year after year. Our work began by convincing the local government to end this inhumane practice and to demonstrate that through consistent spay and neuter programs, the population could be reduced humanely and effectively over time.
We opened the Humane Society of Cozumel Island with a small team of three and a dedicated group of volunteers determined to make a difference. We became the first year-round free spay and neuter clinic in all of Latin America.
Thanks to the constant flow of tourism supporting our mission, we grew from a modest clinic into a large-scale rescue operation, at times housing more than 200 animals awaiting rehabilitation and adoption. During those years, the majority of our resources were devoted to rescue efforts.
After more than 30 years of providing free sterilizations, we are proud to share that the number of homeless dogs on the island has been dramatically reduced.
Today, our full-time staff works tirelessly to keep the island’s stray and homeless dog and cat populations under control. They are supported by an extraordinary team of volunteers—both local residents and expatriates—along with a steady flow of visiting interns who contribute fresh energy and dedication. Together, every individual plays a vital role in ensuring our six-day-a-week operation runs seamlessly.
In addition, independent rescuers partner with us by fostering dogs until permanent homes can be found. This invaluable support allows u
We began our FREE spay & neuter program in the fall of 1995 and continue to sterilize 2500-3000 dogs and cats each year. As we enter into a new decade of working with the people of Cozumel we find our focus shifting. Our year round free sterilization campaign remains in place with education now moving to the forefront of our mission. This is only possible thanks in part to the massive numbers of already sterilized dogs and cats, our rescue efforts and the community involvement in personal rescues and adoption programs.
HSCI Vision for the Future of Cozumel
- A community where all domestic animals are safe, healthy, and lovingly cared for by their owners.
- Strong neighborhoods that work together to ensure the well-being of every pet.
- A local government actively addressing animal cruelty, neglect, and abuse through enforcement and education.
- Programs that inspire and involve children in community causes, building a compassionate future generation.
- Collaborative efforts with government and community leaders to confront neglect, abuse, and cruelty at their source.
- Sustainable programs and services designed to prevent cruelty and promote responsible pet ownership.
- Legal accountability, including convictions and consequences, for those who commit acts of abuse.
- Expanded access to expert veterinary care through our mobile clinic, reaching the most vulnerable communities with essential services.
- A commitment to continually improving our practices and providing the highest quality of care.
- Ongoing learning and growth through partnerships with global leaders in animal welfare and the guidance of knowledgeable educators.
Lend us a paw
We fully recognize that our success is made possible not only by the professionalism and expertise of our trained staff, but also by the dedication of our volunteer team. Our committed Board of Directors, together with volunteers made up of local business owners, professionals, and retired expatriates, work as a knowledgeable and engaged team—guiding us through every endeavor and ensuring the strength of our mission.
None of what we do would be possible without your support. Many of our long time donors have witnessed Cozumel transform in regards to animal control. Once an island with packs of sick diseased dying dogs everywhere to a community of higher consciousness and awareness where homeless dogs are not easily found. Our work continues as we hope to one day introduce the island of Cozumel as the first stray dog free municipality in the western hemisphere. Dream big! That is how we got to where we are today.
A message from our President and one of the HSCI original founders,
Lisa Anne Ramirez:
Laika before
When I moved to Cozumel in 1991, the number of street dogs suffering and dying painful deaths was staggering. In my travels around the world, I encountered street dogs in every country I visited. The idea of an entire nation finding homes for every stray dog and cat once seemed like a utopian dream. Yet, the Netherlands has proven it is possible. They remain the only country in the world to have successfully eradicated the problem of homeless animals.
Here in Cozumel, we are dedicating all our collective energy to achieving the same goal. Our TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) program is the most effective tool we have to combat the stray population. It mirrors Holland’s CNVR approach—Collect, Neuter, Vaccinate, and Return—an evidence-based strategy that works.
But one critical factor is still missing: government cooperation. True progress requires legislation and penalties that only local authorities can enforce. At the same time, education is essential. By teaching children that animals are innocent beings capable of feeling pain and suffering, we nurture a new generation of compassionate human beings.
Children must learn that respecting and caring for animals is a shared responsibility. Residents should be able to call the police when they witness abuse or neglect, with a specialized task force ready to investigate and take action. Research consistently shows a strong correlation between animal abuse and human violence, particularly in domestic abuse cases. This makes monitoring and prosecuting animal abusers not only a moral obligation but also a matter of public safety.
We believe Cozumel has the potential to follow Holland’s path toward becoming a community free of street dogs and cats. And we are fully committed to working toward that vision.
Laika after
Children must be taught that it is our responsibility to respect animals and take care of them. Island residents should be able to call the police when they suspect a case of abuse or neglect. This would require a special task force to respond and follow up with action against the abusers. There has been extensive research in the correlation between violence against animals and violence against humans, mostly in the area of domestic abuse. This is another reason why monitoring and punishing people who abuse animals is important. We truly believe Cozumel could follow Holland’s path to becoming street dog free and we have every intention of working towards that goal.
On behalf of everyone associated with the HSCI, the staff, our amazing volunteers, the BOD/Volunteers, our honorary BOD members/Volunteers/Consultants and the entire community of Cozumel,
Thank you for your support.
