Quintana Roo Publishes Guide for Emergency Pet Shelters, a National First

Chetumal, Quintana Roo — Quintana Roo has solidified its national leadership in animal welfare with the publication of the State Guide for the Implementation of Temporary Shelters for Dogs and Cats in the Event of a Disruptive Phenomenon or Threat. The guide was published in the state’s official gazette on July 14, 2026.

The initiative originated within the Disaster Response Commission of the Citizen Consultative Council for the Care and Welfare of Animals of Quintana Roo. It was developed by the Institute of Biodiversity and Natural Protected Areas of Quintana Roo (IBANQROO) in coordination with the Secretariat of Ecology and Environment (SEMA), the State Coordination of Civil Protection (COEPROC), the Secretariat of Education (SEQ), the Secretariat of Health (SESA), and the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW).

Governor Mara Lezama Espinosa has made it a priority to promote public policies that strengthen the protection and care of animals, as outlined in the New Agreement for the Welfare and Development of Quintana Roo.

“The guide is aimed at state and municipal authorities, nonprofit organizations, and other entities interested in planning and executing temporary shelters for dogs and cats, as well as owners of domestic animals who need to use these shelters,” said Javier Carballar Osorio, director general of IBANQROO.

During the 2024 hurricane season, Quintana Roo became the first state in the country to install temporary shelters for dogs and cats. In 2025, thanks to an alliance with IFAW, basic implementation kits were delivered to authorities in all 11 municipalities.

Lourdes Souza Hernández, director of Biodiversity and Animal Welfare at IBANQROO, explained that the guide was created to establish guidelines for setting up at least one temporary shelter for dogs and cats in each municipality in the event of a disruptive phenomenon or threat.