How pet friendly is Tulum? 

Pet-Friendly Perspectives: A Tulum Traveler's Tale

I have traveled with my small italian greyhound several times to Tulum, so I’m pretty much an expert on this subject. Ultimately, like much of Mexico, Tulum and most of the Riviera Maya is not the most pet-friendly place. 

I’ve been turned away from several eateries (with outdoor seating) and beach clubs, despite being a loyal, paying customer. Unfortunately, there is a stereotype that dogs are unclean, and the idea of pet-children (or perrhijos), is somewhat preposterous to most business-owners in Tulum. 

In some ways, Southern Mexico is less progressive on this issue than Northern states, for example in Tijuana, many businesses are encouraging, “your dog will eat free” or “your dog can ride the boat for free”. 

Some restaurants that have allowed our small dog in Tulum include “La Consentida” and Pebeta in La Veleta. Many restaurants in Tulum Center and the Hotel Zone have turned me away with my small dog, despite having outdoor seating. 

I have found several pet-friendly AirBnbs, but dogs are prohibited from most places, including beaches, due to the understandable initiative to protect the turtle population (strays on beaches often dig up turtle eggs and pose a threat to their breeding grounds). 

How is veterinary care in Tulum?

So you decide to take your best friend on vacation and the worst thing happens, they have an accident!

Tulum does have vets, although keep in mind it is a small town and veterinary emergency services are extremely limited (to non-existent). 

Although Playa Pet is a very capable and caring vet that we have used in the past, in the case of our dog’s broken leg, we had to endure a wild goose chase for an emergency vet in the city Playa del Carmen. Even then, it was a holiday, and we ended up being recommended to a person who practices out of their home. Although my dog was temporarily relieved of pain, she did need two subsequent surgeries to recover properly. Luckily, vet care is more reasonably priced than in the states, although I would argue it is less advanced in Tulum than in a place like Mexico City, for example. 

I still have pets and support having pets in Tulum, but I think this is something important to consider if you’re only coming for a short time. Would your pet be more comfortable and safe staying with a friend, loved one, or boarded? It’s possible. 

Can I find pet supplies in Tulum?

Pet food and supplies are certainly available at vet offices, and the pet section of Chedraui has recently been expanded to a Petco in Tulum. 

If your pet is picky, I recommend bringing their special kibble or treats, as brands differ greatly in Mexico. Purina Pro pet is not only pricey ($75 USD for a large bag)  but also largely accepted as the gold standard of pet food. My dog is used to freeze-dried raw food, which is equally pricey but arguably higher quality, and unfortunately, impossible to obtain in Tulum at this time. 

I’ve defaulted largely to feeding her different meats and grains, as she simply won’t accept the kibble or wet food sold here. All the monthly flee/tick and heartworm treatments such as Nexgard Spectra are available through vets for about $15/month