Move to Playa del Carmen with Your Pet: A Complete Guide for Pet Owners

Thinking about relocating to Playa del Carmen? Whether it’s a full-time move or just for the winter months, bringing your pet is non-negotiable. They’re part of the family; if you’re like us, you couldn’t imagine leaving them behind. The good news is moving to Playa del Carmen with your pet or pets is easier than you think. 

From pet-friendly parks and beaches to reliable and affordable veterinarians, grooming services, and boarding options, Playa del Carmen makes settling in with your pet easy. 

Here’s everything you need to know to make the transition smooth and enjoyable for you and your four-legged family member.

1. Finding a Home for You and Your Pet: Tips for securing a pet-friendly property in Playa del Carmen.
2. Veterinarians You Can Trust: Reliable vet clinics and mobile services for your pet’s health.
3. Where to Get Your Dog Groomed: Top grooming salons and services to keep your pet pampered.
4. Boarding Facilities When You Travel: Safe and caring places for your pet while you’re away.
5. Dog Parks and Pet-Friendly Spaces: Best outdoor areas for dogs to socialize and play.
6. Pet-Friendly Beaches: Discover Playa’s dedicated dog beach for off-leash fun.
7. Pet-Friendly Cafés and Restaurants: Relax and dine with your furry friend at these welcoming spots.
8. Don’t Have a Pet but Are Looking to Adopt One?: Local shelters and adoption centers to find your new best friend.

1. Finding a Home for You and Your Pet

Before diving into all the perks of living in Playa del Carmen with your pet, you’ll want to secure a pet-friendly place to live. Many properties for sale and rent in Playa are pet-friendly, but confirming the pet rules with the landlord or property management is always a good idea before sending a deposit. Gated communities, such as Playacar or El Cielo, are particularly popular for pet owners because they offer more space and walking areas.

If you plan to stay long-term, check out properties with outdoor areas where your pet can roam. Look for listings that mention pet policies upfront to save time in your search. Keep in mind that most rentals will require a pet deposit.  Once you’ve found a place to live, it’s time to explore the pet side of Playa del Carmen!

2. Veterinarians You Can Trust

A reliable vet is crucial when moving to a new place with a pet. Fortunately, Playa del Carmen has several excellent and affordable veterinarians to keep your pet healthy and happy. 

Sanimal

Sanimal is a trusted vet clinic in Playa del Carmen, located in Playacar Phase 2. It is known for its compassionate staff and wide range of services. Whether your pet needs a check-up, surgery, or an emergency visit, Sanimal has a reputation for thorough and caring veterinary care. They also offer diagnostic services and pet wellness plans. 

• Location: Av. Paseo Tulum Mz 19A Lt 1 Local 12, Playacar Phase 2
• Services: General veterinary care, diagnostics, surgery, emergency services
• Contact: +52 984-879-4117

Coco’s Animal Welfare 

Though Coco’s is primarily known for its spay and neuter services, it also provides affordable vet care for pets. Its focus is on preventive care, and it’s actively involved in the local community with programs to reduce the number of stray animals in the area. It’s a great spot for routine pet care and vaccinations.

• Location: Calle 44 Nte, El Pedregal
• Services: Vaccinations, spaying/neutering, preventive care
• Contact: +52 984 120 0572

Veterinaria WOW PAWS

Located on the first floor of the Mega Soriana grocery store in Centro, Veterinaria WOW PAWS is an excellent option for those living downtown without a car and pet parents looking for routine care and emergency services. Known for its friendly staff and affordability, WOW PAWS offers various services, including vaccinations, dental care, and grooming. The convenience of its location makes it a popular choice for busy pet owners.

