OUR MISSION: ONE AT A TIME
MISSION STATEMENT
Our mission is twofold: to reduce animal suffering and to support the human community of Punta Santiago, Puerto Rico. To achieve this, we work closely with a team of local rescuers in and around Punta Santiago. Together, we provide food, water, and vet care for the many abused and neglected street dogs, and work to find homes for rescued and rehabilitated dogs as well as resources and support for the local community.
THE NO MAMAS LEFT BEHIND INITIATIVE
PSD is especially dedicated to the rescue of mama dogs and we will never leave a mama behind during a rescue.
Check out some of our amazing #PSDMamas below and read their stories in our annual mother's day parade here.
PUNTA SANTIAGO, HUMACAO
Punta Santiago is a small fishing village on the eastern coast of Puerto Rico, a neighborhood within the greater municipality of Humacao, Puerto Rico.
The community is a mix of mostly local Puerto Ricans and a handful of visiting students. Directly off the beach in Punta Santiago is a small island known as the Cayo Santigo Biological Field Station. Since 1939, the island field station has contained a free-ranging population of monkeys. Visiting students come from all over the world to study monkey behavior at Cayo Santiago, and many of our group members met through working on the island.
WHAT IS A SATO?
Puerto Rico has one of the most out-of-control populations of street animals in the world, which has resulted in a unique mixture of dog breeds referred to as satos. These dogs are abandoned, neglected, starved, abused, and often die of injuries, parasites, disease, and infection that could be easily treated with minimal intervention.
Despite everything, satos are notorious for their loyalty and affection, surviving only because they are such exceptional companions.
