Oaxaca, Mexico · Dog Rescue

Helping dogs find freedom across Oaxaca, Mexico

We rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome dogs from our Ranch in Oaxaca across Oaxaca — matching loving families with pups who need a forever home. We also work with partners and donors to find homes in the United States, assisting in the process of rehoming dogs across international borders and making sure each dog is current on all vaccinations and healthy so they can enter the country with no problems.

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About us

How it all began

It started in 1985 with five-year-old Elizabeth Canseco, who loved animals, especially dogs like family. Forced to leave her loyal dog behind so her family could seek a better life in the United States, she never saw that dog again — and it broke her heart. She vowed that one day she would go back home to Oaxaca, Mexico, and rescue dogs off the street, so they would never have to be left behind — so someone would see their spirits and give them a chance with compassion and love. In 2022, it became a reality. Elizabeth — now a mother, a wife, and a grandmother — returned to fulfill her promise and started Unleashed Project Rescue.

Compassion with a leash on

Unleashed Project Rescue is a community-powered rescue based in Oaxaca, Mexico. We rescue dogs off the street, provide foster care and veterinary support, and carefully match each dog with an adopter who fits their personality and needs. Our mission is simple: fewer dogs left behind, more tails wagging at home. We are a kill-free foster environment: if a person or family does not adopt a dog, we keep them on our ranch and let them live out their life happy and healthy. In Oaxaca, Mexico, there is unfortunately little to no animal control or help for homeless animals. For most, life on the streets is short because of harsh conditions. Our goal is to let these rescued dogs live out long, healthy lives — and we are actively seeking partners and volunteers to work together to find homes and solutions for these dogs.

  • 12+ active fosters
  • 100% volunteer-run

Available dogs

Meet our friends

These pups are looking for their forever people. Click Adopt interest to start the conversation.

Azul Azul, second photo

Azul

3 years old · Female · Cream and brown

Azul is an extremely loving, sweet, and playful girl who still carries a quiet hope in her eyes. She was found abandoned on a rural road and left to fend for herself — no collar, no one looking back. She survived on her own until she was brought in, and now she's ready for the life she should have had from the start. She greets people with a soft, earnest face and a wag that says she's already decided you're her person. Azul is affectionate without being demanding, playful without being chaotic, and deeply loyal once she knows she's safe. She thrives on gentle routines, walks, and the kind of everyday closeness that makes a house feel like a home. She's looking for someone who will let her finally put the road behind her — a family that will give this sweet girl the second chance she never stopped waiting for. Azul is waiting to be unleashed into her forever life.

Adopt interest
Blanca Blanca, second photo Blanca Blanca

Blanca

3 years old · Female · Mixed breed · White

Blanca is a sweet girl with a soft heart and a happy face that lights up a room. She does well indoors, settles nicely in a dog crate, and thrives on calm routines and gentle company. She loves being near her people, enjoys short play sessions, and is ready for a home where she can feel safe and loved. Blanca is looking for a family who will give this sweet girl the forever life she deserves — someone who will let her finally settle in and be unleashed into her next chapter.

Adopt interest
Vela

Vela

3 years old · Female · Mixed breed · Black and tan

Vela is a gentle, loyal girl with a big heart and an even bigger love of open space. She thrives on long walks, sunny yard time, and room to stretch her legs — happiest when she can roam, explore, and come back to you with that soft, trusting look that says she already chose her people. She is wonderful with people of all ages and gets along beautifully with all kinds of animals — dogs, cats, and the everyday companions of a busy home — so she fits right into a multi-pet family. Affectionate, easygoing, and deeply devoted, she brings sweetness and steady companionship to everyday life. With a yard, ranch-style land, or outdoor adventures in her days, Vela blossoms into the loving forever friend who makes every walk and quiet evening feel complete.

Adopt interest
Dobi Dobi, photo 2 Dobi, photo 3 Dobi, photo 4

Dobi

3 years old · Female · Poodle mix · Chocolate and tan

Meet Dobi — the kind of dog who treats a sunny floorboard like a five-star spa. She is a clever little softie with bright, curious eyes and a gift for turning ordinary afternoons into the best part of the day. Short neighborhood strolls are her idea of adventure; long, lazy naps are her true specialty. She is not loud about her affection. She simply settles in close, claims a corner of your routine, and stays there until you cannot picture the couch without her. If you want a companion who prefers cozy over chaos — someone who will match your calm, share your quiet, and make home feel softer — Dobi is ready for her favorite spot: right beside you.

