Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - Last Friday The Puerto Vallarta Animal Shelter (El Centro de Acopio Animal) received five tons of pet food and money to build 22 animal cages - 12 that hold up to two dogs each and 10 one-animal enclosures - the equivalent of 950,000 pesos in cash donations.

During the unveiling of the cages, the director of the animal shelter, Guadalupe Dávalos, thanked Deb and Greg Barzelou, who made a 250,000 pesos donation for the construction of the cages and are regular Acopio volunteers, for their support.

"We give our appreciation and love to Greg and Deb, who out of their great love for animals asked us what we needed. Noting that we had some dogs tied to trees, they spent weeks of intense work helping us build the two-dog 12 cages. They also helped us build the 10 single-animal cages for the housing of animals after daily treatments as well as post-surgical confinement," said the city official.

Meanwhile city councilor Guadalupe Anaya, representing the Acting mayor, Javier Pelayo, acknowledged the efforts made by all of the volunteers and the time they devote to each and every one of the animals housed at the acopio. She said they will continue working together with all those who want to join in the effort to give every puppy or kitten there a better quality of life.

A laboratory also made a donation of five tons of food, which in monetary terms is equivalent to about 700,000 pesos, as it is the so-called Super Premium food that is distributed exclusively by veterinarians.

"The laboratory is dedicated to the manufacture of pet food and supports the work of animal groups. They told us that they can not support all of the groups that apply for these donations, so they prioritize the places that are reliably credited with ongoing work - such as the Puerto Vallarta Animal Shelter. This is very important because somehow they became aware of the work we are doing and the results we are achieving. The representatives who came to the shelter had the opportunity to see the evidence of our work, through a tour of our facility and seeing the condition of our animals. They also checked each of the conditions that we had to meet, and they approved us to be worthy of this donation," explained Guadalupe Dávalos.

There are currently 65 dogs and 36 cats at the Centro de Acopio Animal, of which approximately 60 percent are ready for a family to adopt. The rest of the animals are either very young, not yet sterilized, or in treatment.

In addition to food, the public is encouraged to make donations of important veterinary medicines, like antibiotics, analgesics and wormers.

The Puerto Vallarta Animal Shelter, Acopio Animal, is open every Mon-Fri from 9 am to 2 pm. Adoptions take place every Thursday between 10 am and 2 pm. For more information, call the Centro de Acopio (PV City Animal Shelter) at (322) 293-3690.