St Croix USVI Animal Welfare Center
Sadly, the euthanasia rate on the island is over 80%. Work is being done in the form of no/low cost spay/neuter and education programs to mitigate this problem. In the short term pets are flown to the states through the Pets in Paradise Program. I meet the flights here or in the D.C. area (o.k. my son Gear meets the planes) and then we bring the dogs to the house where we try to adopt them out. The adoption fee is $250 dollars which covers their flight and spay/neuter. Any additional donations are welcome. I am certified as an adoption center, so if you or someone you know is looking for a new pet with a unique story, please let me know. You can search pets on PetFinder (zip code 00820), but because the situation is constantly changing with regards to available animals, a better avenue is to contact me with what you are looking for and I can speak to the adoption coordinator. I recognize that animal overpopulation is an issue everywhere but if we can help take the pressure of the island center it will save so many lives. Additionally, we have regular "play dates" at the farm with the locally adopted dogs so you could officially be part of the Crucian Confusion Club. (Crucian being a St. Croix native). Your participation includes a t-shirt (in the design process) and Cruzan Rum (what I was raised on baby!) specialty drinks for those eligible to imbibe.
Founded in 1973, the St. Croix Animal Welfare Center (AWC) provides and promotes the humane treatment of animals through humane education, animal protection and community service. We are a 501 c 3 non profit and our duty is to the orphaned, abused, neglected and otherwise unwanted animals of St. Croix, US Virgin Islands.
What They Do
As the only companion animal shelter facility servicing St. Croix, AWC provides care to thousands of dogs and cats each year. We fulfill the Territory contract for animal control, provide animal abuse response and investigation in collaboration with VIPD. We adopt out hundreds of animals locally and off island via our transfer program Pets from Paradise. We are committed to lessening our intake numbers and promote and neuter via our voucher program. We want to break the cycle of neglect and promote responsible pet ownership via our humane educational outreach to schools and adults.
Pets from Paradise
Pets from Paradise is how we participate. We have rehomed over 30 island dogs in just under two years. Please consider opening your heart and home to one of these island dogs! Your dog is always welcome at the farm! In December we will be bringing home 5 dogs (or cats) to adoptees on December 29th. What a great Christmas present! You can find one on the website or just tell us what you are looking for and we can send video right from the shelter. Please let me know if you want to participate in this Island Dog Sleigh Ride!