THE RAINS ARE COMING - WE CANNOT WAIT.
Without shelter, they remain exposed.
Without visibility, they are not adopted.
Without adoption, they do not leave.
This project changes that.
It gives them protection.
It gives them space.
It gives them a chance.
A chance to be seen.
A chance to be chosen.
A chance to go home.
We cannot do this without your support.
Who We Are
Santuario Maison Amatlán is a rescue sanctuary in Tepoztlán, Mexico, caring for over 200 dogs rescued from abandonment, abuse, and life-threatening conditions. The sanctuary exists for the animals no one else will take in—providing food, medical care, and a place to recover.
But this is more than rescue. The goal is not just to keep these dogs alive — it is to help them heal, regain trust, and ultimately find permanent homes.
Run by a small, deeply committed group of volunteers, the sanctuary has grown rapidly in response to urgent need.
And today, it is operating far beyond what it was ever built to sustain.
THE PROBLEM
This was never meant to be permanent.
The cages were built quickly — temporary solutions for dogs in crisis.
But now, over 200 dogs are still living inside them.
- Nearly half have no real protection from the rain, wind, or cold.
- Existing cages are small and not designed for long-term living.
- Most dogs spend six days a week in these cages, with limited human contact. Volunteers are only able to reach the sanctuary once a week.
As the rainy season approaches, these conditions will worsen — putting the dogs’ health and safety at risk.
At the same time, there is no proper system for adoption. Without a space for dogs to be seen, exercised, and interacted with, they remain overlooked — and unable to leave.
THE SOLUTION
We are addressing this through one urgent, two-phase effort:
Phase 1: Emergency Shelter
Immediate construction of weather-proof housing and rainwater management systems.
When it rains, their spaces flood.
When the wind comes, there is nothing to block it.
When temperatures drop, they have nowhere to go.
With the rainy season approaching, immediate upgrades are critical.
This phase will deliver:
- Permanent, weather-resistant shelter structures
- Drainage systems to prevent flooding and standing water
- Rainwater capture systems to improve sustainability and support daily operations
The goal is simple:
ensure every dog has safe, dry, and stable shelter.
Phase 2: A Path to Adoption
Development of exercise and meet-and-greet spaces to increase adoptions and improve quality of life.
Right now, there is no real way for these dogs to be seen.
Most spend six days a week in cages—building stress, losing confidence, and becoming harder to adopt.
And without adoption, they cannot leave.
And if they cannot leave, more dogs cannot be rescued.
This phase creates a way forward.
We will build:
- Two large, fenced exercise areas where dogs can run, decompress, and regain a sense of ease
- Spaces for people to come meet them—not in cages, but as they truly are.
Improving visibility and interaction is essential to increasing adoption rates. Adoption is the only way to create space for future rescues.
PLANS AND BUDGET BREAKDOWN:
Phase 1: Emergency Shelter
- Mesh and structural pipes — $15,000 MXN (~$880 USD)
- Roofing sheets — $8,000 MXN (~$470 USD)
- Cement, sand, and blocks — $10,000 MXN (~$590 USD)
- Pallets (elevated flooring) — $3,000 MXN (~$175 USD)
- Rainwater collection system — $6,000 MXN (~$350 USD)
- Construction labor — $10,000 MXN (~$590 USD)
Phase 1 Total:
$52,000 MXN (~$3,050 USD)
Phase 2: Permanent Dog Deck + Infrastructure
- Mesh, pipes, and roofing — $22,000 MXN (~$1,295 USD)
- Sand, gravel, and rebar — $20,000 MXN (~$1,175 USD)
- Labor — $20,000 MXN (~$1,175 USD)
Phase 2 Total:
$62,000 MXN (~$3,645 USD)
Total Project Budget
$114,000 MXN (~$6,695 USD)
If you'd like to donate much-needed items instead, link here to our AMAZON WISHLIST
Meet the Dogs / Adoptions
By adopting, you’re not just giving a dog a home — you’re giving them a future. Meet our dogs, hear their stories, and help us write their next chapter. Link to our INSTAGRAM here!
Get Involved / Volunteer
Our sanctuary thrives because of people like you. Whether you’re walking dogs, helping with care/feeding/making video content to help assist their adoptions, or simply offering your time and heart with some much-needed love and affection — every act of service makes a difference. Join our community of volunteers and become part of the healing. DM us on INSTAGRAM to get in touch!
