Placencia Humane Society

Since 1999, the Placencia Humane Society has been educating their small Belize community about responsible pet ownership, while improving the quality of life for furry four-legged locals. 

The MISSION of the Placencia Humane Society (PHS) is to improve and enhance the quality of life for animals on the Placencia Peninsula and neighboring communities by promoting and demonstrating responsible pet ownership and educating the community it serves. 

Why is it important?

From humble beginnings in 1999, Placencia Humane Society has greatly expanded their importance in the Belize community of Placencia. PHS becomes involved in pet rescues when pets are abused, abandoned, or the owner cannot care for them anymore. Abandonment is a major issue with most dogs becoming “tourist dogs,” attaching to visitors who feed or care for the dogs during their stay. Adoption is another leading cause the PHS champions. PHS provides rescue and foster homes for animals in need, as well as helping travelers abroad to return home with furry new family members.  Other services provided for roaming dogs and cats are neutering prevention from heartworm, and rehabilitation and treatment to injuries, most commonly done by car. 

Since establishing themselves as a not-for-profit organization in 2005, the PHS relies solely on fundraising and donations. Less than 5% of PHS’s budget goes to operating expenses with nearly 95% of its budget allocated to its animal care programs. With the continued support of animal lovers, PHS will be able to continue providing and expanding veterinary care and advocacy for the four-legged residents of the Peninsula, as well as education and outreach for its two legged ones.

How do they do it?

Regular pet clinics are held once a month at the Placencia Humane Society. The clinic is staffed by volunteers and visiting vets who are brought in from other parts of the country, as the Peninsula does not have any vet in residence. Services offered at these clinics include spaying and neutering, low-cost/subsidized vaccinations, veterinary check-ups, treatments for mange, TVT (transmissible venereal tumor disease), Ehrlichia (tick fever), and whatever else might ail a pet.

Educating the local population about animal care in diet, grooming, fleas, and training is also a major initiative of the PHS. 

How you can #TravelKindly: 

Choose Placencia Humane Society as your local charity when you book with Kind Traveler.

• “Pack for a Purpose” and bring much-needed supplies for the PHS. A list of easy to carry essentials can be found here
• If you’re traveling on the third weekend of the month, take part in PHC’s two-day clinic, volunteers can assist in clinic operations, transportation for animals and owners in need, landscape and maintenance or even lend your photography skills. 
• Should you happen to fall in love, bring a friend for life home with you. Here’s more info on PHC’s adoption process