The Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board is reminding travelers that Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, besides being a premier beach destination, is also a pet-friendly location with a diversity of activities and services to cater to those who travel with their four-legged friends.
Several Puerto Vallarta resorts are pet friendly and even provide guests with pet packages and other pet-related services, like doggie day camps. Among these pet-friendly resorts are the Westin Resort & Spa Puerto Vallarta located in the Marina area, Hotel Puerto de Luna and the Sheraton Bunganvilias in the Hotel Zone, Casa Cupula Hotel, Casa Kimberly in Downtown Vallarta and Casa Iguana Hotel and Vallarta Shores located in the South Zone.
Pets are also allowed on a handful of Puerto Vallarta’s many beaches; visitors can run along the beach with their dog or visit local meetups for doggie playdates. El Malecon, Puerto Vallarta’s famous boardwalk and open-air gallery, is already popular for its dozens of sculptures and statues, and its many cafes, restaurants and bars. Visitors are encouraged to walk the wide, cemented 1.5 mile path with their pets. Eateries and markets in Puerto Vallarta’s Downtown area also welcome four-legged companions, providing a bowl of cold water to any and all pets seated at outdoor tables.
In case of an emergency, the city also has a number of resident veterinarians and 24-hour pet hospitals. Local stores like Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club also carry most pet food brands otherwise found in the United States and Canada.
Though there are numerous direct flights to Puerto Vallarta from the rest of North America, travelers ought to check regulations and requirements for travel with dogs, cats and other animals as they vary from airline to airline.
Mexico does not quarantine cats and dogs arriving from other countries, but pets must travel with an International Certificate of Good Health from a certified veterinarian stating they are healthy and free of internal and external parasites. Pets must be up to date on rabies, hepatitis and distemper vaccinations, certificates of which should be included. Documents must be presented at the SAGARPA-SENASICA office in the Puerto Vallarta airport upon arrival.
For more information and a complete list of pet-friendly hotels, restaurants and activities, visit visitpuertovallarta.com.
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