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Puerto Vallarta could soon become a regional leader in animal welfare, thanks to a new initiative introduced by Councilwoman Melissa Madero Plascencia.
During the latest council session held on September 25, 2025, Madero formally proposed launching a feasibility study for a Free Municipal Veterinary Hospital to provide essential care for pets and the city’s large stray animal population.
Madero’s proposal directly confronts the issues arising from the lack of affordable veterinary services. Unchecked animal populations lead to suffering, abandonment, and public health risks like zoonotic diseases.
National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI) data suggests that out of approximately 23 million companion animals in Mexico, an alarming 70% are abandoned. This local initiative aims to provide a concrete, public policy solution to this persistent problem.
The Path Forward: A 30-Day Study
The agreement instructs the Animal Welfare Department, along with the Departments of Environmental Sustainability, Agricultural Development, Municipal Assets, and Strategic Projects & Cooperation, to prepare within a maximum period of 30 working days a study that acts as the blueprint for the potential hospital, requiring:
- An estimated count of dogs and cats, focusing on the stray population.
- Identifying a suitable, city-owned property for the hospital.
- Projections for necessary personnel, their professional profiles, and salary estimates.
- A detailed inventory of required medical equipment, furniture, and basic supplies for initial operation.
Councilwoman Madero, who is also an LGBTIQ+ activist, emphasized that the hospital would guarantee fundamental services for all animals, regardless of ownership status. The facility would focus on sterilization, vaccination, and basic medical care, contributing not only to animal health but also to public sanitation and the environmental balance of Puerto Vallarta.
Once the study is complete, the results will proceed to council commissions for analysis and discussion. If the findings support the project, the city will move forward with creating a facility that has the potential to make Puerto Vallarta a benchmark for animal protection and welfare across the region.
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