Esta publicación también está disponible en: English Español
Starts Sunday, Nov. 17 with Friends of Puerto Vallarta Animals
Residents of Zona Romantica who are looking to adopt a dog or cat will soon be able to visit with their future new family members at a new dog and cat adoption center that will be held once a week at the Dog & Cat (formerly Can&Cat) veterinary clinic in Zona Romantica.
Starting on November 17, 2024, and every Sunday after that from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (the time is tentative, so please check social media), you’ll be able to visit the Dog & Cat located at Manuel M. Dieguez 315-a, Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jal.
The first adoption event will include dogs and cats from Friends of Puerto Vallarta Animals.
It’s all being organized by David Smith, a volunteer helping at Dog & Cat.
“You know if you want to adopt a pet from one of the many wonderful shelters we have here, you might find them at a special event but nothing on a regular weekly basis,” Smith said. “So I approached Dog & Cat and asked if they would donate space on a Sunday when they are closed.”
Each Sunday a different shelter will be invited to the doggie daycare play area space at Dog & Cat where they can bring different types of dogs and cats. Potential adoptees will be able to visit with their dog or cat in a secured area in the room.
The space that will be used for the adoption center has been spruced up for the weekly event, with a room-sized mural covering the floor and walls that was done by local artist Luis Guzman.
Smith said the space will be made available for any shelter to come, and it will be scheduled on a rotating basis. He’s already had conversations with the Yvonneka Foundation and the Friends of Puerto Vallarta Animals.
“All of the shelters are invited,” he said. “And we also want to work with the shelters on starting some foster programs.”
Adoption fees vary with each shelter.
And he added, Dog & Cat will be working to add a one hour professional dog training session each week.
Smith, who lived in Los Angeles, California before moving to Puerto Vallarta, was involved in animal rescue and fostering there. He’s excited to be able to once again help that worthy cause.
“I’m a retiree with lots of time on my hands,” he said with a laugh.
The owner of Dog & Cat, Santiago Flores, has such a big heart, Smith explained, that he often rescues dogs from the street and keeps them at Dog & Cat until they can find a home for them.
“I recently watched as Santiago rescued four dogs just down the street from where I live,” Smith said.
Smith went on to explain that a multigenerational family is not far from his condo complex, and often has several dogs playing in the street or tied up. Smith said he had recently noted the dog population was increasing and counted maybe six to eight dogs there.
“We learned that this local family had rescued several dogs, including a female named Maya who was a street dog and had recently been hit by a car. The family did not have the financial means to feed and care for all of these dogs. Word got around in our condo complex about this, and I mentioned it to Santiago,” Smith said. “Santiago and I went to the home and within a matter of minutes he agreed to not only rescue Maya, but three other dogs for a total of four. This is a great story of our local community all coming together for a good cause.”
Smith said that the shelters, and anyone that rescues a dog faces a significant cost.
“The money adds up when you include spay/neuter, medication for fleas/tick/deworming, feeding and housing them until they are,” he said.
Here are just a few of the animal shelters in Puerto Vallarta:
Friends of Puerto Vallarta Animals
So if you are looking to rescue a dog and not sure where to start, be sure to visit the new adoption center at Dog & Cat, starting Sunday, November 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This first event is being hosted by Friends of Puerto Vallarta Animals.
Adoption Fair (please check their social media to confirm times)
Held every Sunday at:
Dog & Cat
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Manuel M. Dieguez 315-a,
Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata,
48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jal.
Esta publicación también está disponible en: English Español
 spa clinic in Zona Romantica. ){kind=link}