• Location: Mega Soriana, Avenida Constituyentes
• Services: General check-ups, dental care, vaccinations, grooming
• Contact: +52 984 116 8456

Are you looking for a vet that can come to you? Two of our favorite veterinarians who make house calls are Oscar Galindo from El Especialista and Lisbeth Vazquez Garcia from Fisiovet Playa. Another excellent option for mobile services is Gaia Pet Care. Gaia Pet brings quality pet care directly to your doorstep with a mobile unit equipped to provide various services, including vaccinations, wellness exams, and bathing, all in the comfort of your home. 

3. Where to Get Your Dog Groomed

Let’s face it: Playa del Carmen’s warm, tropical climate can make dogs a little scruffy and sandy after all that fun at the beach. Luckily, you won’t have to look far to find a place where your pup can get pampered.

Estética Canina Barbas de Perro

This grooming salon is highly regarded for its friendly staff and professional services. Whether your dog needs a simple bath or a full grooming session, Barbas de Perro provides everything from de-shedding to flea treatments with a gentle touch.

• Location: Avenida Luis Donaldo Colosio 
• Services: Grooming, de-shedding, flea baths
• Contact: +52 984 593 3665

PetCo Playa del Carmen

PetCo is a solid option for a reliable and convenient grooming experience. There are two locations, one in the Plaza Las Americas mall and a second near Centro Maya. PetCo offers all the basic grooming services you need to keep your pet looking sharp, and it often has promotions for regular customers. It’s also a great place to find pet supplies such as food, beds, and toys, and it has an in-house vet who fills pet prescriptions. 

• Location: Plaza Las Americas and Centro Maya
• Services: Bathing, nail clipping, haircuts
• Contact: +52 984 267 3602

Nancy’s Estética Canina

A beloved local grooming spot, Nancy’s Estética Canina offers affordable grooming with a personal touch. Their experienced staff provides everything from baths to haircuts, and they’re known for treating pets like family.

• Location: Local 14 en Playa del Sol Dentro de Clínica Huellas, Av. Xel-Ha
• Services: Grooming, nail trimming, specialty cuts
• Contact: Contact via Facebook

4. Boarding Facilities When You Travel

Sometimes, you’ll need to travel without your pet, and finding a reliable boarding facility is essential. Playa del Carmen offers great options where your pet can stay and play while you’re away.

Pets Playa

Pets Playa offers daycare and boarding services with personalized pet care. Their staff focuses on keeping your pet comfortable and happy during their stay, with plenty of playtime and attention. It’s a great option if you’re looking for reliable and caring service.

• Location: Avenida 30, near Calle 26
• Services: Daycare, boarding, grooming
• Contact: +34 641 68 28 55

Dog Holiday

Dog Holiday provides your dog with a cozy, home-like environment when you need to leave town. Their boarding service includes lots of playtime, outdoor activities, and individual attention, ensuring your dog feels safe and loved while you’re away.

• Location: Colonia Ejido
• Services: Boarding, daycare, grooming
• Contact: +52 984 135 2616

Pet Palace

Pet Palace is another fantastic boarding option that offers a luxurious experience for your pet. With spacious kennels and a dedicated play area, your dog or cat will enjoy their own vacation while you’re away. Their team provides individualized care, ensuring each pet gets plenty of exercise and affection.

• Location: Avenida 40, between Calle 24 and 26
• Services: Boarding, daycare, grooming
• Contact: +52 984 112 3456

Pet Sitting Tulum / Puerto Aventuras / Playa del Carmen

Looking for someone to come to you? Paws x Sitters is an option our agents recommend, offering in-house care, visits, and dog walking. Sometimes, taking a dog or cat out of their home can cause stress on both the parents and the animals. Having a reliable person who can visit or stay at your house while you travel is a gift, and Dallan is a reliable option with great reviews.

5. Dog Parks and Pet-Friendly Spaces

One of the best parts of moving to Playa del Carmen with your dog is all the outdoor activities. While there aren’t as many dedicated dog parks as in larger cities, there are still plenty of places where your pup can run, play, and socialize.

