Playa del Carmen Announces Second Annual Dog Festival to Promote Animal Welfare

Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo — Local officials, civil society representatives, and entrepreneurs have announced the second edition of the Dog Festival, scheduled for March 14 at Plaza 28 de Julio starting at 5 p.m., aiming to promote animal welfare and create inclusive spaces for pets.

At a press conference, organizers explained the festival originated as a citizen-led initiative coordinated with municipal government to advance actions contributing to animal well-being. They emphasized that Playa del Carmen is home to thousands of families living with companion animals, making it essential to promote more public spaces, activities, and policies that foster a culture of respect and care toward animals.

The festival will feature an adoption fair with rescued dogs and animals from the Center for Animal Control, Assistance, and Zoonosis (CENCAAZ), all vaccinated, sterilized, and ready for new families. Recreational activities will include pet talent contests where participants can showcase their dogs’ skills or tricks, with prizes up to 12,000 pesos thanks to festival sponsors and partners.

Estefanía Hernández, Secretary of Economic Development and Investment Attraction, noted the event has support from various municipal departments and 19 strategic alliances, solidifying it as a socially impactful event with free public access.

From a tourism perspective, organizers highlighted the growing pet-friendly segment as a significant opportunity for the destination, as more travelers seek places where they can vacation with their pets. They pointed to the city’s “Pet Friendly” route, which currently includes 16 establishments—hotels, restaurants, and businesses—that allow pet access and aims to expand with business sector participation. They also mentioned Dog Beach at Playa 72, a public space designated for residents and visitors to bring pets, promoting responsible coexistence and respect for animals.

Event organizer Sergio Beristain invited the public to attend and participate in activities, including considering responsible adoption. He recommended attendees keep pets on leashes, clean up waste, and avoid bringing animals that might become stressed in large crowds to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all.