Gay Nagle Myers
Volunteer vacations come in all forms, from building homes to mentoring students in reading classes.
Countless numbers of stray dogs roam the streets of Mexico, and now pet-loving travelers have an opportunity to make a difference in an underprivileged dog’s life, thanks to the novel Pack for a Purpose project offered by the Fairmont Mayakoba on the Riviera Maya to help injured and abandoned dogs.
Guests at the Fairmont are invited to use extra space in their luggage to bring a donation for Playa Animal Rescue, a nonprofit organization that operates a no-kill animal shelter in Playa del Carmen dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating abandoned dogs and ultimately finding them permanent homes.
In the year since it opened, the shelter has rescued more than 160 dogs and placed 100 others in homes in Mexico, Canada and the U.S.
Before traveling, guests can review the list of needs on Pack for a Purpose’s website. These include animal supplies such as blankets, grooming and food products, veterinarian equipment and health supplies. Donations are collected at the Fairmont and delivered to the shelter.
Guests who want a paws-on experience can deliver the donation themselves and spend time with their new four-legged friends. The shelter also has in place an easy process for visitors to adopt dogs and take them home.
“As a pet-friendly hotel, partnering with Playa Animal Rescue comes naturally to us,” said Sven Richter, hotel manager and owner of Pippa, a stray he rescued from the streets of Playa del Carmen. “Our goal is to raise awareness for a culture of nonviolence towards animals while offering an opportunity for our guests to have a positive impact in the local community.”
In addition to rescuing strays, Playa Animal Rescue hopes to build a low-cost clinic for the pets of locals who have fewer resources.
The Fairmont accepts dogs traveling with guests; the rate is $75 per stay and amenities include a dog mat, feeding bowls and water..