Caye Caulker Cats and Dogs

As you can probably tell I am very much into helping charities and giving up some of my time when traveling. This helps me get to know the locals, humans and animals alike. Before leaving Australia on my next big adventure, I contacted Kenny from the Caye Caulker Animal Shelter in Belize. I offered to help when I arrived and gave him the dates I would be on the island. He told me to just pop on over when I was free, and so I did.

It is very easy to walk past the shelter without even realising it’s there. I have to admit, I am guilty of that. Once I found the place I walked in through the gate and called out to see if anyone was around. A few dogs came running to greet me, all who were extremely friendly, affectionate and playful.

Kenny appeared and had a very welcoming smile and we began chatting. We chatted for quite some time, whilst I was very happily giving lots of affection to the cats and dogs surrounding me.

What is fascinating about this place, is the cats and dogs live together. Kenny lives at the back of the property. There are families living in front and to the side of the property, who let Kenny do what he does best.

He has such a big heart and only wants the best for the animals in his care. The animals can sleep inside his home with him at night, protected and comfortable if they wish.

I love this place because there are no pens, no crates or cages, not even any concrete flooring. You get to spend your time cuddling, stroking and playing with the animals instead of cleaning, scrubbing and disinfecting enclosures.

The cats can wander or stray during the day, whilst the dogs stay on site. You can volunteer your time to walk the dogs, if you want to take one out for the day. They would be very happy having an adventure with you around the island.

Otherwise they are content sitting and relaxing in the shade protected from the hot sun. Not only will you find cats and dogs living on this property, but iguanas also visit and are fed by Kenny too.

Kenny takes in all unwanted and stray animals from the island. He provides them with veterinary treatment, neutering, love and comfort. Stray animals were previously eradicated via poisoning. Kenny has worked hard to stop this practice due to the cruelty and suffering endured. Sadly, it still occurs. Ten of the cats from this shelter were poisoned in August this year, Kenny was understandably distraught. I cannot imagine how helpless and frustrated he must have felt, watching them suffer for no reason.

On a brighter note, Kenny has occasionally been able to adopt some of the animals to families in USA and Canada. The shelter relies entirely on donations to continue providing the necessary care and treatments these animals deserve.

When Kenny has a few spare moments he repairs and rents out bikes, as another form of income. If you would like to help Kenny continue running this shelter you can visit him if you’re in the area or you can donate to his charity here.

I am so glad I stopped by this shelter, to learn more about Kenny and his dedication to the animals. If only there were more animal loving, caring people in the world.

Thankfully Caye Caulker has Kenny, who has plenty of love to give to the animals who have found themselves unwanted on this beautiful island.

Thanks for reading!

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To find out more about The Caye Caulker Animal Shelter please visit their Facebook page.

Center Information:

The Caye Caulker Animal Shelter in Belize feeds some 26 cats, six dogs and five iguanas at a time through donations and a bicycle repair business run by Kenrick Sampson, a.k.a. Kenny, who opened and also runs the shelter.

The Shelter is more than happy to receive donations in the form of food, medicine, pet supplies etc.

Located on Front Street, next to Rainbow Hotel, in Caye Caulker, Belize.