Amigos de Animales de San Miguel de Allende, AC was incorporated in October 2001, fully registered as a not-for-profit organization in Mexico and started regular operations in February 2002.  Our founder was Arno K. Naumann, an animal lover and resident here in San Miguel de Allende struck by the multitude of animals roaming the streets, at the mercy of traffic, the elements, and of course, human abuse.  Profoundly moved, Arno set out to try to find a solution and joined the board of a crowded local animal shelter.  Soon, Arno concluded that there was only one ultimate solution to the plight of the animals wandering the streets, and that was sterilization. 

Gathering a small group of like-minded people in October, 2001, Arno founded the not for profit Association of Amigos de Los Animales de San Miguel de Allende, A.C. with the mission to curb the overpopulation of dogs and cats in this city, striving to eliminate their fear, pain, and suffering, through free or very low-cost sterilizations.

After many years running the organization successfully, Arno retired from the Presidency of Amigos de Animales in 2014 and soon after incorporated Association Arkana A.C., the shelter on his ranch with grew over the years housing dogs and donkeys. 

In addition to sterilizations, Amigos de Animales has been instrumental in effecting significant changes for the welfare of the domestic animals in the communities.  Most importantly in the year 2002, an agreement prepared and presented by Amigos was signed with the Municipality, establishing that the only method allowed to euthanize the animals captured by Ecology or by any other means, is by lethal injection, preceded by total anesthesia.  This replaced the inhumane method of electrocution used in the past!

Today, Amigos de Animales continues the work that Arno began and is committed to continuing to reduce the overpopulation of cats and dogs in the area.