Parque la Ceiba

Parque la Ceiba is one of the most popular parks in Playa, and while it’s not a dedicated dog park, it’s an excellent spot for a casual stroll with your furry friend. Dogs are welcome; you’ll often find other pet owners enjoying the green space. There’s also a café where you can grab a drink while your dog explores.

Quintas del Carmen

Located in Centro, Quintas del Carmen is a neighborhood full of trees and one of the few places in downtown Playa del Carmen with houses for sale. A perk of living in this neighborhood is a small gated dog park that is shaded. It’s an excellent area for dog owners who live in Centro and don’t have a car. 

Canino Cebiam Park

If you’re looking for a great spot to let your dog run and play off-leash, Canino Cebiam Park is a well-maintained dog park that is part of the Santuario Cebiam animal shelter, offering a safe and spacious area where dogs can socialize and exercise freely. The park has agility obstacles, plenty of shade, and water stations to keep your pup hydrated in the warm weather. It’s also a fantastic place to meet other dog owners and let your furry friend make new friends. The park’s clean, fenced environment ensures a safe, fun time for dogs of all sizes and temperaments. 

6. Pet-Friendly Beaches

Playa 72 Dog Beach is one of the only dedicated beaches for dogs in Playa del Carmen. The entrance to the beach is located on Colosio and 5th Avenue. Access is free, and it is recommended that you visit between 6:00 AM and 7:00 PM. 

This beach is perfect for letting your dog run off-leash and swim freely. When visiting the dog beach, it’s essential to consider your dog’s size, temperament, and level of training. Make sure to arrive with what you need for a comfortable visit with your dog: water for when your pup gets thirsty and bags to clean up after they do their business. Dogs must be healthy, dewormed, socialized, and always under supervision. This beach is also a popular location for people to spend the day, so it is recommended that dogs remain on a leash when the beach is very crowded, particularly on holidays and weekends.

7. Pet-Friendly Cafés and Restaurants

One of the many perks of Playa del Carmen is its abundance of pet-friendly cafes and restaurants. Many places, especially those with outdoor seating, welcome dogs. A few popular spots include:

• Midogo Café (Avenida 10 and Calle 14) – A cozy, pet-friendly spot where you and your furry friend can enjoy a relaxed meal together.
• Cafe Choux Choux (Calle 24 and Ave 20) – Unique French café where you can bring your dog while enjoying breakfast or lunch. 
• Basic Foodie (25 Avenida between Calle 26 & Calle 28) – A pet-friendly café with healthy human options and a relaxed vibe for pets.

Midogo Café in Playa del Carmen is a perfect spot for pet owners looking to enjoy a relaxed meal with their furry companions. This charming café welcomes pets with open arms, offering outdoor seating where your dog can lounge comfortably while you sip on a fresh cup of coffee or enjoy their delicious breakfast and brunch options. The casual, friendly atmosphere and laid-back vibe make it an ideal place to hang out with your pet, whether grabbing a quick bite or settling in for a leisurely meal. Plus, their staff is known for accommodating and giving extra attention to the four-legged guests.

8. Don’t have a pet but are looking to adopt one? 

If you’re considering expanding your family by adopting a dog or cat, Playa del Carmen has several shelters dedicated to rescuing and rehoming animals. 

SOS el Arca is a shelter that focuses on rescuing abandoned and mistreated animals and providing medical care and rehabilitation to prepare them for adoption. Additionally, Santuario Cebiam offers a refuge for rescued animals, where they receive care and are nurtured until they find their forever homes. Playa Animal Rescue is also highly regarded, particularly for its work with street dogs, providing medical treatment, rehabilitation, and a safe environment until they’re ready for adoption. By adopting from these shelters, you not only give an animal a second chance at life but also help address the issue of stray animals in Playa del Carmen.

Moving to Playa del Carmen with your pet is a breeze once you know the local services and pet-friendly spots. From excellent vets and groomers to boarding options and dog-friendly parks, your furry friend will feel right at home. Now, all that’s left is to enjoy your new life in paradise—together!