Volunteer Dog Walking Q&A
Where is the CENCAAZ Sanctuary located?
Where is the CENCAAZ Sanctuary located?
Calle 17 Sur con Av. 150 Col. Bellavista, Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo. México. Located to the left of the catholic church called El Santuario de la Divina Misericordia.
What days and times are the dogs walked?
What days and times are the dogs walked?
Daily from Monday to Friday 9:00am to 1:30pm. Saturday, Sunday and Holidays from 9am to 12 noon.
Do I have to stay the full 4 hours?
Do I have to stay the full 4 hours?
It is recommended that you stay with the group until all the dogs have been walked. Typically it takes 4 hours for 10 volunteers to walk all the dogs.
Is there public transport available to the CENCAAZ Sanctuary
Is there public transport available to the CENCAAZ Sanctuary
If you know Playa del Carmen, you can take a COMBI-VAN that will go to the Bellavista neighbourhood and you ask to be dropped off at :Calle 17 Sur y Avenida 145”. You can also mention the building CIUDAD JUVENTUD as a reference to the area you want to go. Once you have been dropped off, you will need to walk 2 blocks East to get to the CENCAAZ Sanctuary, which is just the left of the catholic church called El Santuario de la Divina Misericordia. We are providing a link to the Combi Van ORANGE route for your review:
https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1YStgk6ML-8E1go5dv8atyltdBF83fIvg&hl=es&ll=20.627432649450274%2C-87.09201813051499&z=15
How much does the Bellavista COMBI-VAN charge??
How much does the Bellavista COMBI-VAN charge??
$10 Pesos per person.
Are there dog walks when it rains?
Are there dog walks when it rains?
We generally wait until the rain stops and then quickly walk the dogs. If it starts to rain again, we wait once more until it stops and then complete the walks. The rain in Playa del Carmen comes in quick heavy bursts usually and intermittent periods when it stops. Please send us a message in the morning before you go on a rainy day. Walks may be canceled last minute.
Do I have to reserve my visit?
Do I have to reserve my visit?
YES, please with a minimum 48 hours’ notice, so we can make sure you will have time with the dogs, by way of our online calendar or by way of an email to:K9lifesaversmx@gmail.com
What happens if I change my mind and I decide not to go?
What happens if I change my mind and I decide not to go?
Please try to give us at least 48 hours’ notice warning if you are canceling so that we have time to find other volunteers to fill the spots, which are limited. Our most important goal is that all the dogs get a chance to be walked, which is essential for their physical and mental wellbeing. It is recommended that you get a good night’s sleep prior to your participation with us, as the volunteer activity can be physically demanding and we need all the volunteers to be at 100% so they can care for the dogs they get assigned.
What kind of clothes should I wear?
What kind of clothes should I wear?
Please try to wear long jean pants or sports / yoga style pants and T shirts as many of the dogs have a tendency to jump up on your legs and they can scratch you with their nails unintentionally. Please also wear socks with tennis shoes or at least closed shoes that are comfortable to walk on all terrain. No sandals, clogs or flip flops.
Should I bring drinking water?
Should I bring drinking water?
Yes, by all means please bring good drinking water to rehydrate yourself!
Can I listen to music on my earphones, air pods or chat with my friends on my smartphone while walking the dogs?
Can I listen to music on my earphones, air pods or chat with my friends on my smartphone while walking the dogs?
Absolutely NO, …we need your full and undivided attention when walking these dogs, because many dogs are out of their cages at the same time and someone may need assistance. They may call to you for help or they may call to you to get help from a Leader. Our dogs are street dogs that have not been domesticated and some of them may try to escape or break free to attack another dog. If you have you are listening to music or involved in a phone call, you may not hear when a Leader or some other volunteer is trying to get your attention. This is for your protection, the protection of the dog you are walking and the protection of everyone else.
May I walk dogs with my toddler or children under 12 years of age?
May I walk dogs with my toddler or children under 12 years of age?
All dog walks require that an adult is paying 100% attention to the dog being walked, thus if a family with children wants to walk a dog need to request authorization 48 hrs in advance , and it will be based on the Cencaaz*s administration to authorized . Please keep in mind that the CENCAAZ Sanctuary is not a Zoo or a park to entertain the children. It is a refuge for abused, mistreated, abandoned and scared dogs that have the emotional intelligence of a 3 years old child and that require the constant supervision of responsible adults during their daily walks
May I walk dogs if I am a minor?
