We have been to Turks & Caicos before and to the Caribbean dozens of times, but one of the most memorable experiences has been walking the dogs at Potcake Place that are available for adoption.
Potcake Place
Potcake Place is a rescue centre located in Saltmills Plaza in Grace Bay, Providenciales. Their mission: to rescue, rehabilitate, socialize, and adopt out the many stray or abandoned dogs (commonly called “Potcakes”) wandering the islands.
We were staying at Beaches Turks & Caicos nearby and took a taxi to the area. It costs $7 per person each way to get there. As a group of 4, I knew we were overpaying since it was about a 5-minute drive. You could walk down the beach, but with the heat, I was not interested.
Every morning (except Sundays) from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., guests and volunteers can take a puppy out for a walk, usually along Grace Bay Beach or nearby trails.
It’s first-come, first-served, and the queue can start forming early, sometimes by 9:00 a.m. or earlier during busy seasons.
We went during the low season in September and knew showing up at 10 would not be a problem. When we arrived, there was one person ahead of us and one group arrived as we left.
The walk is free and they provide a beach bag with essentials (water, leash, waste bags, and treats). All they ask is that you give the pup your time, attention, and a bit of TLC. This activity helps with socialization, giving puppies exposure to new people, sounds, textures, and experiences that can improve their chances of thriving in a forever home.
A few things to keep in mind
- You will need to sign a waiver to walk the dogs
- They ask you to take the dogs for at least 30 minutes, so make sure you have the time to spare. We only had 30 minutes, so we called it close.
- Only one dog per group. This was more relaxed when we went and people who had already walked the dogs before we were able to take more than one, since it was the slow season.
Our Experience Walking the Dogs
After we arrived at Potcakes, we went inside to get a dog. It was a bit tight, with lots of dogs in the front area, separated by different small fenced-in areas. While waiting to be assisted, we were already petting all of the excited dogs ready to go for a walk.
We signed a waiver and were asked a few questions. Usually, if they are busy they will give you whichever dog is up next, but since they were not busy they asked us what type of dog we would want to take out.
Because we only had 30 minutes, we opted for a younger dog who didn’t need much exercise.
Once we were handed the pup, Crypto, our hearts were melted for the rest of the day, and if I’m being honest, the feeling lasted for days.
With the younger pups, it becomes more of a cuddle session than going for a walk, since the puppies are not used to going for walks. We carried the dog out and put him down outside. At first, he did not want to leave and just stayed in one spot. For the rest of 30 minutes we had with him we would go between carrying him around and letting him walk for a few yards until he stopped again. By the end of our time, he was feeling much more comfortable walking on the leash.
Because of the heat, we stayed in the shade as much as we could and did not go far, but if you have a more active dog you can take them to the beach to play and cool off during your time with them, up until 12:30.
Saying Goodbye
When we needed to head back to the resort, we took the pup back to Potcakes. They took him back and we left a donation for the organization.
Yes, these dogs need socialization and exercise, but we know they also have people volunteer to help increase adoptions. We aren’t in a position to adopt a dog, but I was thinking about it for the next few days. When we are ready for a dog, we know where we will be going.
Another reality is transportation: for many adopted dogs, getting off the islands and to new homes abroad involves flights, health paperwork, airline rules, and sometimes courier volunteers. Recent changes in U.S. dog import rules (such as age restrictions) have added complexity to these efforts.
Tips for Anyone Who Wants to Walk a Potcake Puppy
- Arrive early. Queues begin forming hours before opening (some say as early as 8 a.m.).
- Wear comfortable shoes, bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat. This is beach/patio terrain, sometimes uneven, sandy, bright.
- Hydrate. The island heat is intense, especially later in the morning.
- Be patient and gentle, some puppies are nervous; your calm support helps them relax.
- Prioritize pup comfort, don’t push for long walks; follow their pace and return early if needed.
- Ask staff for tips, they know which pups are “walk-ready” and which days are best for walks.
- Bring a small donation or pick up items from their wish list (dog food, towels, toys) if your luggage allows.
- Share your experience online, photos and stories help them reach more supporters and adopters.
Walking for a cause, however small, transforms a vacation. You come to Turks & Caicos to escape — but in that escape, you have the chance to step into someone else’s (or someone else’s paw’s) life for a moment. And the echo of that kindness lingers long after the sand has washed away.
