Dog Beach in Argentina

The Argentine resort of Mar del Plata attracts tourists from all over the world. The city boasts old mansions, museums, an aquarium, and the Teatro Colon, famous for its tango shows. It also hosts an international film festival. Mar del Plata recently added a new attraction: a unique dog beach, Yes Playa Canina. Man's best friends can carefreely enjoy the rays of the hot sun without risking being kicked out.

Happy vacationers

Theo is playing in the sand. He runs, jumps, and asks for belly rubs. The dog is having a wonderful vacation. This is the first time the two-year-old Weinamer is vacationing with his beloved owners, the Tasanos. Last year, he stayed at a pet hotel. The dog was well cared for, but he suffered from separation from his owners. "After returning home, Theo started losing his hair. We had to take him to the vet," says Maria Tasano. Two months later, she learned about the dog beach and bought a trip.

Maria Martinez came to the beach from Adrogué with her husband, daughter, and two dogs, Leticia and Lucrecia. "Pets are part of the family, too. We spend our holidays together," Maria says with a smile. Meanwhile, Lucrecia is swimming in the pool, and Leticia gallantly offers a paw to a passing tourist.

The price of pleasure

"The tours aren't cheap, of course. But that's the price you pay for the peace of mind of your four-legged friends and their owners. So it's perfectly acceptable," Maria muses.

An economy class resort package for four people and two dogs costs $400. It includes a beach umbrella, parking, a changing room, and exclusive services: a swimming pool, shower, travel kit, a play area with toys, and veterinary services. For $600, you get a large beach umbrella, and for $900, a tent for four people and their pets for the entire stay. Guests also have access to the Playa Balcon complex, located near the beach, which features a heated pool, a bar, a soccer field, and a squash court.

How the resort was founded

"It all started in December 2014. My wife and I were frustrated that we couldn't take our pets on vacation. So we came up with the idea for a dog beach," explains Gabriele Sapienza.

The resort's founders first studied the regulations governing pets. Argentine law prohibits dogs from being allowed on beaches because they disturb vacationers. However, the regulations do not apply to designated areas. City officials liked the Sapienzas' idea.

"We were inspired to create the beach by India. She wasn't allowed anywhere. The little one is a dangerous beast," Gabriel says ironically, asking his beloved miniature pinscher not to stray too far. The beauty was kidnapped two years ago. Her owner searched for her in vain. Then he rented a truck from a junk dealer. He drove around the city and found his pet.

Coast Guard

Indy frolics with Felicita, the English Shepherd who keeps order at the resort. When the furry tourist runs away, Felicita brings him back.

Reception of guests

Newly arrived Mukhtars must be vaccinated and dewormed. A dog trainer helps the animals adapt. "Over 200 dogs have rested here, and there hasn't been a single fight," boast the beach owners. It will be open until the end of March.

Dog owners quietly sunbathe on the beach, swim in the sea, and their pets have fun in the company of their four-legged friends.

Translation by O. V. Ryndina

Read also:

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• Alano (Alan dog, Spanish bulldog)
• Obedience for dogs: what it is, where to start, and training rules