May I walk dogs if I am a minor?
Sorry, NO.
May I walk the dogs outside of the CENCAAZ Sanctuary installations?
May I walk the dogs outside of the CENCAAZ Sanctuary installations?
Absolutely NO, all dog walks are within the CENCAAZ Sanctuary installation.
How much time should I take to walk each dog I am given?
How much time should I take to walk each dog I am given?
We recommend 20 to 25 mins per dog, to allow each dog to walk, pee, poo, sit, play and rest.
May I choose the dog I want to walk?
May I choose the dog I want to walk?
All the dogs are assigned by the Volunteer Leader of the day. He or she will make their decision on who gets what dog based on knowing each dogs behaviour, personality and temperament. As well, the Leader will make an evaluation of the capabilities of each volunteer. We have found this method has been the most successful.
May I go to get a dog on my own from their kennel cage?
May I go to get a dog on my own from their kennel cage?
No, you need to wait for the Volunteer Leader of the day to get and assign you with each and every dog. It is the Leader who will go in and out of the kennel cages
May I pass by the kennel cages and touch the dogs on my own?
May I pass by the kennel cages and touch the dogs on my own?
NO, please ask the Volunteer Leader to accompany you to the kennel cage of the dogs you want to get close to, so the Leader can guide you in each case as they know the behavior, personality and temperament of each dog.
May I walk the dog I am assigned alongside of my partner who is assigned a different dog?
May I walk the dog I am assigned alongside of my partner who is assigned a different dog?
Only if the Volunteer Leader of the day says it is ok! Typically, most of the dogs will not get along together, so when walked we ask all volunteers to maintain a safe and conservative distance from each other.
May I feed the dogs myself?
May I feed the dogs myself?
No. please do not feed the dogs! We appreciate that you want to help and reward the dogs, but in most cases, it causes a slight change in their gut environment and they typically end up with diarrhea. If you want to bring something to help the dogs, please consider bringing quality dog kibble and give it to the Volunteer Leader so that it may be used in conjunction with the dog’s regular diet at mealtime.
What happens if I should fall or get bitten by a dog?
What happens if I should fall or get bitten by a dog?
While this is not a common event, we know that the possibility of getting bitten by a dog is always a risk when dealing with non-domesticated animals, that have a history of living with abuse and fear. It is extremely unlikely that if you are assigned a specific dog, that that dog will bite you, however, should one dog break free and attack another dog, we can foresee the possibility of a volunteer getting bitten trying to stop the attack. Should this unlikely event take place, please immediately approach the Volunteer Leader of the day who will treat your bite accordingly and then you will need to see a doctor for further review and medication.
Please remember that we are all VOLUNTEERS and we all walk into the CENCAAZ Sanctuary accepting the inherent risks of an accident or a dog bite, when walking and caring for undomesticated dogs.
The CENCAAZ Sanctuary and all Volunteers Associations assume No Legal or Financial Liability should a volunteer get bitten or hurt in any way while volunteering and all related medical costs, etc. are at the volunteers’ sole expense.
Parents and adult Guardians are 100% responsible for their children while inside the CENCAAZ Sanctuary facilities.
Who walks the very aggressive dogs?
Who walks the very aggressive dogs?
Typically, the very aggressive dogs are walked only by the Volunteer Leader themselves or a specific volunteer who has lots of experience with the dog and knows them very well. They have a relationship and the dog respects them, so the chance of a problem is minimized. However, please Never accept an aggressive dog if you are a new Volunteer and / or you have little experience with the aggressive dog.
Reserve Your Volunteer Day At CENCAAZ Sanctuary
Reserve Your Volunteer Day At CENCAAZ Sanctuary
Your presence makes a real difference. By signing up on the calendar, you are choosing to give your time, kindness, and energy to dogs who are learning to trust again. Each visit brings them comfort, confidence, and hope. Please reserve your spot in advance so we can prepare and create the best experience for both you and the dogs. Choose your day. Show up with love. 🐾✨
