This post may contain affiliate links. By clicking and making a purchase through the links, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. See my disclaimer for more information. This and display ads allow me to keep the site up to date and give back.
I get asked about dog friendly Puerto Vallarta more than almost any other destination, and for good reason. I have lived here with my rescue pug Puglo for years, I own a condo here, and after visiting over 80 countries in 17 years of travel, I can tell you PV is one of the easiest places in the world to visit with a dog. This is my complete local guide to visiting Puerto Vallarta, Mexico with a dog.!
If you love a dog friendly city, see why Barcelona surprised me too.
Whether you are coming for a week on the beach or scouting the city as a potential base, this guide covers everything: entry rules, beaches, neighborhoods, restaurants, where to stay, and how to get home smoothly.
Why Puerto Vallarta Is So Dog Friendly
Dogs are part of daily life here. You will see them trotting along the Malecon, lounging under restaurant tables in Zona Romantica, and playing on the beach in the mornings. Restaurants regularly bring water bowls to outdoor tables without being asked. It reminds me of the dog culture I experienced in Italy,, except with tacos.
It is also one of my 5 best dog friendly cities in Mexico, and I stand by that ranking as a resident.
Getting Your Dog Into Mexico
Good news: Mexico is one of the easiest countries to enter with a dog. Since December 2019, Mexico does not require a health certificate for dogs arriving from the US or Canada. Instead, your dog gets a quick physical inspection by SENASICA at the airport (the office is called OISA). I have done this multiple times with Puglo and it usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.
Here is what they check, per the official SENASICA traveler guide: your dog looks healthy, with no fresh wounds and no fleas or ticks. Bring proof of rabies vaccination given at least 15 days before travel, plus records of parasite treatment from the last 6 months. Your carrier should be clean, with no bedding, toys, or loose food inside (they can make you throw these out). You will fill out a simple import form at the airport. The USDA also keeps a current summary on its pet travel to Mexico page.
If this is your first international trip with your dog, start with my complete guide on how to travel with a dog internationally, and use my dog travel packing list so nothing gets forgotten.
Flying to Puerto Vallarta With Your Dog
PVR airport is well connected, and most major carriers allow small dogs in cabin. I have detailed guides on the airlines my readers use most: United, Delta, and the full roundup of airlines that allow dogs in cabin. If your pup flies at your feet, read my 9 tips for flying with your dog in cabin first. And if you have a flat-faced breed like Puglo, my guide to flying with a pug covers the extra precautions that matter.
Dog Friendly Beaches in Puerto Vallarta
Here is the part that surprises visitors most: there are no restrictions on dogs at Puerto Vallarta beaches. Puglo and I are on the sand almost every day (I do beach workout classes and he supervises), and dogs are simply part of the scenery here. In dry season I let him off leash to run around and nobody blinks. Bring water, pick up after your pup, and you are set.
One real warning though. During rainy season (June to October), crocodiles can turn up near the river mouths and estuaries, and Playa Holi in particular is known for them. Keep your dog leashed and away from river mouths in those months. It sounds dramatic, but locals take it seriously and so should you.
The other thing to respect is heat. The sand gets seriously hot by late morning, and summer humidity is hard on snub-nosed breeds like Puglo. Go early, bring water, and know the signs of overheating.
Beach clubs welcome dogs too. Puglo has joined me on more than one daybed, and most clubs bring him water before I have even ordered.
The Malecon and Dog Friendly Neighborhoods
Our favorite ritual is our Malecon outings. I bike and Puglo runs alongside me, which is the best energy burner we have found in the city. The 1.5 mile boardwalk is perfect for it outside of peak hours, so go at sunrise or on weekday evenings. For a change of scenery, there are also trails up by the Rio Cuale that feel a world away from the beach strip.
I will be honest: Puerto Vallarta is a little short on parks and green space. But with a beach in every direction and the river trails, Puglo has never once complained.
For neighborhoods, Zona Romantica is the most walkable and restaurant-dense. Versalles, where we live, has a local feel and incredible food. 5 de Diciembre splits the difference with easy beach access.
Restaurants and Cafes That Welcome Dogs
This is where PV really shines. Every restaurant with outdoor seating welcomes dogs, and most will let them inside too unless the place is super fancy. In Versalles, where we live, I have literally never been turned away with Puglo. Water bowls tend to appear before menus do.
Taco stands are their own experience with a dog (Puglo is a professional al pastor beggar). I have even taken him into a nightclub once. He was a hit, but I would not recommend it. It is loud, and he didn’t enjoy it much.
Puerto Vallarta’s Dog Community
One thing I did not expect when I moved here: the dog community is huge. So many people have dogs, locals and expats alike, and there are regular fundraisers for the shelters. The Sula Society, a local rescue caring for hundreds of dogs, throws events like their annual Bow Wow Gala, and people bring their own dogs along. It is honestly the easiest way to meet people (and dogs) if you are new in town.
And if you fall in love with a rescue while you are here, the shelters are always looking for flight angels to help dogs reach their adopters up north. Something to consider for your flight home.
Where to Stay With Your Dog
Finding pet friendly accommodation here is easy because most places allow dogs. On Airbnb or Booking.com, just turn on the pet filter, then message ahead about fees and size limits.
If you prefer hotels, these three are truly dog friendly, meaning real amenities rather than just tolerance.
- The Westin Resort & Spa Puerto Vallarta: their pet program includes a dog bed, bowls, and a waste bag dispenser, and they allow up to 2 dogs (max 18 kg each).
- Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa: pet beds, toys, a dedicated pet menu, and they even host pet friendly events.
- Sheraton Buganvilias Resort: their Love That Dog program welcomes pups steps from the Zona Hotelera beaches.
For a luxury splurge, head 45 minutes north to the W Punta de Mita. Their PAW program (Pets Are Welcome) includes a custom pet bed, bowls, toys, a treat at turndown, and yes, pet birthday cakes on request. Dogs up to 20 kg are welcome almost everywhere on the property.
If your trip includes the capital, I also rounded up the best pet friendly hotels in Mexico City.
Vets, Groomers, and Pet Supplies
This is one of the underrated perks of PV: veterinary care is excellent and affordable compared to the US and Canada. Our vet is Wolf’s Vet in Versalles and I recommend them to everyone. You can walk-in the same day, many vets speak English, and I budget a fraction of what friends pay back home for Puglo’s checkups.
Pet stores are everywhere, and larger supermarkets carry the major dog food brands.
Things to Watch Out For
Street dogs exist, though PV’s population is friendlier and better managed than many places. Keep your dog leashed around them and give working dogs space. Sidewalk heat from noon to 4pm can burn paws. And the cobblestones in the old town are rough on small paws over long distances, so Puglo gets carried more than he would like to admit.
The hard one to write: there have been instances of dog poisonings here, as in many parts of Mexico, usually bait left out on the street. It is heartbreaking and it is why I never let Puglo eat anything off the ground. Watch what your dog sniffs on walks, and if they suddenly vomit, drool heavily, or seem disoriented, get to a vet immediately. This is not a reason to skip PV, it is a reason to stay attentive, the same way locals do.
Returning to the US With Your Dog
Do not skip this section. All dogs entering the US need a CDC Dog Import Form receipt. Mexico is classified as low risk for dog rabies, so the process is simple: your dog must be microchipped, at least 6 months old, and appear healthy. You fill out the free form online (it takes minutes, and you attach a photo of your dog), then show the receipt at the airport. I keep Puglo’s receipt saved on my phone.
Because of the screwworm outbreak, dogs traveling from Mexico to the US now need one extra thing: a screwworm inspection by an authorized vet within 5 days before you fly. The vet examines your dog and certifies in writing that they are free of screwworm. In Mexico, this has to come from an MVRA authorized vet, which most established clinics have on staff, so just ask when you book (Wolf’s in Versalles is one). The airline staff will check this when you leave.
New for 2026 (entering Mexico): As of August 3, 2026, dogs arriving in Mexico from the United States also need a New World screwworm inspection document, signed by a USDA accredited veterinarian within the 5 days before travel. This is separate from the screwworm certificate required to bring your dog back into the US, so on a round trip you will need the paperwork in both directions. Confirm the current entry rules on the official SENASICA pet travel page.
The full details are on the USDA APHIS dog import page.
Dog Friendly Day Trips From Puerto Vallarta
When you want a change of scene, Sayulita and San Pancho, about an hour north, are laid back surf towns where dogs on the beach are the default, not the exception. South of the city, the boat ride to Yelapa is an adventure in itself, and small dogs ride along without drama. Closer in, the botanical gardens south of town are a beautiful escape in the cooler months. Wherever you go, carry more water than you think you need and plan around midday heat.
Living here has also taught me how affordable dog life in Mexico is. Grooming, daycare, and boarding cost a fraction of US prices, which matters if you want a dog-free day for zip lining or a boat tour. Book daycare a day or two ahead in high season (December to April).
FAQ: Dog Friendly Puerto Vallarta
Flying your dog in or out of Puerto Vallarta? Get my Cabin Guide
Puerto Vallarta is my home base, and I have flown in and out of PVR with Puglo more times than I can count. If you are bringing a dog here or heading back to the US or Canada, I put every lesson I have learned into one simple resource, from choosing an airline-approved carrier to the paperwork you actually need at the airport. Grab my flying with your dog cabin guide before you book.
Is Puerto Vallarta dog friendly?
Extremely. Dogs are welcome on the beaches, along the Malecon, at beach clubs, and at most restaurants. As someone who lives here with a pug, I take my dog literally everywhere.
Do I need a health certificate to bring my dog to Puerto Vallarta?
No. Mexico dropped the health certificate requirement for dogs from the US and Canada in December 2019. Your dog gets a brief inspection at the airport instead.
Are dogs allowed on Puerto Vallarta beaches?
Yes, there are no restrictions on dogs at Puerto Vallarta beaches, and off leash play is common in the dry season. During rainy season (June to October), keep dogs leashed and away from river mouths and Playa Holi because of crocodiles.
Is Puerto Vallarta safe for dogs?
Yes, with common sense. Watch sidewalk heat midday, do not let your dog eat anything off the ground, and be careful with flat-faced breeds in summer humidity.
Can large dogs fly to Puerto Vallarta?
In-cabin is usually limited to small dogs, but large dog options exist, including semi private services. See my guide to airlines that allow large dogs in cabin.
What documents do I need to fly home to the US?
A CDC Dog Import Form receipt, a screwworm certificate, a microchip, and a dog at least 6 months old.
Final Thoughts: Is Puerto Vallarta Dog Friendly?
After years of living here, my answer is an easy yes. Between the beaches with zero restrictions, the restaurants that treat Puglo like a regular, and a dog community that shows up for its shelters, Puerto Vallarta is one of the best places in the world to bring your dog.
If the flight is the part making you nervous, that is exactly why I created my Flying With Your Dog guide. It walks you through everything you need to take your first flight with your dog!
