For the first time in its history, Puerto Vallarta will have a municipal animal shelter. The City Council voted unanimously on March 26, 2026 to approve a two-part project that includes rehabilitating the existing Animal Control Center and building a brand-new Municipal Adoption Center and Shelter. Mayor Luis Ernesto Munguía González and Councilwoman María Magdalena Urbina Martínez introduced the initiative to address long-standing problems at the current facility, which suffers from structural issues and overcrowding. The existing setup simply wasn’t designed to handle the volume of animals coming through its doors.
Citlalit Peña, Director of Animal Welfare, called the approval a turning point. The city is shifting toward a more humane model of care. The project will unfold in stages. Phase one tackles immediate repairs to the control center. Later phases focus on site preparation and construction of the modern adoption facility. The control center and adoption wing will be functionally separated. This reduces health risks and makes the space more welcoming for families looking to adopt. Animals will be relocated temporarily during construction to keep them safe.
The project ties directly into public health and safety by reducing disease transmission risks and promoting responsible pet ownership. For families considering a move or extended stay, it signals that Puerto Vallarta invests in quality-of-life infrastructure, not just tourism. If you’re visiting with children and want to explore family-friendly activities, check out these top things to do with kids in the area.
Sources: Banderas News; Vallarta Daily; Noticias PV
