Walking Dogs and Petting Cats at the Caye Caulker Animal Shelter
Everything you need to know about the Caye Caulker Animal Shelter, a one-man-run, no-kill, non-profit doing amazing work to save Belize’s stray dogs and cats.
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The Caye Caulker Animal Shelter is a non-profit organisation and one of the best things to do in Caye Caulker for animal lovers. It is run by a local, Kenny, and receives no government support, relying entirely on donations and community goodwill. Unfortunately, stray animals are a common issue, not only in Belize but throughout Central America. Previously, the island dealt with them through poisonings, so it’s great to see a more ethical and humane solution. Visitors are warmly welcomed to stop by, interact with the animals, and even volunteer their time. Whether it’s walking a dog along the beach or simply offering companionship to a kitty, your involvement makes a meaningful difference and is one of the most rewarding things you can do in Belize.
Caye Caulker Animal Shelter at a glance
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About Caye Caulker Animal Shelter
The Caye Caulker Animal Shelter is a heartfelt, grassroots initiative located in Caye Caulker, Belize. Founded and operated by local resident Kenrick “Kenny” Sampson, the shelter serves as a sanctuary for the island’s stray and abandoned animals, including dogs, cats, and even iguanas.
The shelter operates as a no-kill facility, aiming to find permanent homes for its residents.
Kenny established the shelter over 20 years ago, dedicating his life to the care and rehabilitation of these animals. He provides them with food, medical attention, and a safe environment, all funded through donations and proceeds from his bicycle repair business.
The shelter takes in all stray animals, including those suffering from mange, worms, and other health conditions. Kenny works hard to bring these animals back to health before finding them forever homes. Even the tiniest animals – kittens and puppies just one week old – are cared for with dedication, being hand-fed using syringes and baby bottles.
Once the animals are strong enough to eat on their own, usually after about three months, they are neutered and continue to live safely at the shelter. The cats and dogs live together peacefully in a compassionate, cage-free environment, except for at-risk animals like kittens, where it’s safer to keep them in a cage at night. All animals at the shelter have received their rabies shots, and their overall care is a top priority.
Where is Caye Caulker Animal Shelter
The Caye Caulker Animal Shelter is located on Front Street (Hicaco Avenue/Playa Asuncion) in Caye Caulker, Belize. It’s conveniently located across from the Ice and Beans CafĂ©, one of the best restaurants in Caye Caulker, making it easily accessible on foot and by bike. It also has a back entrance on Date Lane.
Caye Caulker Animal Shelter Map
We’ve pinned Caye Caulker Animal Shelter on our interactive map.
Visiting the Caye Caulker Animal Shelter
It’s quite easy to walk past the shelter without even realising it’s there – it’s only a small yard nestled on the main street in Caye Caulker. Yet, it’s one of the most heartwarming experiences on the island.
The animals were all super friendly and well-behaved, making it a delightful visit for all ages. Guests are welcome to stop by, play with the dogs, or pet the cats. The animals are especially popular with children, making the shelter a wonderful stop for families, and it’s a comforting place for travellers missing their own furry BFFs at home.
The shelter operates from sunrise to sunset, and while there’s no formal schedule, Kenny is usually present to greet guests and share stories about the animals.
Volunteering at the Caye Caulker Animal Shelter
Volunteering at the Caye Caulker Animal Shelter is a great way to give back during your time on the island.
Anyone can volunteer at the shelter, and you only need to pop in once you arrive. There’s no formal sign-up process – just drop by the shelter once you arrive, and you’ll be warmly welcomed.
Volunteers can choose how they’d like to contribute. You might spend your time socialising with the cats, helping them build trust and feel loved, or taking the dogs for walks around the village or along the beach. These walks are not only great exercise for the dogs, but they also give them much-needed stimulation and social interaction.
If you have more time or special skills, Kenny may invite you to assist with feeding, cleaning, or basic animal care, though no prior experience is required. Whether it’s 15 minutes or a full afternoon, every little bit helps, and the animals thrive on human interaction.
Adopting an animal from the Caye Caulker Animal Shelter
Adopting an animal from the Caye Caulker Animal Shelter is not only possible for Belizeans, but for travellers too. Belize is a rabies-free country, which makes the adoption process easier and more secure for international travel.
While many of the shelter’s animals are successfully rehomed within Belize, Kenny has also helped place dogs and cats in loving homes abroad, including in the U.K., the U.S.A., and Canada. He works closely with adopters to ensure each animal is healthy, vaccinated, and ready for the journey to their new life.
If you fall in love with a furry friend during your visit, Kenny will guide you through the adoption process, including paperwork, veterinary checks, and travel logistics. Though it may take some planning, the reward of giving a stray animal a forever home is well worth it.
Supporting the Caye Caulker Animal Shelter
The best way to support the shelter is to visit it and spread the word about what a great place it is. Spending time with the animals not only brings them joy and comfort but also helps raise awareness of the shelter’s mission.
Even if you’re unable to adopt or volunteer long-term, spreading the word through social media, word of mouth, or a kind review helps ensure that more people discover this incredible place.
The shelter accepts donations of cash, which go directly toward feeding the animals and covering medical costs. You can donate in person or online through the Caye Caulker GoFundMe Page.
For those interested in supporting the shelter, donations of pet food, medicine, and pet supplies are also greatly appreciated. Your generosity helps ensure that the animals continue to receive the care and love they deserve.
How to get to the Caye Caulker Animal Shelter
The Caye Caulker Animal Shelter is located right on the island’s main road, just a short walk from the water ferry dock. It’s across from Ice and Beans CafĂ©, making it easy to find if you’re exploring the area on foot or by bike.
Since Caye Caulker is a small, walkable island, you won’t need a car or taxi. Simply head south along the main street from the Split, and you’ll spot the shelter on your right. From the San Pedro and Belize City ferry docks, head north, and you’ll find it on your left. Look for the hand-painted signs.
Caye Caulker Humane Society
Caye Caulker is home to a second animal shelter, the Caye Caulker Humane Society. A dedicated, volunteer-run, non-profit organisation, it is committed to improving the health and wellbeing of animals on Caye Caulker.
Established in 2009, CCHS offers essential veterinary services, educational programs, and community outreach to ensure that the island’s pets and stray animals receive the care they need.
They operate a weekly veterinary clinic every Saturday from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at their facility on Sinsonte Road. The clinic, staffed entirely by volunteers including the head veterinarian, provides services such as check-ups, vaccinations, deworming, flea and tick control, nail clipping, and health certificates for international travel.
They also run a Trap-Neuter-Release program to manage the island’s feral cat population. Led by dedicated volunteers, the program involves trapping cats, sterilising them, and releasing them back to their original locations. This initiative has significantly reduced the number of stray cats in Caye Caulker and minimised related nuisances.
Caye Caulker Humane Society relies entirely on donations and volunteer support. As a registered non-profit in Belize and a 501(c)(3) organisation in Austin, Texas, donations from U.S. donors are tax-deductible. Contributions help cover medical supplies, facility maintenance, and other operational costs.
For more information or to make a donation, visit the Caye Caulker Humane Society website or pop in in person.
For animal lovers and kind-hearted travellers seeking meaningful things to do in Belize, volunteering at an animal shelter on Caye Caulker offers a unique and memorable way to connect with the community and to support the shelter’s mission of compassion, care, and second chances.
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