My Pet World: SPCA Puerto Vallarta not only provides a shelter for dogs, cats but a sanctuary
PUERTO VALLARTA, Mexico -- On the outskirts of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, away from the beach sports and tourist hustle and bustle, barking dogs greet visitors to the SPCA Puerto Vallarta.
Dogs and cats are rescued from the streets and sometimes out of abusive conditions. Some are ill and require serious veterinary intervention.
At SPCA Puerto Vallarta animals with special needs may require a longer stay, but staying here isn't so bad. All residents receive the medical care they need -- somehow resources are found -- even if it means seeing a veterinary specialist.
"We do what it takes," says founder and President Janice Chatterton.
There's even whirlpool for rehabilitation on the premises. There's also a veterinarian with a special interest, specifically in shelter medicine, rare in Mexico.
More than a shelter -- the SPCA Puerto Vallarta truly is a sanctuary. Dogs are kept in spacious indoor/outdoor runs, and almost always have the company of one more canine companion. Cadres of volunteers, ranging from local residents to tourists, walk the dogs daily.
Cats live in a colony, and can catnap inside or outdoors (in a covered and enclosed area). A surround-sound system provides calming music throughout. Some employees' job title is "cuddler," merely keeping animals company and providing comfort.
The idea isn't for animals to merely survive here, the goal is for them to thrive and one day adopted. And that's what mostly happens. However, some special needs animals may not find that forever family. If hospice care is required, animals receive it before being humanely euthanized.
Most adopters are from the U.S. or Canada. Chatterton explains there's already an over-abundance of animals seeking local Puerto Vallarta homes. And she is discerning about those deserving of adopting either directly from the facility or from a small but organized foster network.
Jim Watt and Brenda Rose Drolet of Edmonton, Alberta say they were first rejected for an adoption because of their busy schedules.
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