Our Story
ABOUT COLOMBIANIMALS
Colombianimals is the updated version of HOLA (Humane Outreach for Latin Animals).
HOLA started on an inspirational whim in 2019 to provide outreach services, specifically free or low-cost sterilization surgeries for dogs and cats across Latin America. However, after almost five years of existence and over 1,400 surgeries performed, we realized it was time to re-structure, refocus and rebrand.
After much consideration, we decided to keep it simple. Our organization combines tourism in Colombia and volunteering with animals. Thus, Colombianimals was born in February 2024.
OUR PURPOSE
To help reduce dog and cat overpopulation through sterilization campaigns.
OUR MISSION
We reduce dog and cat overpopulation in Colombia through high-volume sterilization campaigns engaging international volunteers who want to live a memorable experience in one of the world’s most attractive destinations.
OUR VISION
To help Colombia become a country where every dog and cat can live a life free from suffering and neglect through high-volume sterilization campaigns, while positioning the country as the go-to destination for foreign animal lovers who want to create a positive, long-lasting impact for dogs and cats in one of the world’s most popular destinations.
OUR VALUES
Good-quality sterilizations. Even though we’re working with fewer and more limited resources than a full-service veterinary clinic, we strive to provide high-quality services, practice good medicine and follow the best medical protocols for the animals we serve.
Memorable volunteer experience. Volunteering with Colombianimals involves more than helping sterilize a couple hundred dogs and cats. We want our international participants to see Colombia beyond the walls of an all-inclusive resort, mingle with the locals, try homemade foods, and learn about the history that makes Colombia one of the most popular destinations in the world!
Open to dialogue. We will always work around our partnering communities’ needs. We will not set foot somewhere we haven’t been invited. We will listen to their needs, concerns, and desired outcomes and plan our campaigns and projects around them.
Transparent fundraising. We will keep our donors updated on the campaigns and projects they’re supporting and provide a detailed financial report after each.
Environmental impact. Responsibly manage medical waste by following the appropriate protocols set forth by every community where we work. Reduce the waste our team produces by implementing sustainable practices, such as using reusable containers and utensils instead of Styrofoam and plastic for our team’s meals.
OUR COMMITMENT
Execute at least one sterilization campaign annually to spay and neuter 300 dogs and cats.
Give our volunteers a memorable experience by combining volunteering and tourism in various Colombian destinations.
Ensure our volunteers’ safety at all times.
Immerse our volunteers in Colombian culture by providing Spanish-learning opportunities, offering historical tours and promoting local foods.
Always put our local partner’s needs and interests first.
Provide the best possible care for the dogs and cats we serve with the available tools and resources.
Reduce our environmental waste when executing our campaigns.
Continue forging partnerships with other nonprofits and corporations to expand our reach and services.
WHO WE ARE
Quick facts:
- Born in Bogotá, Colombia
- Has lived in the United States, Canada and Ghana
- Does not like spicy food
- Has never read or watched Harry Potter
- Dreams of hiring Marc Anthony for her 40th birthday party
- Learned English by watching Titanic over 27 times and listening to her favourite band as a teenager, Hanson
Hi! I’m Natalia, a Colombian and Canadian citizen who migrated to Canada in 2009 to pursue higher education. I went to college in Canada twice, first for veterinary assistance and later for public relations. I’ve been able to combine both careers into what I now do for a living.
I am a marketing consultant for Humane Canada, Canada’s voice for animal welfare and the National Federation of Humane Societies and SPCAs. My favourite role, however, is being a dog mom to three beautiful four-legged rescued babies: Sammy, Rosalita and Grogu.
I co-founded Colombianimals (formerly known as HOLA “Humane Outreach for Latin Animals”) in 2019. After sponsoring over 1,400 spay and neuter surgeries through HOLA and hosting 16 Canadian and American volunteers in my homeland, I re-focused the organization’s mission and vision and rebranded it to Colombianimals.
I dream of working on Colombianimals full-time and organizing sterilization campaigns in beautiful Colombia while giving foreign animal lovers the experience of a lifetime in one of the world’s most popular destinations. Tripadvisor ranked Bogotá, my home city, as the 6th most popular destination (out of 25) for 2024!
I believe in sterilization so much that I have a tattoo on my left arm that says Spay & Neuter. Let’s be honest, surgical sterilization is the most humane and effective way of controlling and reducing pet overpopulation. You don’t like to see animals suffering on the streets? Neither do I! So, let’s work together to make a positive, long-lasting impact on this front.
If you want to volunteer at an upcoming Colombianimals sterilization campaign, add your name here!
