In Puerto Vallarta, visitors are often encouraged to leave the coastal city with souvenirs like tequila and sun-kissed memories — but a local animal welfare group is hoping some will also consider something far more meaningful: a rescue dog.
The Yvonneka Foundation, established in 2012 and named after its founder, operates a dedicated dog shelter known as Puppy Paradise.
The organisation has become a lifeline for stray and abandoned dogs in the region, rescuing animals from the streets and providing them with care, rehabilitation, and a second chance at life.
Jessica Montes, speaking on behalf of the foundation, says the shelter currently cares for around 100 dogs, including puppies, pregnant mothers, and young and adult rescues — each with their own difficult backstory.
“We currently have about 100 dogs, including puppies, pregnant mothers, adults, and young dogs. They all arrived because they were rescued from the streets. Each one has a story,” Montes explained. “Most were found wandering, searching for food in rubbish, or abandoned as puppies.”
Far from being a closed facility, Puppy Paradise actively welcomes tourists and volunteers. Visitors can spend time walking the dogs, playing with them, and helping with socialisation — an important step in improving their chances of adoption.
“We are open to receiving visits from tourists and volunteers,” Montes said. “We have a programme where you can walk a dog for a day. This helps them socialise and increases their chances of being adopted. All the dogs are happy when visitors come to give them love and play with them.”
For those who form a deeper bond, the foundation also supports the full adoption process, helping tourists bring a rescue dog home if they choose to take the step.
The shelter recently showcased its work at the annual Gala Puerto Vallarta Nayarit tourism event, where two dogs, Bombero and Rambo, attended alongside volunteers. Both wore yellow “Adopt Me” collars and quickly charmed international delegates at the event.
Most of the dogs at Puppy Paradise come from Puerto Vallarta and the surrounding areas. The region also supports stray population control through free spay and neuter services for residents, helping reduce the number of unwanted litters.
The foundation’s efforts have also received backing from Michelle Fridman, tourism secretary for the state of Jalisco, who has been vocal about animal welfare. A known dog lover herself, Fridman has personally adopted 15 former strays.
“We’re very pro-animal,” she has said previously.
For Montes and her team, the goal is simple: turn compassion into action, even for visitors passing through on holiday.
“Many tourists have visited Puppy Paradise, spending time with the dogs, playing with them, walking them, and giving them love,” she said. “They leave surprised by how many dogs we care for and how safe and happy the shelter is.”
She adds that vacation time in Puerto Vallarta can easily include a meaningful detour.
“There’s time to do everything on a holiday here. Visitors can take a dog out for a day, bring them to the beach, and do a good deed while they’re on vacation.”
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