Baja Animal Sanctuary

There is nothing fancy about the Baja Animal Sanctuary, at least to the humans that pass through.  For the animals within the gates of this modest facility however, this is a haven… a chance to mend back to health, and be cared for.  When they arrive at BAS they quickly learn that they will get regular meals, proper healthcare, play with their friends, enjoy the sunshine, and most importantly they will learn that they are loved.

The Baja Animal Sanctuary is located in Rosarito, Mexico, about 22 miles south of the San Ysidro border crossing. With the $180 she gathered from friends, Sunny Benedict, a native New Yorker who was working in Real Estate in Rosarito, started BAS in 1997. From her office window, Sunny would see the local animals, mangy and starving, roaming the streets in search of anyone who might toss them a morsel of food, or give them a kind pat on the head. It quickly became her goal to rescue and shelter these unfortunate dogs and cats. She knew she had to do something and took action.

BAS, the only no-kill shelter in northern Mexico, provides a safe haven for dogs, and cats, rabbits, birds, and even a horse! Once the puppies are old enough, or the sick ones are well enough, they are spayed/neutered.  Our ultimate goal is to find each and every one of them a forever home.  When this cannot be accomplished, or if they are “un-adoptable”, BAS will become their permanent home.

Our overall resident count fluctuates daily, but we always average over 400 residents (dogs and cats combined).  Each week BAS places between 3 and 10 dogs at adoption events held in San Diego , California.

There are three main goals of this fundraising effort:
1. Food.  Currently BAS does not have a regular source of food.  We depend on donations for the daily feeding of the animals.  One major challenge we have is border crossing.  There are limits to how much passenger vehicles can bring down at a time, and we also have the challenge to find volunteers willing to make the crossing regularly.  We do now have a distributer that has been given permission to deliver food to BAS, so monetary donations for the purchase of food are needed immensely.  The rainy seasons are also a significant challenge at BAS.  There is a dirt road that leads to the facility, so efforts to stock up on supplies prior to the rain and mud must be planned for each year.

2. Medical Supplies.  Majority of the animals that arrive at BAS need some type of medical treatment, not to mention regular vaccinations, spay and neuter services, flea control, etc.  BAS also provides preventative education and spay/neuter services to the local community of Rosarito.

3. Shelter.  BAS has land for the animals, and corals where the dogs are housed.  Doggy “houses” have been built out of recycled plastic barrels, which the pups love.  However, there are no indoor facilities to protect the dogs from the winter elements.   More permanent structures for winter shelter are a goal for BAS.

BAS has been successful due to the generosity of a handful of dedicated volunteers and donors.  This fundraising effort is to spread the word about BAS and the work being done to help the animals.  We thank-you for your support!

 

Visit us at: http://www.bajaanimalsanctuary.org/