False Animal Vaccination Days Alerted in Tijuana

health officials during vaccination drives. Authorities are investigating and urging caution.">

September 15, 2025

Tijuana, Mexico – Residents across various neighborhoods in Tijuana are expressing alarm over reported incidents of potential pet poisonings allegedly connected to individuals falsely representing themselves as personnel from the Ministry of Health.The incidents, surfacing through social media, involve claims of improper injections administered during purported vaccination efforts.

Pet Owner Alleges Harm After Injection

A resident of Villa Fontana reported that their cat, named Michin, was injected with the medication Ectoline in the head and is now in critical condition. The pet owner also stated they paid 150 pesos for the supposed insecticidal treatment. This alarming account has fueled growing anxieties among pet owners throughout the city.

Animal Welfare Groups Echo Concerns

The animal rescue organization, Firm Legs, corroborated the reports, documenting a case of a dog becoming ill after receiving a vaccine from individuals operating vehicles displaying government branding. According to the testimony, the dog began exhibiting symptoms of poisoning, including foaming at the mouth, and tragically died, with a subsequent autopsy confirming the presence of toxins.

Official Response and Clarifications

Dr. Eduardo Altamirano, Head of Canine and Feline Vaccination Campaigns for Tijuana, Tecate, and Rosarito, representing the Ministry of Health, assured the public that official vaccination campaigns are always offered free of charge. He strongly advised against allowing anyone lacking proper identification – including official certificates and a current, numbered plate – to administer any treatment to pets.

Dr. Altamirano further clarified that Ectoline is a topical ointment, not an injectable medication, and stated that the Ministry of health provides only anti-rabies vaccines, not those for parvovirus, fleas, or vitamins.

Investigating the Claims

Authorities are urging individuals who believe their pets may have been affected to come forward with details. Dr. Altamirano stated it’s significant for affected individuals to make formal reports so investigations can proceed. While no official complaints of false vaccination campaigns have been filed this year, officials are treating the situation with urgency.

Identifying legitimate Vaccination Personnel

Accredited vaccination personnel are required to present an original certificate with a unique folio number, along with a plastic identification plate shaped like a bone. The color of this plate changes annually; for 2025, it’s red, bearing the inscription “Antirrabic Vaccination 2025.”

Legal Ramifications of Animal Harm

Ilse Vázquez Maldonado, head of the Prosecutor’s Office specializing in environmental crimes and animal abuse, warned that intentionally causing harm to animals, such as during these alleged vaccination incidents, could be prosecuted as animal abuse. To date, the Prosecutor’s Office has not received any formal complaints related to these incidents.

Upcoming Vaccination Schedules

The Ministry of Health conducted its last official public vaccination campaign in March 2025, and the next is scheduled for early october in Tijuana. In the intervening period, pet owners can access safe vaccination services at the anti-rabies center in the Mariano Matamoros neighborhood, the municipal animal control facility on Insurgentes Boulevard, and through licensed veterinarians in Tijuana, Tecate, and Rosarito.

Did You Know? According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, early detection of poisoning is crucial. Signs can include vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, and difficulty breathing.

Pro Tip: Always verify the credentials of anyone offering veterinary services, and never allow injections to be administered without proper documentation.

Protecting Your Pets: A Year-Round Guide

Beyond vaccination concerns, maintaining your pet’s health requires a consistent, proactive approach. Regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, and awareness of potential environmental hazards are crucial. Keep a close eye on your pet’s behavior and appetite. familiarize yourself with common pet toxins,such as antifreeze,certain plants,and human medications. According to the ASPCA, certain foods like chocolate, onions, and grapes can be extremely harmful to pets.

Prevention Area	Best Practice
Vaccinations	Follow your vet’s recommended schedule.
Parasite Control	Use preventative medications for fleas, ticks, and heartworm.
Diet	Feed a high-quality, age-appropriate pet food.
Habitat	Keep potential toxins out of reach.

Frequently Asked Questions About pet Vaccinations

Here are some frequently asked questions about pet vaccinations:

• What is the best way to verify a vaccination campaign? Contact your local Ministry of Health office or veterinary clinic to confirm the legitimacy of any ongoing campaign.
• What should I do if I suspect my pet has been illegally vaccinated? Seek immediate veterinary care and report the incident to the authorities.
• are there any free or low-cost vaccination options available? Many communities offer free or reduced-cost vaccination clinics; check with your local animal shelters and rescue organizations.
• What are the common signs of poisoning in pets? Symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, seizures, and difficulty breathing.
• How can I protect my pet from harmful substances? Store all medications and cleaning products securely, and be aware of possibly toxic plants in your home and garden.

What steps will you take to ensure your pet’s safety in light of these reports? Do you trust local vaccination drives?

