There are over 500,000 homeless animals in Puerto Rico but if you’re traveling there, there are some easy ways to help stray dogs in Puerto Rico. Whether you choose to open your heart, open your wallet, or do both, a fun vacation to Puerto Rico can leave you with more than a tan. It can leave you with a full heart!
I recently flew to Puerto Rico for a travel conference and met lovely fellow travel writers! But before the conference, there was a WhatsApp group where we could discuss logistics and, more importantly, connect with local travel writers for advice on places to go, where to eat, etc.
It was there that the lovely Bianca from ThisLatinaTravels.com shared something that completely changed my trip!
I went on to read about the plight of so many stray dogs in Puerto Rico (and cats) and the unique situation that keeps them from finding a home. (Read more about it at The Sato Project). Bianca works specifically with FlyDogz P.R., which is where I had my experience rescuing a dog but there are many organizations where you can get involved and help. Here’s how!
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Planning a Trip to Puerto Rico
Many people visit Puerto Rico as part of a cruise stop, as San Juan is a rather large port. But Puerto Rico is worthwhile as a destination all by itself. It’s easy to access by flying into Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan (SJU) and because it’s a territory of the United States, no passport is required!
The currency is the same and both English and Spanish are widely spoken. There are multiple bioluminescent bays, beautiful beaches, rainforests, and history. I spent a good deal of my time just walking around Old San Juan taking in some of the more unusual sights.
Because I was traveling on a nonstop flight in and out of San Juan on a major carrier (not a low cost carrier), I found out that my visit to Puerto Rico could be more than a work trip/vacation. It could make the difference in an animal’s life!
Finding an Animal Rescue in Puerto Rico
As I mentioned above, I already had a referral to FlyDogz P.R. and without expecting much, I filled out a form (you can find that here) on their website letting them know that I was traveling to and from San Juan, along with my dates of travel. I did this at least a week before I traveled and when I didn’t hear anything, I figured that at least my intent was good! But just a few days into my trip, I got a message from FlyDogz that there was a match for me!
FlyDogz works with local rescues and independent rescuers in Puerto Rico, like Dawn from Angels for Animals PR, who rescue and rehabilitate stray and abused dogs from the island. They then connect their rescue partners with people traveling to and from Puerto Rico to help “rehome” dogs to the United States. Sometimes these pets have prospective owners waiting while others simply have a better chance at a life once they make it off the island.
Transporting an Animal from Puerto Rico
FlyDogz reached out with a match for me just three days before my departure. They had provided documentation that laid out the entire process in detail so I knew what to expect. That included them contacting my airline on my behalf to let them know I would be transporting a pet in cabin.
I was quickly connected via text with everyone involved in the transport process from the rescue group that was fostering the dog to the driver that was meeting me at the airport in San Juan, to the person that would meet me at BWI airport when I landed in Baltimore.
I was asked to arrive in plenty of time (typically about 3 hours before the flight) to meet the transporter. We met out front of the terminal and she made the handoff with Aleksi, my designated rescue dog! Aleksi was in a new dog carrier along with a little food, his paperwork, and his favorite toy.
Even though he was puppy, Aleksi was a bit bigger than the usual rescue. There was a sense of urgency in his situation since he was growing quickly. Once dogs reach a certain size and weight, they are unable to be transported in cabin and getting them off the island becomes a much more arduous task.
I walked to the Southwest counter and let them know I had a pet reservation attached to my reservation. I paid the fee which had been provided to me in advance from FlyDogz via Venmo. Then, it was off to security!
I should preface this by saying that I have never flown with pets before so this whole experience was new to me and I was a little nervous about getting Aleksi through security. I simply removed him from the carrier, passed him off to the TSA agent, and retrieved him on the other side. Everyone at security loved Aleksi, including my fellow travelers, and we all laughed as Aleksi, unaccustomed to walking with me on a smooth surface, had to be slid back into his carrier.
After a quick bathroom back at the pet area (and a quick snack), we boarded the flight bound for Baltimore and I placed Aleksi under my seat. I had to choose the middle seat so that I had to largest amount of leg room and made sure to greet my seat mates and ensure they were cool with a dog in their row.
Fortunately, Aleksi slept the entire four hour flight and didn’t make a single sound. He was an extremely good boy that day!
What Happens When You Land
Landing was the easy part. I grabbed my bag and Aleksi and texted my contact at the other end that we had arrived safely in Baltimore! As we waited for his ride, we headed outside to the Arrivals area where Aleksi had his first taste of being on the mainland. I let him out on a leash and let him stretch his legs. He was so excited to be out of his carrier and played with his toy while I gave him lots of hugs.
His transport pick up met me, ready to foster him for the night, and then take him to a kids camp where he would be spending the next week. It was surprising to me how quickly I felt connected to Aleksi and how sad I was when he was quickly whisked away. My role was brief but important and I’m so glad to be a part of the journey that takes homeless pets to the possibility of a better life.
Supporting the Pet Rescue Groups that Save Stray Dogs in Puerto Rico
If you’ve never thought of feel-good tourism as part of your vacation, this is a super easy way to get involved. It doesn’t impact your vacation time in Puerto Rico and doesn’t change your flights. You’re simply bringing an extra souvenir back with you!
So many of these dogs and cats that are transported do move onto a better life. I was at a recent fall festival and was admiring someone’s adorable dogs when she told me one of them was a Puerto Rico rescue!
If you’re heading to Puerto Rico and don’t mind a +1 on your return home, please check out FlyDogz P.R. and fill out an application. In fact, every member in your party can do it!
If this speaks to your heart but you aren’t traveling anytime soon, help spread the word and support some of these organizations that save stray dogs in Puerto Rico!.
FlyDogz
Angels for Animals
Flight Angels
The Puerto Rico Dog Fund
