Meet SayulitAnimals’ Resident Vet: Grethel Fonseca Araca

Grethel Fonseca Araca, originally from Tepic (the capital of Nayarit, Mexico), is the vet currently behind the free weekly sterilization clinic at SayulitAnimals every Wednesday. Two years ago, she teamed up with this Sayulita animal welfare organization and continues to be a key individual in the success of this group.

First off, what exactly is your role with SayulitAnimals?

I’m the one who does the weekly cat and dog spay and neuter surgeries. This, and giving vaccinations, is the main thing that I do. I also do diagnostic tests for sicknesses and diseases, such as ehrlichia (bacteria infection caused by ticks), parvo (a viral disease), and distemper (a viral disease).

How did you get involved with this organization?

Well, prior to working with SayulitAnimals, I gained a lot of experience working with other animal welfare organizations, including one in Puerto Vallarta. I had heard of SayulitAnimals and I came to ask if they needed a veterinarian since it is closer to where I live. Shelly Yogev, who is in charge of medical aid, was there and told me yes. I started working with them the very next week.

What do you find most rewarding working with SayulitAnimals?

I really like doing surgeries, but I also really like working with the team at SayulitAnimals. Sara, one of the founders, Shelly, Rob, a volunteer Canadian vet, and the other volunteers for the sterilization day – they all have a great attitude and we make a very good team.

Will you tell me more about the free sterilization day every Wednesday at SayulitAnimals?

We sterilize approximately 15 dogs and cats every week. People drop the animals off at SayulitAnimals between 9:30 am and 12 pm, and we generally finish with the surgeries by 3:00 or 4:00 pm each week. We spay and neuter dogs and cats at any age, but prefer puppies and kittens be at least three months old. Although, we do occasionally spay or neuter them younger.

Are you also involved in the quarterly spay / neuter clinics that SayulitAnimals does in the surrounding communities?  If so, will you tell me more about these clinics?

Yes, sometimes. I just closed my veterinarian clinic in San Pancho to open a house call business in Sayulita, San Pancho, Punta Mita, and other nearby towns. But, I would participate in the clincis when I didn’t have to work. The quarterly spay and neuter clinics vary on location, but they have been done in a lot of Sayulita’s neighboring towns. It’s not uncommon for over 100 animals to be sterilized during these two to three day clinics.

Why is it important that people spay / neuter their cats and dogs?   

It is necessary in order to prevent suffering. The more animals that are sterilized, the less unwanted animals there will be. If I fix just one street dog, the dog population is less, and there are fewer street dogs.

SayulitAnimals is always in need of volunteers. What can Sayulita locals and tourists do to help?

There are many things that people can do. Foster homes are a big one and are always needed since SayulitAnimals is not a shelter. Volunteers are also needed to clean kennels, walk dogs, and take animals to the vet and to the airport. Dog transport to the United States and Canada is also always needed and does not take much effort. (A lot of SayulitAnimals rescues are adopted in the States and in Canada). All one has to do is fly with the dog and someone will meet them at the airport of their destination to pick up the dog.

You’ve recently branched out and are also doing house calls in Sayulita and the surrounding areas. Will you tell me more about this?

Yes, I just started doing this, and I do consultations, grooming, vaccinations, and health certificates for dogs and cats to be able to travel out of the country. I am also available to answer any questions or pet concerns and can be reached at 322-232-7919.