Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - As Puerto Vallarta is rapidly becoming known as a "Pet Friendly" city, the Plaza Caracol shopping center has launched a new campaign to promote the pet friendly concept, and is now allowing shoppers to bring their pets into the mall.

Internationally, pet friendly spaces have been around for several years, mainly in Europe and the United States, while in Mexico, the concept is relatively new. Up until now, the concept only existed at shopping centers in big cities like Monterrey, Guadalajara and Mexico City.

"In response to the need for pet owners to be able to go out and spend time with their pets, we feel this is a wise decision and [summer is] a good time to launch the campaign at Plaza Caracol," said Public Relations Director Teresita Marmolejo.

Plaza Caracol launched its "pet friendly" campaign in mid-July, not only allowing animals in the mall, but also setting up booths throughout the shopping center that offer products (paper towels, plastic bags and deodorizing spray) for owners to use in cleaning up after their pets, if necessary. As part of the initiative, the mall is also offering free tips on how to treat pets and planning events where people can participate with their pets.

As a prerequisite, and to avoid incidents with other animals and customers, all pets must be on a leash and owners will be held responsible for any damages that may be caused inside the shopping center. Mall security will be redoubling their efforts to ascertain that everything is in order, the administration assured.

The President of the National Chamber of Commerce (Canaco) said she is working to encourage more local businesses to join the initiative in hopes of making Puerto Vallarta better known as pet friendly destination.