Alley Cat Allies Delivers Critical Water and Food Aid to San Juan Cats Amidst Severe Drought and Water Crisis

SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO – August 12, 2026 – Alley Cat Allies, a leading global organization dedicated to protecting cats and kittens, has deployed its San Juan Cat Protection Team to the ground in Puerto Rico’s capital to provide immediate relief to the island’s vulnerable cat population and their human caregivers. The initiative addresses the escalating impacts of a severe drought and ongoing water crisis that has led to prolonged water shutoffs for residents, significantly hindering their ability to provide essential care for community cats.

The emergency relief effort involves the distribution of critical supplies, including substantial cases of potable water and wet cat food. These vital resources are being provided at no cost to recipients through a strategic partnership with the San Juan-based organization Save A Gato. Beyond immediate sustenance, Alley Cat Allies is also facilitating access to veterinary care and offering additional support services for cats in urgent need. This intervention comes at a time when San Juan residents are grappling with a mandated 48-hour rotating water shutoff schedule, a measure implemented to manage dwindling water reserves, which severely restricts access to water for all daily necessities, including the crucial task of hydrating and feeding the island’s numerous stray and community cats.

Background of the Crisis and Alley Cat Allies’ Involvement

Puerto Rico has been experiencing a prolonged period of significantly below-average rainfall, exacerbating existing water management challenges on the island. August 2026 has seen temperatures consistently exceeding historical averages, intensifying the demand for water and the effects of the drought. The Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (PRASA) has been implementing stringent water conservation measures, including the scheduled shutoffs, to preserve reservoir levels. These measures, while necessary for human consumption and sanitation, place an immense burden on those who care for the island’s large population of free-roaming cats, often referred to as community cats.

Alley Cat Allies has a long-standing commitment to the welfare of cats in Puerto Rico. Since 2023, the organization has been actively engaged in advocating for and protecting the community cats residing at the historic Paseo del Morro in Old San Juan. This involved a protracted effort to counter a National Park Service (NPS) proposal that would have resulted in the removal and potential euthanasia of these cats. Alley Cat Allies successfully provided comprehensive care for the Paseo cats and, through dedicated negotiation, secured an agreement with the NPS to ensure their safety and continued well-being. This established presence and deep understanding of the local challenges have positioned Alley Cat Allies to respond swiftly to the current humanitarian and animal welfare crisis.

The Humanitarian and Animal Welfare Imperative

The escalating water crisis presents a dire situation for both human and animal populations. The rotating 48-hour water shutoffs mean that residents may have no running water for extended periods, making it incredibly difficult to maintain hygiene, prepare food, and, critically, to provide clean drinking water for their pets and community animals. Dehydration is a significant and immediate threat to cats, especially during periods of extreme heat. Access to wet cat food, which contains a higher moisture content than dry kibble, becomes even more critical as a way to supplement water intake.

Coryn Julien, Program Communications Officer at Alley Cat Allies, emphasized the organization’s deep connection with the San Juan community. "Alley Cat Allies has been regularly on the ground protecting San Juan’s community cats for years, and we are also very in tune with the needs of the people who dedicate so much of their lives to them," Julien stated. "By delivering vital supplies at this critical time of drought and water crisis, we’re providing some much-needed relief for both cats and those who love them." This sentiment underscores the dual focus of the relief effort: addressing the immediate needs of the animals while also supporting the compassionate individuals who are their primary caregivers.

Collaborative Relief Efforts on the Ground

The distribution of emergency supplies is being executed in close coordination with Save A Gato, a local organization deeply embedded within the San Juan community and possessing invaluable knowledge of local needs and logistics. This collaboration ensures that aid reaches the most affected areas and individuals efficiently.

Ana María Salicrup, Secretary of the Board of Directors at Save A Gato, highlighted the urgency and importance of the joint operation. "Continuous access to water is so important, especially during the record-breaking heat in Puerto Rico," Salicrup remarked. "We are working to help meet the community’s needs, including our cats whose wellbeing depends on us, in this emergency." Her statement reflects the critical role that local organizations play in disaster response and the interconnectedness of human and animal welfare during crises.

The current relief mission is part of a broader, ongoing commitment by both Alley Cat Allies and Save A Gato to establish robust resources for cat caregivers in San Juan. This includes efforts to improve long-term infrastructure and support systems that can better withstand future environmental and economic challenges. The organizations are actively collaborating with local officials and other community stakeholders to foster sustainable change for cats across the city.

Broader Implications and Future Outlook

The drought and water crisis in San Juan serve as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by communities, particularly those in regions prone to environmental challenges. The impact on animal welfare is often profound, with the most vulnerable populations – including community cats who rely on human kindness – bearing a disproportionate burden.

Alley Cat Allies’ proactive engagement in Puerto Rico, extending beyond immediate disaster relief to encompass long-term advocacy and resource development, is crucial for building resilience. The organization’s work at the Paseo del Morro demonstrates a commitment to not only addressing acute crises but also to achieving lasting policy changes and community-based solutions.

The current emergency response is a critical component of Alley Cat Allies’ broader mission to transform communities and create a world where cats are valued and protected through humane, evidence-based approaches. Their efforts in San Juan highlight the interconnectedness of environmental sustainability, community well-being, and animal welfare.

Call for Support

Alley Cat Allies is urging individuals and organizations to support their ongoing emergency response efforts in Puerto Rico and their capacity to respond to future disasters worldwide. Donations play a vital role in funding the procurement and distribution of essential supplies, providing veterinary care, and supporting the long-term initiatives aimed at improving the lives of cats and the communities that care for them.

"To support Alley Cat Allies’ emergency response to Puerto Rico’s water crisis and to disasters whenever they strike, your gift makes all the difference," the organization stated in its public appeal. A direct donation link has been provided for interested parties to contribute to this critical work.

About Alley Cat Allies

Alley Cat Allies is a globally recognized advocacy organization founded in 1990 with the fundamental belief that every cat deserves to live a full life. The organization is dedicated to transforming communities and advocating for policies and programs that protect and improve the lives of all cats and kittens. With a vast network of over 1.8 million supporters, Alley Cat Allies strives to foster a world where cats are universally respected and where every community implements humane and effective strategies for their protection.

Through a multifaceted approach encompassing fearless advocacy, compassionate care, comprehensive education and outreach, and robust law and policy activism, Alley Cat Allies empowers and mobilizes a diverse coalition of citizens, advocates, grassroots groups, shelters, veterinary professionals, and elected officials. Their collective efforts aim to foster positive change for cats in communities across the United States and internationally, prioritizing nonlethal, scientifically-backed methodologies.

The organization maintains an active presence across major social media platforms, including Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, LinkedIn, Bluesky, Threads, and YouTube, and can be found online at www.alleycat.org. Charlene Pedrolie serves as the President and Chief Operating Officer of Alley Cat Allies.

Further information regarding Alley Cat Allies’ ongoing work to protect the cats of Puerto Rico can be accessed at alleycat.org/PuertoRico.