Fundación VidAnimal was established in May, 1999 for the sole purpose of helping animals in and around Cali, Colombia. Seven years later, VidAnimal has made great gains through educational activities, spay/neuter programs, and promotion of better animal welfare legislation. As of 2007, Fundacion VidAnimal continues to promote spay/neuter and still offers surgeries free of charge with well-known local veterinarians.
VidAnimal's president, Cecilia Ochoa, has attended Humane Society International's annual Animal Care Expo in 2001, 2002, 2006 and 2008. In 2001, HSI sponsored a week-long internship at a U.S. humane society for Ochoa, during which she learned new methods for running a successful animal welfare organization.
During the 1990s, HSI maintained a Bogotá, Colombia office, but to expand animal protection in other countries across the world, HSI passed the torch to VidAnimal, which has sustained the vision in Colombia.
In addition to providing free sterilization clinics and vet care, promoting responsible ownership and organizing educational workshops, VidAnimal has expanded its educational efforts to the impoverished regions around Cali.
One recent project, The Kids' Network for the Protection of the Animals of Montebello, seeks to teach the poverty-stricken children of Montebello, Colombia, values through animal protection. Created by a local university teacher and taught by veterinarians, the project gives children an opportunity to learn about careers in animal welfare. So far, the program is conducted in four Montebello schools.
VidAnimal is diligently pushing the national police to enforce decrees related to working equine welfare. It also provides emergency vet services to the community for a variety of animals, stressing re-homing and adoption for animals under its care.
In February 2008, Vidanimal stepped up to the challenge of HSI's first Spay Day International and organized an innovative outreach project.
VidAnimal was selected as a HSI Animal Advocate in 2001.
Fundación VidAnimal
Avenida Tercera Oeste # 7‑35
Barrio Santa Rita, Cali
Valle del Cauca
Colombia
Tel: +572-892-7325
Fax: +572-892-6079
Email: ceciochoa@emcali.net.co
Updated July 25, 2008
