Barb's Dog Rescue: A Lifeline for Stray Dogs in Rocky Point, Mexico

Just eight miles north of Puerto Peñasco (a.k.a. Rocky Point), Mexico, hundreds of stray dogs find safety and care at Barb's Dog Rescue. Founded in 2001 by Barbara Mumaugh, this no-kill shelter has grown into one of the region's most impactful rescue organizations.

The Stray Dog Crisis in Mexico

Mexico is home to an estimated 15-18 million stray dogs, many struggling to survive in harsh street conditions. In towns like Puerto Peñasco, it's common to see malnourished, injured dogs searching for food or shelter. While economic hardship and limited access to veterinary care play a role in the problem nationally, that's not the case everywhere. In fact, Rocky Point has more community pet resources than most cities in Mexico, including larger ones, thanks to organizations like Barb's Dog Rescue and Compassion Without Borders, which operates Esperanza, a free spay/neuter clinic, and the new Home for Hope shelter.

Spay and neuter services in Rocky Point are widely available and completely free. The real challenge isn't access, it's awareness. In Mexico, there is a deeply rooted cultural belief that dogs should be free to roam and reproduce. Shifting these long-held views and educating about responsible pet ownership may be the hardest part of solving the stray dog crisis.

The Story of Barb

Before founding the rescue, Barbara Mumaugh was a successful real estate broker in Carefree, Arizona. After the tragic loss of her daughter in a car accident, friends brought her to Rocky Point for a change of scenery. But something else changed: Barb saw the suffering of countless street dogs and later said, "I instantly knew the dogs were going to save me."

In 2001, she bought land just north of Puerto Peñasco with the mission to provide shelter, medical care, and a path to adoption for as many dogs as possible, starting with just ten in the first year. Today, her rescue spans several acres and cares for around 450 dogs at a time.

Sadly, Barb passed away in the summer of 2023, but her memory lives on in all the pups that live a better life, thanks to her vision and hard work.

Watch the Story of Barb's Dog Rescue Video.

Daily Operations and Care

Barb's Dog Rescue operates year-round, ensuring every dog receives food, medical attention, and a safe place to heal. Dogs live in group settings to encourage socialization and ease the transition into adoption.

During my short visit, I saw firsthand how dedicated the team is. Volunteers were busy washing towels, prepping food, and building new shaded areas to enrich the dogs' environment. Every building and hallway were full of pups, more than I'd ever seen in one place. And yet, they were content, and clearly well cared for. You'd never guess these dogs once roamed the streets.

Adoption Process

Barb's Dog Rescue (BDR) facilitates adoptions both locally and internationally; with dogs finding homes as far away as Germany and Switzerland. Every dog is spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and provided with the necessary paperwork for cross-border adoption.

Adoption hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, with around 300 dogs ready for new homes. If you're planning to visit, check their adoption criteria online and preview available pups here.

BDR also participates in adoption events throughout Arizona. Event listings can be found on their website: https://www.barbsdogrescue.org/

While BDR encourages adopters to use their website to search for available dogs, they can often help with arranging transportation to locations both near and far. Please email them if you need more information about transporting a dog.

Elderly and Sick Dogs

Some dogs who are too old, sick, or traumatized to be adopted, stay at BDR permanently. Here, they spend their remaining days in peace, well-fed, comfortably sheltered, with soft beds, and compassionate care—safe from the hardships of street life.

Funding and Support

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, BDR relies entirely on donations to operate. They receive no government funding or grants. Contributions directly support veterinary care, food, shelter maintenance, and other essential services.

I brought dog beds, towels, and food, and made an online donation to support their work. You can contribute in-person or online by clicking the "Donate" button at www.barbsdogrescue.org.

Like many rescues, BDR constantly faces challenges, like overcrowding, limited resources, and now a major food shortage. In February 2025, they lost their primary food donor, making dog food donations more critical than ever. The rescue urgently needs dry or canned dog food.

Under Mexican law, travelers are allowed to bring up to 50 pounds of dry food OR five cases of canned food per vehicle. If you'd like to contribute more, you can drop off extra supplies at the Why Not Travel Store in Why, Arizona, where other travelers can help transport them. BDR also continually seeks monetary donations, volunteers, and foster homes to expand its capacity and help more dogs in need.

Continuing Barb's Legacy

Since Barb's passing, the rescue has stayed true to her mission. The team is now working on expansion and stronger community outreach to further reduce the local stray dog population and promote compassionate animal care.

Video of Barb caring for one of her rescues.

Conclusion

Barb's Dog Rescue is proof of what one person's compassion can spark. Thanks to Barb's mission and the continued support of donors, volunteers, and adopters, the rescue works every day to give each dog the loving home they deserve. If you're traveling to Puerto Peñasco, you'll pass by the rescue on the way into town; look for the giant billboard. Whether you are donating food or supplies, delivering food from the Why store, making a cash donation, or picking up some swag to help spread the word, it's a worthwhile visit to honor Barb and support the dogs she loved. But fair warning—it took every bit of willpower I had not to bring one of those sweet four-leggeds home with me.

For more information or to make a contribution, visit barbsdogrescue.org.

When you're driving to Mexico to visit Barb's Dog Rescue, don't forget to get Mexico vehicle insurance with Mexpro. It takes two minutes or less to get covered, so you can cross the border with peace of mind.