Before dawn, people were already lining up outside a temporary veterinary clinic in Puerto Rico for something many couldn’t otherwise afford: veterinary care for the animals they love.

Inside, veterinarians, technicians, and volunteers who had traveled thousands of miles prepared for what would become an exhausting but rewarding marathon. Puerto Rico faces a severe dog and cat overpopulation crisis, and affordable spay/neuter services remain out of reach for many families.

That’s why PETA Latino partnered with the Humane Society of Puerto Rico for its fifth high-volume spay/neuter clinic on the island. The event was made possible through support from PETA’s Global Compassion Fund, which helps animals around the world by funding emergency relief, veterinary services, sterilization programs, and other much-needed care.

In just two days, the team provided free spay/neuter surgeries and vaccinations to more than 215 animals, bringing the total number of animals we’ve helped through these clinics in Puerto Rico to nearly 1,100.

The clinic’s first day stretched almost 18 hours as the team worked nonstop to care for every animal who came through the doors. In addition to performing spay and neuter surgeries and administering vaccinations, they treated animals suffering from eye infections and flea infestations and provided care to dogs and cats who may never have received veterinary attention before.

For animals living on the streets or in underserved communities, it meant relief from pain, protection from disease, and a chance at a healthier future.

A Concert of Compassion for Puerto Rico’s Animals

Puerto Rican musicians and animal advocates Latin Grammy–winning artist Sie7e and José Nogueras stopped by the clinic to see the work firsthand. The artists met clinic staff, spoke with guardians, observed a spay surgery, and learned more about the challenges facing animals on the island. Later, they visited the recovery area, where dogs and cats rested after surgery, and performed several songs for staff and clinic attendees—including an impromptu tune inspired by Puerto Rico’s street dogs and PETA Latino’s efforts to help them.

How You Can Help

The music may have stopped, but the need remains. Thank you to our friends at the Lola Fund and to PETA’s Global Compassion Fund donors for supporting this work. Please help make the next clinic possible by donating today.