VacationUpdated: November 2026 · By Mark from NaarCuracao
Visit Curaçao’s dog shelter for free
Several organizations in Curaçao take in stray dogs, and one of the largest is Rescue Paws Curaçao (RPC). On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays you can drop by for free: take a tour of the Rescue Center, meet the dogs and cuddle the puppies to your heart’s content. And if you meet that one dog you just can’t let go of? Most of them are available for adoption. Free, no sign-up needed, and you’ll make dozens of happy faces even happier.
- WhenFriday, Saturday and Sunday
- Visiting hours10:00 am to 12:00 noon
- AdmissionFree; donations are much appreciated
- Sign-upNot needed, just walk in
- Getting thereBy (rental) car; parking on site
Cuddling puppies in Curaçao at a glance
- At the Rescue Paws Curaçao dog shelter in Porto Marie, you can visit, pet and cuddle dogs and puppies.
- Open to visitors on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to noon, including a guided tour.
- The visit is free and you don’t need to sign up; donations of money or dog supplies are very welcome.
- Most dogs are available for adoption, including from a distance.
Photos of the dogs and puppies at RPC
What is Rescue Paws Curaçao?
Rescue Paws Curaçao (RPC) is a foundation that has been caring for the island’s stray dogs since 2014. It started out of pure love for dogs and has grown into a large Rescue Center on the former Porto Marie plantation, in the middle of the island. Dozens of dogs live there, from puppies to gentle old souls.
Most of them were picked up off the street: born there, or abandoned because their owner could no longer or no longer wanted to care for them. The center has separate sections for different groups, such as puppies, calm older dogs and dogs with a bit of “baggage”. It’s always a cheerful, lively place.
RPC does much more than shelter dogs. The foundation provides medical care, spaying and neutering to prevent even more strays, socialization and rehoming, both in Curaçao and in the Netherlands.
And it pays off: in 2026, 276 dogs had found a new home through RPC by the end of August, and 1,275 dogs had been spayed or neutered through the foundation by August 1. RPC receives no regular government funding and runs entirely on volunteers, donations and gifts.
What to expect when you visit the Rescue Center
- Arrive and parkBetween 10 am and noon on Friday, Saturday or Sunday. If the gate is open, drive onto the grounds; you’ll easily see where to park.
- Guided tourA staff member or volunteer shows you around and tells you about the dogs and the foundation’s work.
- Cuddle the dogsTogether with a staff member, pick a dog or puppy to cuddle and play with.
- Donate or adoptLeave a donation of money or supplies, and feel free to ask about adoption or adopting from a distance.
How to get to Rescue Paws Curaçao
Where is the Rescue Center?
- Location: at Porto Marie Plantation, on the road to Cas Abao.
- Landmark: coming from Willemstad, it’s just past Villapark Fontein on the left-hand side of the road.
- Parking: free, on the grounds.
Transportation
- You’ll need your own (rental) car; the center is outside the city.
- No transfer is offered.
- Combine your visit with an afternoon at the beach: Porto Mari and Cas Abao are close by.
What can you bring as a donation?
Visiting the Rescue Center is free, but it’s good manners not to show up empty-handed. Every contribution helps, big or small. You can leave money on site, but the dogs are just as happy with supplies. No time to stop by a pet store first? A cash donation is perfectly fine too.
RPC is always grateful for
- Dry dog food (kibble)
- Canned wet food
- Flea and tick products: only Nexgard and/or Frontline Puppy Spray
- Dewormer
- Leashes, harnesses and dog toys
Prefer to donate online?
You can do that safely and easily on the Rescue Paws Curaçao website. Also if you’re not in Curaçao, or want to give something after your vacation.
More ways to help the dogs of Curaçao
Adopt
Fallen in love? Most dogs are available for adoption. If it’s a good match, RPC arranges the flight to the Netherlands.
Adopt from a distance
Choose a dog that stays at the center and support it monthly, from just € 15 (about US$ 17) a month, for at least 1 year.
Flight buddy
Flying from Curaçao to Amsterdam? Take a dog along to its new owner. It costs you nothing and hardly any time.
Volunteer or foster
Lend a hand at the center (even just once), for example cleaning the kennels, or temporarily foster a dog.
