A dog sitting on the ground with its head down.

OUR MISSION

Curbing Overpopulation
One Animal at a Time

Unchecked reproduction of stray animals can lead to a cycle of suffering and neglect, not only for the animals themselves but also for the communities they inhabit

By focusing on sterilizing cats & dogs, we address the root cause of overpopulation. It’s a simple yet incredibly effective strategy – preventing one unspayed female and her offspring from reproducing can prevent the birth of 350 or more additional unwanted dogs in just two years. Through our spay and neuter programs, we aim to break this cycle and create a future where stray dogs have a chance at a better quality of life. We invite you to be part of this impactful journey.

our dedicated

veterinarians

At Baja Spay Neuter, we are privileged to work with a team of dedicated and compassionate veterinarians who conduct the spaying and neutering surgeries. With their expertise and commitment to animal welfare, they play a crucial role in our mission to curb pet overpopulation in Baja.

  • Dra. Rebeca Serrano
  • Dr. Gilberto Palafox
  • Dr. Hector Ackerman
  • Dr. Jaime Urrea
  • Dra. Paola Alvarado
  • Dr. Roman Escutia
  • Dr. Ivan Lopez
  • Dra. Jazmin Cruz

The Veterinarians of Baja Spay Neuter have been performing sterilization surgeries for the past 25 years in Baja, making them acknowledged experts in their field. With tens of thousands of spay and neuter surgeries under their belts, they are seasoned professionals who have seen it all.

They excel in performing early-age sterilizations on kittens and puppies and are adept at handling more challenging cases such as females in heat, pyometra, and late-term pregnancies. Their expertise is evident in their minimally invasive incisions, one-stitch closures, and meticulous tattoo markings.

Despite their full week of work at their offices, they willingly dedicate their weekends to work at clinics. You can show your support by frequenting their private practices, where each veterinarian gladly accepts Baja Spay Neuter Sterilization Coupons. These dedicated professionals are integral to our mission and contribute immensely to ensuring a brighter future for our furry companions.

A man in blue scrubs and glasses wearing a hat.

Dr. Ackerman

Hector Ackerman, M.V.Z.
Hospital para Perros y Gatos
Av. A Einstein y Defensores de Baja California 1301, Col. Postal, Tijuana
+52 664.683.7932

A woman with long black hair wearing green shirt.

Dra. Alvarado

Paola Alvarado, M.V.Z.
Hospital para Perros y Gatos
Av. A Einstein y Defensores de Baja California 1301, Col. Postal, Tijuana
+52 663.328.4260

A man in glasses and green shirt standing next to wall.

Dr. Escutia

Roman Escutia, M.V.Z.
Centro de Diagnostico Clinico Veterinario, Ave. Queretaro #2331-3, Col. Cacho, Tijuana
+52 664.215.0854

A man in green shirt and necklace standing next to wall.

Dr. Lopez

Ivan Lopez, M.V.Z.
Veterinaria Dr Navarro, Calle Alba Roja 2728, Cortez 22106 Tijuana, BC 
+52 664.260.8354,
+1 619.274.6133

A man in green shirt wearing blue hat and glasses.

Dr. Palafox

Gilberto Palafox, M.V.Z.
Sharpei Clinica Veterinaria, Blvd HiSense/Sharp, Col. Carlos Salinas de Gortari, Playas de Rosarito
+52 661.107.1080

A woman in blue scrubs standing next to a wall.

Dra. Serrano

Rebeca Serrano, M.V.Z.
Centro de Diagnostico Clinico Veterinario Ave. Queretaro #2331-3, Col La Cacho, Tijuana BC
+52 664.215.0854

A man in blue scrubs and glasses is posing for the camera.

Dr. Urrea

Jaime Urrea, M.V.Z.
Calle Leyes de Reforma 158, Col. Benito Juarez, Playas de Rosarito
+52 661.661.8854

A person with headphones in their ears.

Join Our Team

Baja Spay Neuter Foundation is always looking for other great doctors to join our mission, contact us.

our passionate

board of directors

Our Board of Directors at Baja Spay Neuter Foundation comprises dedicated volunteers from diverse backgrounds, united in our mission to improve animal welfare across Baja California. Meet our passionate leaders and advocates, each committed to ending pet overpopulation through innovative programs, community education, and compassionate care. Together, we strive to make a lasting impact, ensuring healthier, happier lives for pets and their human companions throughout our community

A woman in pink shirt smiling for the camera.

