Rescued Pets Feel the Love at Valentine’s Clinic in Belize City

While many exchanged chocolates and flowers this Valentine’s, 40 rescued dogs and cats found a little extra love from several animal-loving volunteers in Belize City.

The city saw its latest and long-awaited spay and neuter clinic in nearly ten years or more, said Michelle Rudon, president of the Society for the Promotion of Animal Rescue and Kindness (SPARK).

“It was way past time,” Rudon told News 5. “February is actually the month for animal advocacy for spay and neuter campaigns and also the Valentine’s weekend. That’s when we’re supposed to be advocating for love, kindness, and compassion. That’s exactly what we wanted to show. So that’s why the 14th weekend was chosen to get it done.”

The clinic was held at the Animal Medical Center in Belama, Belize City, and treated 31 dogs and nine cats, all rescues or in foster care.

“The group really have to commend and the staff at Animal Medical Center because they went all out for us. Usually when you have an event of this magnitude and it’s a test run, you have your little hiccups, and you have your issues that will flare up, but it went extremely well,” Rudon added.

Visiting US veterinarian Dr. Guy Nation and local vet Dr. Orlando Baptist led the surgeries, while SPARK volunteers handled check-ins, post-op monitoring, and follow-ups.

“Since yesterday our team has been checking in with everyone, making sure that the pets are okay, that they’re eating, that they’re drinking water, and that the incision isn’t bleeding. Everything is okay, and we’re going to keep checking in on them,” Rudon added.

SPARK continues to encourage Belizeans to get involved and contribute in any way possible. “Our volunteers’ hands are full. We always need fosters,” Rudon said. “If you have a big yard and it’s fenced and you love animals and you wouldn’t mind helping from time to time by fostering an animal, that’s what’s greatly needed.”

SPARK is also looking to expand its reach in the coming months. The group plans to launch a small donation campaign, inviting Belizeans to contribute just $1 to help fund future clinics and ongoing animal welfare initiatives.