Adopting a dog from Curaçao
Adopting a dog
Did you meet a dog at the Rescue Center that you’d love to adopt? That’s possible. RPC is very careful in its adoption process, so the dog and its new owner truly fit together. Once everything is approved, the foundation arranges the dog’s flight to the Netherlands.
Not sure whether a dog suits you and your home? Rescue Paws also has dogs staying with foster families in the Netherlands, where you can get to know them at your own pace over several visits.
Adopting from a distance
Want to help a dog but can’t give it a home yourself? Then adopt from a distance. The dog stays at the Rescue Center, and your monthly contribution helps pay for its care. In return, the foundation keeps you posted and regularly sends you new photos.
This starts at just € 15 (about US$ 17) a month, for at least 1 year. More information is on the RPC website.
Becoming a flight buddy
Dogs regularly fly to their new owners in the Netherlands, but they must be officially accompanied by a passenger. The foundation covers all costs. At Hato Airport, check-in takes less than 5 extra minutes; at Amsterdam Schiphol you collect the dog at oversized baggage and walk it out to its new family. A small effort for you, a huge joy for them. More info on Facebook.
Mark’s tips for your visit
- Consider adopting from a distance. I’m a ‘long-distance owner’ of Capitain myself, a dog from Rescue Paws. He lives at the Rescue Center and I regularly receive photos and updates. A lovely way to stay connected with a dog you met after your vacation is over.
- Bring a bag of dog food. Pick something up at a supermarket or pet store on the way; it’s exactly what the foundation needs most.
- Don’t arrive at the last minute. Visiting hours are only two hours long; arrive at 10 am and you’ll have the most time for the tour and the cuddles.
- Wear clothes that can get dirty. Excited puppies will jump up at you, and closed shoes work better than flip-flops.
- Make it a day out west. After the cuddles, it’s a short drive to the beach at Porto Mari or Cas Abao.
Good to know
- Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only, from 10 am to noon.
- Free and no sign-up: nothing to book or cancel.
- Cuddling with guidance: a staff member helps you choose which dog or puppy you can hold.
- No transfer: you come by your own transportation; parking on the grounds is free.
- Bring some cash for a donation or a drink on site.
- Flea and tick products: please donate only Nexgard and/or Frontline Puppy Spray.
Frequently asked questions about cuddling puppies in Curaçao
Where can you cuddle puppies in Curaçao?
At the Rescue Paws Curaçao (RPC) dog shelter at Porto Marie Plantation, opposite Villapark Fontein on the road to Cas Abao. During visiting hours you can pet, cuddle and play with the dogs and puppies.
When can you visit Rescue Paws Curaçao?
The Rescue Center is open to visitors on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, from 10 am to noon.
How much does a visit to Rescue Paws Curaçao cost?
Nothing, the visit is free. Donations of money or dog supplies, such as dry food, wet food or dewormer, are greatly appreciated.
Do I need to sign up for a visit?
No. You don’t need to sign up or book in advance; just drop by during visiting hours.
How do I get to Rescue Paws Curaçao?
By your own transportation: no transfer is offered. Coming from Willemstad, the Rescue Center is just past Villapark Fontein on the left-hand side of the road. If the gate is open, drive onto the grounds and park for free.
What can I donate to Rescue Paws Curaçao?
Dry dog food, canned wet food, dewormer, leashes, harnesses and toys. For flea and tick products, please donate only Nexgard and/or Frontline Puppy Spray. You can also give money at the center or donate online through the RPC website.
Can I adopt a dog from Curaçao?
Yes. Most RPC dogs are available for adoption. The foundation makes sure it’s a good match and arranges the flight to the Netherlands. You can also adopt from a distance, from € 15 (about US$ 17) a month for at least 1 year.
How do I become a flight buddy for a dog?
If you’re flying from Curaçao to Amsterdam, you can take a dog along to its new owner. The foundation pays all costs; check-in at Hato takes less than 5 extra minutes, and at Schiphol you collect the dog at oversized baggage. You can sign up through the Rescue Paws Facebook group.
Is visiting the dog shelter fun with kids?
Definitely. Kids love cuddling the puppies and learn something about Curaçao’s stray dogs at the same time. A staff member helps choose a suitable dog.
Come and cuddle
Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the puppies at Porto Marie are waiting for you.