Adopt interest
Baby Baby, photo 2 Baby, photo 3 Baby, photo 4

Baby

3 years old · Female · Pit Bull Mix · Tan

Baby is a people person through and through — the kind of dog who lights up when you walk in the room and stays glued to your side like you are her favorite show. She is happy, very affectionate, and endlessly interested in whatever you are doing: follow-you-around energy, lean-on-your-leg cuddles, and a cheerful heart that treats strangers like friends she has not met yet. Honest note for the right match: Baby does not do well with other female dogs, so she needs to be the only girl in the house (or in a home without female dogs). Give her people who have time for love, play, and everyday closeness, and she will pour her whole joyful personality into being your shadow, your soft landing, and the companion who makes ordinary days feel warmer. If you want a devoted, people-focused girl who thrives on affection and is ready to make you her whole world, Baby is waiting.

Adopt interest
Maze Maze, photo 2

Maze

4 years old · Female · Shepherd mix · Black, tan, and white

Maze is a happy, obedient girl who is good with people. Gentle shepherd with bright eyes and a soft heart, ready for a calm forever home.

Adopt interest
Precious Precious, photo 2

Precious

2 years old · Female · Pit Bull Mix · Tan

Precious is extremely shy at first, but she is just as loving once she feels safe — a soft, steady heart that balances out her caution. She arrived with multiple burn marks all over her body that have since healed; that trauma deepened her shyness, but it never robbed her of the sweetness in her heart. She simply needs time to trust, and when she does, she blossoms into a sweet, loyal family member who wants to stay close to her people. Gentle, affectionate, and quietly devoted, she is looking for someone patient enough to earn her trust and lucky enough to keep this very sweet heart forever.

Adopt interest
Zima

Zima

2 years old · Female · Black and white

Zima came up to us on the street as a puppy, looking for a chance — and we saw that chance in her and took her in. The rest is history. Now this sweet girl wants to rewrite her history in a forever home, with people who will love her the way she has always hoped to be loved.

Adopt interest
Grizzly Grizzly, photo 2

Grizzly

3 years old · Female · Mixed breed · Tan and sable

Grizzly was rescued off the street as a puppy, and that early chapter still shows in the sweetest way: she can be shy at first with someone she does not know. Give her a little time, though, and she quickly blossoms into your best friend — loyal, affectionate, and full of life. She has lots of energy for walks, play, and everyday adventures, and she is ready for a forever home that will let her keep blooming.

Adopt interest

How to adopt

Four steps to forever

  1. Browse & choose

    Meet our available dogs online or at a weekend adoption event.

  2. Apply

    Fill out a short application so we can learn about your home and lifestyle.

  3. Meet & greet

    Visit with the dog (and any pets or family members) in a foster home or park.

  4. Welcome home

    Finalize adoption, get medical records, and start your new life together.

Events

Monthly fundraising & adoptions

Every month we gather the community to raise funds for rescue care and help dogs meet their forever families. Come say hi, meet our pups, and be part of the mission.

Fundraising

Monthly fundraising events

Once a month we host community fundraisers that help cover vet care, food, transport, and life on the ranch. Think bake sales, community tables, partner pop-ups, and donation drives — every dollar goes straight to the dogs who need it most.

  • Support medical care and rehab
  • Help with food and ranch supplies
  • Meet volunteers and hear rescue stories

Adoptions

Adoption meet & greets

The same monthly gatherings are also where families can meet available dogs in person. Spend time with the pups, ask questions, and take the next step toward adoption in a friendly, low-pressure setting.

  • Meet dogs looking for forever homes
  • Talk with foster helpers about personality and needs
  • Start an adoption interest conversation on the spot

Want dates, locations, or to bring a booth / volunteer at the next event? Reach out — we would love to have you.

Ask about the next event Meet our dogs

Reviews

What people are saying

Read kind words from adopters, donors, and friends — and leave your own review. Optionally share a photo of your adopted pup to cheer on the next forever home.

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Contact

We’d love to hear from you

Questions about a dog, fostering, or partnerships? Reach out — we usually reply within 1–2 business days.