Guided by a commitment to animal welfare and the recognition of animals as sentient beings, the administration of Mayor Ismael Burgueño Ruiz continues to transform Tijuana.
Over the past two years, animal care facilities, expanded sterilization campaigns have been expanded, responsible adoptions have been facilitated, and access to veterinary care has been increased.
Central to these efforts is the expansion and modernization of the Municipal Animal Control Center (CAM).
Keep Reading: Tijuana Organizes Rabies Vaccination Campaign for Cats and Dogs
Modernization of the CAM
The ambitious overhaul aims to transform the facility into a rescue, rehabilitation, and adoption center, giving abandoned and stray animals a renewed chance at life.
The plan introduces a dedicated low-cost veterinary clinic, a modernized reception area, a specialized cat care ward, an on-site cremation unit, an isolation quarantine zone, and significantly expanded kennel capacity to elevate the standard of care for animals under municipal protection.
Permanent Sterilization and Adoption Campaigns
Spearheaded by the Municipal Directorate of Public Health, Social Assistance, and Citizen Security Support, ongoing public outreach campaigns continue to gain momentum.
To date, these initiatives have successfully facilitated 3,718 sterilizations and 529 adoptions, effectively advancing the ethical management of local pet populations while mitigating potential public health risks.
Related: Tijuana Launches Responsible Pet Adoption Campaign
Mobile Sterilization Trucks
Expanding on these efforts, Mayor Ismael Burgueño Ruiz inaugurated the “Tijuana Dog and Cat Friendly City” mobile clinic fleet.
These mobile health units bring free sterilizations and basic medical services directly to neighborhoods throughout the municipality while promoting responsible pet ownership.
Projected to perform roughly 6,000 sterilizations annually, the initial two vehicles will rotate through all nine of Tijuana’s districts, equipped to deliver routine treatments as well as emergency first aid during crises such as fires, rescues, and severe animal neglect cases.
Expanding Responsible Adoptions at the CAM
The Tijuana City Hall continues to prioritize permanent placements for the dogs and cats housed at the CAM.
As of August 2026, the facility shelters 140 dogs and 26 cats, each fully vaccinated, sterilized, and microchipped for permanent identification.
Don’t Miss It: Baja California Opens New Animal Wellness Center
City Hall Declared Pet-Friendly
Building on these animal welfare milestones, Mayor Burgueño Ruiz officially designated the Municipal Palace as a pet-friendly facility on April 10.
The policy seeks to foster harmonious coexistence with companion animals while fostering a culture of respect and empathy toward sentient beings.
In addition, the “Leaving a Mark for Tijuana’s Health” community event brought residents together to celebrate animal welfare, responsible adoption, and animal health prevention through educational activities and awareness workshops.
The event featured a live showcase of dogs available for adoption, successfully connecting rescue animals with prospective families.
The 25th Tijuana City Hall reaffirms its commitment to advancing public policies that champion animal dignity, respect, and protection, cultivating a responsible community dedicated to the well-being of all sentient beings.