Robin Gunther

Founder

Executive Director & Treasurer

Robin Gunther, Founder, Executive Director, and Treasurer of Baja Spay Neuter, transitioned from her role as Director of Technologies at a major Fortune 500 company in the U.S. to focus on animal welfare in Rosarito, Mexico, alongside her husband. Recognizing the profound impact of addressing animal overpopulation, Robin initially volunteered at the City Dog Pound before leading the Give Some Life Foundation, where she oversaw the sterilization of over 10,000 animals. When GSL Foundation dissolved in 2013, Robin seized the opportunity to establish a new free and low-cost spay neuter foundation in Baja. Beyond caring for her own six dogs, Robin actively participates in the Rosarito Animal Protection Committee and fosters sick and abandoned puppies and street dogs. She describes her transition to this work as finding her true purpose in retirement.

A woman with blonde hair and blue eyes.

CATHY MISHKIN BLISS

president

Cathy Mishkin Bliss, President of Baja Spay Neuter, brings a wealth of experience from her diverse career. A former gold medalist ice skater and later “World Professional Artistic Champions” and “Disco Dance Champions of the United States” with her partner, Cathy understands the dedication and focus required for success. As a business owner, she achieved significant success with a mobile book business generating over a million dollars annually. Known for her persistence, dedication, and excellent customer service, Cathy excels in fundraising and event planning. Alongside her husband Bill, Kathy shares her home with 2 rescued pups from Baja Mexico.

A woman with brown hair and wearing makeup.

ANN COLLURA

Secretary

Ann Collura, Secretary of Baja Spay Neuter Foundation, has been a dedicated supporter for years before joining the Board. With a profound love for animals, she fully embraces the Foundation’s mission to tackle pet overpopulation in Baja through Mobile Animal Sterilization Clinics (MASH), international vet training, and community education. Ann, a retired small business owner with a legal background, brings valuable skills and determination to the Board. She is enthusiastic about guiding the Foundation’s vision, fostering growth, and ensuring sustainability.

A woman wearing a green cap and shirt.

RITA GOLDBERG

volunteer Coordinator

Rita Goldberg’s lifelong dedication to animals began at 13, cleaning cages for a local veterinarian. Her career path shifted into consulting with Fortune 500 companies, focusing on customer contact skills and business dress. After retirement, Rita returned to her passion for animal welfare with Baja Spay Neuter. As Volunteer Coordinator, she shares her expertise and enthusiasm, nurturing new volunteers and fostering a strong team spirit. Rita, who lives with her cat Milagro, finds fulfillment in giving back to the community through her work with Baja Spay Neuter.

A woman with black hair smiles for the camera.

VENNESSA FUHS

Director

Vennessa Fuhs, Director at Baja Spay Neuter Foundation, is a passionate animal lover and advocate for change. Adopting her first dog at 15 sparked her lifelong commitment to animal welfare. She co-founded Small Steps for Change, a non-profit focusing on education in Tijuana. Vennessa’s work in Baja has highlighted the challenges faced by animals and children in impoverished communities. Committed to BSN’s mission, she aims to expand its impact across Baja, ensuring more animals receive vital care and support.

A woman with red hair and a colorful shirt.

EVA HOLQUIN

Director

Eva Holquin, originally from Texas, relocated to Baja with her husband and two beloved dogs in 2012. Impressed by the impactful work of the Baja Spay Neuter Foundation, Eva eagerly joined the board when the opportunity arose. As a seasoned business owner, she brings a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to supporting the organization’s efforts, particularly in community education and outreach. Eva is dedicated to contributing her time and skills to further the foundation’s mission of improving the lives of pets and residents throughout the region.

A woman with long hair and a colorful shirt.

MAUREEN MINEHAN

Director of Education

Maureen Minehan, of Rosarito, Mexico, retired from the Riverside County Office of Education with a lifelong passion for animals. Her diverse experience includes work with animals and veterinary studies at the LA Zoo. Known as the ‘Cat Lady’ of Baja Spay Neuter, she manages a feral cat colony and promotes Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) practices. Maureen collaborates with local veterinarians and Rosarito Animal Control, advocating for feline welfare.

A woman with blonde hair wearing white shirt.

KERI PITTMAN

Director

Keri Pittman retired from digital media and software licensing, found her calling in dog rescue over a decade ago. Dedicated to ending pet homelessness, Keri believes spay and neuter programs are crucial to addressing overpopulation and mistreatment. Splitting her time between North Texas and Las Gaviotas, she fosters and volunteers in both locations. Her commitment includes volunteering at spay and neuter clinics and finding innovative ways to support animals and enhance outreach and fundraising efforts.