Mayor Fulfils Pledge to Overhaul Animal Center

Playa del Carmen Upgrades Its Animal Shelter to Provide Better Care and Adoption Services

Solidaridad Mayor Estefanía Mercado visited the Centro de Control Animal, Asistencia y Zoonosis (CENCAAZ) today to oversee its rehabilitation efforts, reaffirming the local government’s commitment to protecting companion animals and ensuring their well-being.

CENCAAZ has long served as a lifeline for abandoned and vulnerable animals, acting as a sanctuary for those in need of rescue, medical care, and adoption. Recognizing its essential role, Mayor Mercado emphasized that the renovations will not only enhance the safety and comfort of the animals but also create a space where the community can engage, learn, and develop greater respect for animal welfare.

Accompanied by Doris Aké Sierra, Secretary of Infrastructure and Public Works, and Mariana Rubio, CENCAAZ Coordinator, Mayor Mercado highlighted the project’s three main goals:

• Upgrading facilities to provide a safer and more comfortable environment for animals.
• Promoting responsible pet adoption to help more animals find loving homes.
• Educating the community on responsible pet ownership and animal welfare.

Mayor Mercado encouraged residents to support the initiative, saying,
“Your help—whether through volunteering or simply spreading the word—is crucial to the success of this project. Together, we can make a real difference in the lives of these animals and our community.”

Improvements and Investment in Animal Welfare

At the start of the current administration, CENCAAZ housed 160 rescued dogs, with 40% successfully adopted thanks to ongoing awareness campaigns. Now, with an investment of 10 million pesos, the rehabilitation project aims to expand and enhance the shelter’s capabilities, including:

• 40 new confinement spaces for rescued animals.
• Veterinary clinic for medical treatments and emergencies.
• Animal shelter and treatment areas for comprehensive care.
• 150 renovated dog dormitories to provide better living conditions.
• Four consultation rooms, an isolation and recovery area, and a new operating room for sterilizations and surgeries.
• Cold storage and medication areas to ensure proper animal healthcare.
• Multipurpose hall for educational programs and community events.
• New reception area and paved ambulance access for efficient emergency response.

These upgrades will transform CENCAAZ into a state-of-the-art facility, improving both the quality of life for the animals and the services available to pet owners.

With the support of the community and the continued efforts of the municipal government, Playa del Carmen is taking a significant step toward responsible animal care, welfare, and adoption.

For those interested in adopting, volunteering, or supporting CENCAAZ, visit the facility or follow local announcements for upcoming adoption events.