Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – Earlier this week, students from the University of Guadalajara Regional High School rolled up their sleeves at the Puerto Vallarta Animal Health and Control Center in a bid to promote citizen participation and bolster animal welfare. Backed by the Luis Munguía administration, the initiative recognized young people as a driving force for community transformation. Over the course of the visit, more than twenty students swept, scrubbed, and organized every corner of the facility, demonstrating that hands-on service can spark lasting change for both volunteers and the animals they serve.
Armed with cleaning supplies and an abundance of enthusiasm, the group tackled an array of tasks. They scrubbed and disinfected dog and cat cages, ensuring a hygienic environment for animals recovering from neglect or injury. Students gave rescued dogs long walks around the center’s yards, allowing the animals to stretch their legs and breathe fresh air. Others carefully bathed the canines, washing away grime and making each pup feel loved. In the feline wing, volunteers gently handled cats, brushing their fur and sharing quiet moments of companionship that soothed skittish rescues.
Beyond basic care, the young volunteers reorganized storage rooms and donated bowls of food collected through a campus drive. Stacks of kibble and cans of wet food lined the shelves, ready to nourish hungry mouths in the weeks ahead. Their efforts didn’t just improve living conditions at the center; they also saved staff hours that could be redirected toward medical exams and adoption outreach. As one student reflected, “Working here taught me how small actions—like cleaning a cage—can make a huge difference in an animal’s well-being.”
The volunteer program carried mutual benefits. While animals enjoyed cleaner spaces and fresh water, students absorbed lessons in responsibility, compassion, and teamwork. They saw firsthand how routine tasks contribute to a larger mission of animal welfare and public health. Many left with a stronger sense of empathy for companion animals and an appreciation for the labor that goes into caring for them—an experience organizers hope will inspire future community service.
The Luis Munguía administration provided logistical and moral support for the project, emphasizing its commitment to youth engagement. In a statement, Deputy Coordinator María Hernández said the program exemplifies the belief that “our city’s young people hold the key to positive change.” By partnering with educational institutions, the administration aims to foster civic-minded leadership and encourage ongoing collaboration between students and municipal departments.
Roberto Ornelas, head of the Animal Welfare Department, extended an open invitation to more students, institutions, and members of the public to join the volunteer ranks. Interested participants must complete a straightforward registration form detailing their personal information, availability, preferred activities, and the time they can commit. These details help department staff schedule volunteers efficiently and maintain a safe, organized environment for everyone involved. Once registered, volunteers receive an orientation covering animal handling protocols, hygiene standards, and center policies.
As the city seeks to build a more compassionate, inclusive environment, programs like this one demonstrate how government and community can work hand in hand. Participants leave not only with cleaner cages and well-exercised dogs but also with the satisfaction of knowing they’ve given a second chance to animals in need. Organizers stress that every pair of hands makes a difference and encourage anyone who cares about animal welfare to sign up.
By channeling student energy into purposeful action, the volunteer program at the Puerto Vallarta Animal Health and Control Center shows that citizen participation goes beyond voting or advocacy—it can be as simple and profound as lending a hand to a dog in need. As more volunteers step forward, Puerto Vallarta moves closer to a future where all living beings receive the respect, care, and compassion they deserve.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - Earlier this week, students from the University of Guadalajara Regional High School rolled up their sleeves at the Puerto Vallarta Animal . . .
