We are a small, non-profit spay/neuter clinic run entirely by volunteer veterinarians, veterinary technicians and support staff in Mulegé, Baja California Sur, Mexico. We would like to extend an invitation to you to participate in our Visiting Veterinarians Program.
Mulegé is located on the coast of the Gulf of California within the Sonoran Desert, approximately 600 miles south of the US-Mexico Border. It is a favorite destination for visitors the world over looking for adventure or for just a beautiful, safe place to relax. The weather is mild but variable between November and April, with cool to cold nights and cool to warm, mostly sunny days. Rain is rare, but windy days are common.
Mulegé has much to offer in the way of recreational activities: snorkeling & scuba, kayaking, sport fishing, windsurfing, beach combing, hiking, birding, botanizing and nature photography. Day trips to nearby rock art sites, ranchos and missions are available. Farther afield, whale watching and mule trips to world heritage rock art sites are other possibilities. For those looking for social activities, there is dining, dancing and shopping while for those who just want to relax, there is of course, siesta time!
How the Program Works
We are looking for veterinarians interested in a working vacation between November 1 and April 30. Come for a weekend, a week or a month! Let us know how long you can stay and we will let you know what our needs are (two or more work days depending on your trip). Contact us for more details.
You pay travel expenses to/from Mulegé, your meals and the costs of any optional recreational activities (your host may provide some meals; all accommodations have access to cooking facilities; groceries and numerous dining choices are available in town).
In exchange, PAW provides:
- Free accommodations (guest room, guest house or casita as available) for you and your spouse/partner while you work and enjoy your vacation; children are also welcome;
- Loreto airport pickup and return (rental cars are available at the airport or you may wish to make the drive to Mulegé on your own if you have more time); transport to and from the clinic;
- Social and recreational activities (volunteers have many interests to share);
- Assistance in arranging optional recreational activities such as rock art trips, scuba and whale watching (cost not covered by PAW, though transport may be available from volunteers).
If you are interested in our program or have further questions, please contact Linda Rose, Volunteer Coordinator, at: mulege1@gmail.com
TESTIMONIAL-
Dr Mike Martin from Roseburg OR sent us this lovely note about his experience with PAW:
My experience with the Paw Animal Clinic has primarily been performing surgeries during their periodic spay/neuter campaigns. Paw is a model for what a clinic should be, nonprofit or otherwise. It is staffed by volunteers that are of course big hearted and compassionate, but they are also well organized, efficient, skilled, and team oriented. All they’ve asked of me is to not make too much of a mess at the surgery table, everything else is in more capable hands. It is a joy to be a part of the group there, and for a large/mixed animal practitioner, the windows look out on a small herd of dairy goats to add to the soothing feel. Over the years they have done much to add to the quality of life of the animals and people of the beautiful community of Mulege. Most, like me, are retirees from northern climes but they welcome locals, especially youth who have animal interest.
Judy and I have always been spoiled and treated like family by the Paw people. There are many ways to relax, local farms and ranches, historical sites, and the draw of the river and the bay. I always gain weight when we visit from our favorite restaurants. Our time there has always been a highlight of our year.
TESTIMONIAL-
This is a nice affirmation on Instagram from Dr. Sheddy who came to work with us in the 2023-2024 season.
TESTIMONIAL-
This is a letter we received from Vet Assistant, Stephanie Martin who
came as part of Jen Stonequist group that came to volunteer with PAW
in Dec/ Jan 2015.
David & Linda –
I am writing to say a big thank you for letting me be a part of such
a wonderful program in such a beautiful place. It was one of the most
meaningful and memorable experiences in my life. I haven’t stopped
thinking about coming back. I have a list of things i want to bring
for the clinic.
Please tell everyone thank you for me. You are all so wonderful and
have such big hearts. If you have time could you email me and let me
know what happened with Rusty and how he is, even if it’s not what I
want to hear.
You are both so wonderful. I hope all is going well. Miss you both.
Keep in touch if you can from time to time.
Thank you!
Stephanie
TESTIMONIAL-
My buddy and I drove down last year (2014) to help out with PAW in Mulege. We are both veterinarians; Jim, a small animal surgeon and me, an equine guy. PAW is a well oiled machine and the level of and attention to details was/is impressive. We always had a sterile field to operate in. Anesthesia was excellent (gas machines). The help was efficient. Post op care was better than most veterinary practices stateside. Mulege is safe and friendly and small. Don’t miss an opportunity to contribute to this worthwhile endeavor. Greg Smith
BIOS
We are pleased to welcome Dr. Rebecca Lemmon as she volunteers at our clinic from February 24 to Mid March. We are thankful for her interest in offering her time and skills to improve the health and well-being of Mulegé pets and their owners.
Here is what Rebecca has to say about herself:
I grew up in the eastern part of the country, and moved to Colorado in 1992 in order to go to Veterinary school. I really love Colorado and consider it my home. I graduated from Colorado State University in 2003, and I have Bachelor degree in Biology. I worked for 4 years before buying my own clinic. It was hard work and I learned a lot, but I realized I would rather focus on being the doctor.
I work on small animals, including ferrets, and sometimes rabbits or other “pocket pets”. I have always wanted to do some volunteer work like the PAW project, now I finally have time!
Outside of work I love to ride dual-sport motorcycles, as well as dirt bikes. I like hiking, photography, gardening, and adore my two cats. I am a big fan of the Baja 1000 and other off-road racing. This fall I am lucky enough to be on the support crew for semi-pro motorcycle team. I have traveled the length of Baja several times, and one of my absolute favorite places is Bahia Concepción. I’m very excited to be able to combine work and play in such a beautiful place!
Patrons of Animal Welfare (PAW) Animal Clinic | Mulege Baja California 