COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — The local non-profit Central Ohio’s Programs for Animal Welfare (COPAW) provides affordable veterinary care and shelter to animals throughout Columbus and now the organization is going global.

COPAW is taking their mission to improve the welfare of animals and communities they live in to Mexico. “Mexico is considered to be rabies free for cases transmitted to humans, from dogs, just from public initiatives that have been vaccinating them,” said Breona Baines, CEO of COPAW. “There are still a lot of gaps to be filled in that regard.” 

COPAW has been providing veterinary care and shelter for animals in the city since 2020. Baines notes the work they do is essential, which is why she launched a new program “Global outreach programs for animal welfare” or GOPAW. They’re starting by providing services to at-risk communities in Mexico.   

“It just kind of really gives me perspective and lets me know how privileged I am to be here,” Baines said. “And after doing the research, I found that just, you know, with the cost differences of supplies and labor in Mexico, we can provide the sterilization for vaccinations, heartworm testing, giving, if necessary, parasite screenings and treatment for just shy of $20.” 

Baines explained she’s always been passionate about volunteering internationally since she was young. She also shared that data from one of their target areas in Mexico show 25% of the human population is testing positive for intestinal parasites every year. She attributes this to the overwhelming population of unaddressed strays. The goal is to service over 12,000 animals per year for free.   

“I think that we all have a responsibility to help out where we can,” Baines said. “I think that this work is very important, I think that it’s an extension of what we’re doing here now. You know after these five years of success that we’ve seen here, you know, we’re ready to help other communities as well.” 

They also hope to help educate the community and help build a healthier future. For more information on the new initiative by COPAW, click here.