Why help the dogs in Puerto Rico?
Puerto Rico is a United States Territory. We choose to help dogs in Puerto Rico because of the lack of shelters and humanity on the island. In the States we have numerous shelters, rescues, and humane societies. In Puerto Rico we have 5 shelters operating on shoe strings. Thousands of dogs die inhumanely, suffering from illnesses and starvation. They are NOT given the right to die humanely, pain free, or peacefully. Most die in extreme discomfort--never knowing love or affection. For the above reasons we fight to raise awareness to the sufferings occurring in our own America's Caribbean. We strive for a better future for all of Humanity.
|
What is Island Dog?
Island Dog is an animal welfare organization in the United States Caribbean Islands. We are a registered 501 ( c ) (3) organization, recognized by the Internal Revenue Service, with offices located in Fajardo, Puerto Rico and Baltimore, Maryland.
Federal ID Number: 20-5107492.
What we do:
We offer clinics providing free or low cost spay/neuter services & vaccinations.
We provide children with a humane education program encouraging kindness to animals,
respect for natural habitats, good citizenship, and peaceful conflict resolution.
Feed and medicate homeless dogs living on beaches throughout Puerto Rico.
Provide medications and food supplies to humane societies, animal rescues, and welfare organizations working to help animals in the United States Caribbean Islands.
Promote responsible pet ownership.
Provide rescue and rehabilitation services for abused and adoptable animals.
Advocate shelter adoptions and work to eliminate puppy mills.
|
What Islands does Island Dog help?
Island Dog was created to help animals in the United States Caribbean Islands; including Puerto Rico, St. John, Vieques, and Culebra.
Besides running our own programs to help the animals in America's Caribbean, we also work to support different animal organizations on these islands, providing resources to help make their programs more successful.
|
How can I help?
-Spread the word! Join us on FACEBOOK and invite all your friends to join our cause! Awareness is the most important tool we have in fighting animal cruelty. Help us build our fan base today!!
-You can help by sending our letter to the Governor of Puerto Rico and the Tourism Company. Simply click on our "Write to the Governor" link, print, and mail our letter. You can start your own letter writing campaign in your community, job, etc.
-Start a fund raising campaign in your community. Bake sales, car washes, raffles, recycle collections, soliciting donations outside your local grocery or super store, classroom donations and planned events such as bull roasts, dancing, spaghetti night, etc make for great fund raisers. We welcome any and all ideas! For further information on fundraising please contact us at info@islanddog.org.
-Become an advocate for Island Dog in your community. Print our flyer and promote us in your community.
-Send donations to Island Dog. Your donations are tax deductible. 100% of your donation goes to help the dogs in America's Caribbean. We also support Kind News, a humane education program created by the Humane Society, in America's Caribbean, Maryland, and Pennsylvania.
|
Do you have volunteer opportunities in Puerto Rico?
We accept volunteers 18 years and older. We need volunteers who live locally on island to help us feed and care for the dogs on a daily basis. We also need local volunteers to help with our Dog Hotel.
If you are a tourist, the best way you can help is by helping to fly one of our dogs to the states or providing foster care.
If you are traveling to Puerto Rico and would like to visit one of our open air shelters or would like to fly a dog to a new home please contact us at info@islanddog.org.
|
Do you have employment opportunities at this time?
Currently Island Dog does not have employment opportunities. We hope to have many opportunities for our fellow animal lovers in the near future. The more people helping our dogs, the better!
|
I want to adopt!
If you are interested in adopting one of our wonderful dogs, please fill out our ADOPTION APPLICATION and email it to info@islanddog.org. You can also snail mail your application to Island Dog Inc. P.O. Box 44433, Baltimore MD 21236.
I want to adopt from my local shelter. Island Dogs can be found in
Florida, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Maryland shelters.
Please click here for the name of a shelter in your area.
|
What does it take to rescue an island dog?
Rescuing an island dog is NOT an easy process. Many have health issues when taking them from the street or beaches. Mange and heartworm are two of our most expensive treatments.
When we first decide to rescue a puppy or dog we first take it to a vet clinic. We have a limited number of vets who give discounts. After the initial vet visit dogs are either designated to board at the vet or with foster care. Either way we pay a daily boarding fee. If a dog is diagnosed with heartworm we must then treat him/her for a months time. During this time the dog must remain completely calm and rest. Once the heartworm treatment is completed the dog is assured a healthy and happy life! Mange treatment can range from one week to a month depending on severity.
We can not send a dog to the states without a completely healthy check-up, and with two sets of shots (vaccinations). We have limited foster care families and very few vets that will let us board pets in their clinics.
Once a dog is ready to leave Puerto Rico we must then organize flights and transportation to the San Juan Airport. Flights are limited because of temperatures. A pet in NOT allowed to fly if a temperature is above 85 or below 45. Continental Airlines is the only airline that provides climate controlled cargo. This means we can fly a pet on Continental in any weather! However, Continental does not fly to all locations, so this can get tricky!
|
|