Share this article with fellow pet owners to raise awareness and promote responsible pet care!

What steps should pet owners in Tijuana take to verify the legitimacy of a vaccination clinic before allowing thier pet to be vaccinated?

Understanding the recent Scam

recent reports from Tijuana, Baja California, indicate a concerning rise in fraudulent animal vaccination campaigns. These “false vaccination days” are targeting pet owners with the promise of free or low-cost animal vaccinations, but are, in reality, scams designed to collect personal data or administer possibly harmful substances.This poses a meaningful risk to the health and safety of beloved pets – dogs, cats, and other companion animals – and the financial security of their owners. The situation demands immediate awareness and preventative measures. This article details what you need to know about these scams, how to identify them, and what steps to take to protect your furry friends.

How the Scams Operate: Tactics to Watch For

Scammers are employing increasingly refined tactics. Here’s a breakdown of common methods used in these Tijuana pet vaccination scams:

* unsolicited Door-to-Door Visits: Individuals posing as veterinary personnel or representatives from animal welfare organizations are going door-to-door offering “free” or heavily discounted pet vaccines.

* Flyer Distribution: Misleading flyers are being distributed in neighborhoods, advertising vaccination clinics with suspiciously low prices or lacking verifiable contact information.

* Social Media Promotion: Fake events and advertisements are appearing on social media platforms, targeting local pet owner groups. These often feature stolen images of legitimate veterinary clinics.

* Requests for Sensitive Information: Scammers may ask for detailed personal information beyond what’s necessary for vaccination, such as social security numbers or bank account details.

* Substandard or Counterfeit Vaccines: The “vaccines” administered are often saline solutions,expired vaccines,or counterfeit products offering no protection against diseases like rabies,distemper,or parvovirus.

Identifying Legitimate Vaccination Clinics in Tijuana

Protecting your pet requires verifying the legitimacy of any vaccination provider. Here’s how:

1. Confirm Veterinary Licensing: Ensure the veterinarian administering the vaccine is licensed to practice in Baja California. You can verify licenses through the relevant state veterinary medical board.
2. Check Clinic Credentials: Legitimate veterinary clinics will have a physical address, phone number, and website. Verify this information independently.
3. Verify Vaccine Source: Ask about the source of the vaccines.reputable clinics obtain vaccines from authorized distributors.
4. Proper Documentation: A legitimate vaccination clinic will provide a detailed vaccination certificate with the vaccine type, serial number, and governance date.
5. Avoid Unsolicited Offers: Be wary of anyone offering vaccinations door-to-door or through unverified channels.

Risks Associated with False vaccinations

The consequences of falling victim to these scams can be severe:

* Lack of Protection: Your pet remains vulnerable to life-threatening diseases.

* Adverse Reactions: Counterfeit or improperly stored vaccines can cause serious health complications, including allergic reactions and infections.

* Financial Loss: You may lose money paying for ineffective treatments or veterinary care to address complications from the fake vaccination.

* Identity Theft: Providing personal information to scammers can lead to identity theft and financial fraud.

* Public Health Risk: Unvaccinated animals can contribute to the spread of zoonotic diseases (diseases transmissible from animals to humans).

Reporting Suspicious Activity

If you encounter a suspicious vaccination campaign or believe you’ve been targeted by a scam, take the following steps:

* Report to Local Authorities: Contact the Tijuana police department or local animal control services.

* File a Complaint: Submit a complaint to the Procuraduría Federal de Protección al Consumidor (PROFECO) – the Federal Consumer Protection Agency in Mexico.

* Alert Social Media Platforms: Report fake events and advertisements on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram.

* Warn Your Community: share information about the scams with your neighbors and local pet owner groups.

* YouTube Reporting: If you encounter videos promoting these scams on YouTube, utilize the platform’s reporting features (as detailed here: https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802027?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop).

Preventative Measures: Protecting Your Pet’s Health

Proactive steps are crucial to safeguarding your pet:

* Establish a Relationship with a licensed Veterinarian: Regular check-ups and vaccinations administered by a trusted veterinarian are the best defense against preventable diseases.

* Maintain Vaccination Records: Keep accurate records of your pet’s vaccination history.

* Be Skeptical of Deals That Seem Too Good to Be True: Legitimate vaccinations have associated costs.

* verify information Independently: Don’t rely solely on information provided by unsolicited sources.

* Educate Yourself: Stay informed about common scams targeting pet owners in your area.

Resources for Pet Owners in Tijuana

* Secretaría de Salud de Baja California: https://www.saludbc.gob.mx/

* PROFECO (Federal consumer Protection Agency): [https://wwwgobmx/prof[https://wwwgobmx/prof