Caring For Those Without A Voice - Isla Mujeres Opens Doors To New Animal Shelter

The morning of Monday, August 4th, local authorities officially opened the doors to Isla Mujeres' new Animal Welfare Center,  a long-awaited project that marks a major step forward in the island’s approach to animal care and protection. The facility was inaugurated by Quintana Roo’s Governor Mara Lezama and Municipal President Atenea Gómez Ricalde, who welcomed island families to the event, introducing them to a modern, purpose-built space located on the Garrafón road, next the condos Loma Bonita, and the hurricane shelter. With dedicated areas for veterinary care, adoption, and recreation, the center aims to reduce pet abandonment, promote responsible ownership, and improve the overall quality of life for animals on the island.

The facility, funded through municipal resources and the Environmental Sanitation Fund, was chosen through participatory budgeting, allowing residents to vote on the use of public resources, reflecting a community-wide commitment to the project. The result is a well-equipped space with capacity for 16 dogs and 10 cats, complete with a veterinary clinic, adoption room, secure enclosures, dog grooming services, and a recreational Pet Park.

Atenea Gómez Ricalde noted that this new space reflects a broader vision to build a more compassionate and respectful community where animals  are valued as members of island families. The facility includes a reception area for the public, a dedicated medical zone for veterinary consultations and care, an adoption room for connecting animals with new homes, and a garden where pets can spend time outdoors.

In the months leading up to the opening, the government put out a call for mural proposals to decorate the center’s outer wall. The goal was to reflect values of love, care, and respect for animals through art. Local artist Barbara Siebenlist was selected to lead the project, which was painted with the help of local children and adults. The mural adds both color and meaning to the space; it has quickly become a favorite spot for visitors and locals to take photos with their pets. The artwork not only enhances the space but also serves as a symbol of collective responsibility.

This shelter meets a long-recognized need in Isla Mujeres, offering both services and education to reduce abandonment and encourage animal welfare. It’s a community-driven achievement that reflects the island’s commitment to all of its residents, including its four-legged ones.

Credit for photos from Animal Shelter Inauguration - Atenea Gómez Ricalde - Facebook

& Mara Lezama - Facebook

Thank you for the hard work of President Atenea Gómez Ricalde and her team at the Municipal of Isla Mujeres and of Quintana Roo's Governor Mara Lezama and her team, for providing us with the photos and information, so that we can invite you and keep you up to date with current events on the island.