Puerto Vallarta: Pet Friendly

Pet Friendly Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is a very pet-friendly town; one of the attractions that drew us here. Though Kitten isn’t interested in venturing far from home and certainly not eager for trips in the car, Pup wants to accompany us everywhere. While Kitten watches from a soft spot on the sofa, Pup jumps with glee at the jangle of the leash, a sound he can hear from any corner of the casa.

Open- air restaurants on the beaches in Puerto Vallarta are high on the list of welcoming places to visit. After a late afternoon stroll on the Malecón, we can settle in, Pup at our feet, and enjoy the sunset. Mind you, the fancier establishments are very tolerant, yet we make an effort to sit on the beach and not inside, out of respect to other guests. Keep Fido as close as under your table, chair or steady hand. Be aware of other dogs on the premises and if your dog is even slightly aggressive, be polite enough to depart. Any enclosed restaurant will likely prohibit pets. Though this has elicited some complaints, most pet owners understand that indoor restaurants are not suitable, and they leave the mascot at home. Theaters are certainly no place for a dog either. Unless one has a service animal that is verifiably required, it’s better for Fritz to be in a less lively environment.

Can we emphasize enough to always have plastic bags to pick up after Fifi? We have a nifty little carrier that attaches to the wrist strap of our leash; it holds up to 30 small bags, works like a charm and is available at the finer pet shops.

Water bowls for dogs are ubiquitous on the streets of Puerto Vallarta’s business districts. Many store owners are pet owners themselves and realize the need for a quick slurp for your dog, but be cautious in the warmer months. If they aren’t kept clean they can be a breeding ground for harmful bacteria.

We like to let Pup have a run on the beach, off leash. There are no strict or enforced laws but it’s wise to have a watchful eye. Some callejeros (street dogs) can be territorial and we have met dogs whose people go without a care in the world; it’s good to pay due diligence.

Some tourists sites, like the Botanical Gardens welcome pets, on leash, and remind you to pick up your poop; however they also charge a (very nominal) fee of $50 pesos. Check before you go.

Que es cómo es.

Thanks to our Guest Blogger Adam Garcia for this great article!  (Opinions expressed are his own…)

About Vacation Villas of Mexico Founder, Vanessa Cole

The founder of the company, Vanessa Cole, lived in Puerto Vallarta for 10 years and in Cancun for 2 years. She has worked in Luxury Vacation Villa Rentals since 2001.

Originally from San Antonio, Texas, Vanessa earned a degree from the University of Texas in Austin, majoring in International Business and Latin American Studies.  Fluent in Spanish, she has worked and traveled all over Mexico and South America.

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