Frequently Asked Questions

Due to the amount of dogs and limited staff at the shelter , when you have an approved application the SULA shelter hours are:

Tuesday 1-3 pm
Friday 1-3 pm
Saturday 1-3 pm

We look forward to findind your new familly member.

Our rescues come from a variety of circumstances so their training varies. Our dog trainer assesses new dogs to provide an accurate behavioural assessment and works with the dogs until adopted on basic training, recall and socialisation. He also does agility with the dogs, pack walks and sometimes even bike rides! If you have any questions about a specific dog please don't hesitate to reach out.

Our dogs are rescued from dire situations, some come to us as strays and others come from owner/family surrenders. Follow us on facebook to see our rescue stories.

Yes! We have lots of opportunities for volunteers both at the shelter, for fostering and fundraising for those of you abroad! Check out our volunteer opportunity page for more information.

Our adoption fees include the cost of one flight and the vet papers required to travel. If more than one flight is needed then the most expensive flight is included. In addition, they cover all the vet care the dog received before being put up for adoption. All dogs fly with their vaccination record book. Each dog travels in a pet carrier, if you wish to keep the pet carrier then an additional fee of $100 will be charged.

We keep our fees as low as we possibly can, however, we are not immune to inflation and the rising cost of living. We have also not shied away from the dogs in dire need, the ones who’s medical costs will never be covered by an adoption fee. Then there are the dogs that we know are unlikely ever to find a home, the reactive dogs, the dogs with ongoing medical needs, and even the dogs that will not be adopted as they are not seen as being small, cute, and cuddly enough.

We run on minimal staff, relying on the help of volunteers to keep the costs as low as possible.
The dog adoption fee goes towards shelter rent, food, vetting, vaccines, sterilization, medication, gas, crates, bedding, leashes, collars, and flights to Canada. Flight costs have increased sharply of late. This, like all our other costs, we have no control over.

We want to stick to our mission, to help as many dogs in need as possible, often we are their only voice. We need adoption fees to help cover some of the running costs of the shelter, without this Sula would cease to be.

Adoption costs for dogs are:

Canada $750. Includes one flight and vet papers. Deposit (non-refundable) on Adoption $250, Balance on confirmation of flight $500.
USA $600. Includes one flight and vet papers Deposit (non-refundable) on Adoption $200, Balance on confirmation of flight $400.

Mexico:
Nationals $3000 MXN. Balance in full, on adoption,
Temporary/permanent residents (non-Mexican) $7000 MXN. Balance in full, on adoption,

Currently our adoptors are in Mexico, Canada and the USA.

When we rescue a dog or take a dog in the first thing we do is have them vet checked. As standard all dogs are checked for fleas, ticks, worms, heart worm, parvo virus, distemper, mange, erlichea, and anaemia.

The vet also checks their teeth both for health and for getting an indication of age. We provide treatment as needed but all dogs are given vaccinations (including rabies), teeth cleaning (as needed) and spaying or neutering.

We also establish whether they are good with other dogs or kids and some dogs work with a trainer.

If local pickup can be arranged. If its a long distance adoption dogs will fly cabin or cargo (depending on size) with either yourself or a volunteer flight angel. If the dog is flying with a flight angel, you will be normally meeting them for pick up at a major airport.

The length of time varies depending on the age of dog, health requirements and travel arrangements.
As dogs can not fly on their own, we depend on flight angels, who people flying home from PV, to volunteer to let the dogs fly on their ticket to get them from Puerto Vallarta to you.
You will meet your dog at a major airport to pick them up.

After the adoption has been approved and the dog is healthy and ready for adoption, we make every effort to find a flight to a major airport near you as soon as possible.