Yes, You Can Adopt a Dog During Your St. Maarten Vacation
They call them “Coconut Retrievers.” It starts with a tail wag on a beach walk, a pair of brown eyes peeking out from behind a gate, a nuzzle while you’re grabbing your morning coffee. St. Maarten has a way of surprising travelers — and sometimes, that surprise has four paws.
Welcome to SXM Paws, a volunteer-run rescue group that’s rewriting what it means to bring home a souvenir from the Caribbean. Based on the Dutch side of the island, SXM Paws makes it easy for visitors to adopt a rescue dog while they’re still on vacation — and fly them home with love in tow.
The Island’s Sweetest Secret
SXM Paws was born after Hurricane Irma, when stray dogs roamed the streets in the storm’s wake. The group stepped in, rescued hundreds of dogs, and built a small but mighty adoption center in Cay Bay. Today, it’s home base for dozens of so-called “Coconut Retrievers” — island dogs with loving hearts, goofy grins, and stories to tell.
Here’s the best part: you can visit, fall in love, and adopt — all in the same trip.
How It Works
1. Drop in: Visitors are welcome at the adoption center Monday through Saturday. You can play, walk, or just hang out with the dogs. No appointment needed — just show up between 10AM and 3PM (or 9AM–12PM Saturdays).
2. Meet your match: The SXM Paws team will introduce you to pups based on your lifestyle and experience — active beach-goers, chill homebodies, cuddly companions. There’s a fit for everyone.
3. Easy paperwork: Once you choose a dog, the team handles all vetting — including vaccinations, microchipping, and travel health certificates. They’ll guide you through a short adoption form and coordinate everything you need to fly home with your new best friend.
4. Fly together: Most adopters bring their dog as a carry-on in-cabin, depending on the size. Larger dogs can travel as checked baggage. SXM Paws provides guidance for each airline.
5. Love, unlocked: The adoption fee (usually $175–250) helps cover vet care. The only thing you’ll need to provide is a little space in your heart — and your suitcase.
Why It Matters
Every adoption frees up space for another rescue. And for the dog you bring home, it’s the journey of a lifetime: from the streets of St. Maarten to a family, a home, a second chance.
