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 island to provide immediate and essential relief to the city’s community cats and the individuals who care for them. The organization is currently distributing emergency supplies of water and wet cat food in response to an intensifying drought and a severe water crisis gripping San Juan. This initiative underscores Alley Cat Allies’ long-standing commitment to the welfare of cats in Puerto Rico, particularly in the face of escalating environmental and humanitarian challenges.

The current crisis in San Juan is characterized by prolonged periods of extreme heat and a significant reduction in potable water availability. Residents are experiencing rotating 48-hour water shutoffs, a measure implemented to manage dwindling water reserves. This rationing severely impacts daily life, making it exceptionally difficult for individuals to access sufficient water for basic needs, including the care and hydration of their feline companions. The situation is exacerbated by record-breaking temperatures across Puerto Rico, which increase the water requirements for all living beings, especially vulnerable animal populations.

Background of the Crisis and Alley Cat Allies’ Involvement

Puerto Rico has faced intermittent water scarcity for years, often linked to aging infrastructure, insufficient rainfall, and the impacts of climate change. However, the current drought conditions have reached a critical point, straining resources and necessitating drastic measures like the extended water shutoffs. This situation creates immense hardship for both human and animal populations. For the countless community cats that inhabit San Juan, often reliant on the kindness of local caregivers, the lack of readily available water poses an immediate threat of dehydration and heatstroke.

Alley Cat Allies has been actively engaged in San Juan since at least 2023, initially focusing on a high-profile effort to protect the colony of community cats at the historic Paseo del Morro. In that instance, the organization successfully intervened against a plan by the National Park Service (NPS) to remove and euthanize the cats. Through comprehensive care and dedicated advocacy, Alley Cat Allies negotiated an agreement with the NPS, ensuring the long-term safety and well-being of the Paseo del Morro cats. This experience has provided Alley Cat Allies with invaluable insight into the unique challenges faced by cats and their caregivers in Puerto Rico, fostering strong relationships with local organizations and a deep understanding of community needs.

Emergency Relief Operations and Local Collaboration

The current emergency relief operation is a direct extension of Alley Cat Allies’ established presence and commitment. The organization has directly funded the procurement of emergency supplies, including substantial quantities of bottled water and wet cat food, which are critical for providing cats with necessary hydration and nutrition during this period of scarcity.

Crucially, Alley Cat Allies is partnering with the San Juan-based organization Save A Gato, a local entity with extensive experience in animal welfare and community outreach. This collaboration is vital for the effective and widespread distribution of the emergency aid. Save A Gato’s on-the-ground expertise ensures that the supplies reach the cats and caregivers who need them most, navigating the logistical challenges posed by the ongoing water restrictions and the city’s geography. The distribution is being conducted at no cost to the recipients, alleviating financial burdens on caregivers already struggling with the drought’s impact.

Beyond immediate supply delivery, Alley Cat Allies is also making provisions for veterinary care and additional support for cats requiring urgent medical attention. This holistic approach recognizes that the water crisis can lead to secondary health issues for the feline population, and prompt veterinary intervention is essential.

Voices from the Ground

Coryn Julien, Program Communications Officer at Alley Cat Allies, emphasized the organization’s deep connection to San Juan’s community cats and their human caretakers. "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 highlights the dual focus of the aid: addressing the immediate physical needs of the cats and acknowledging the emotional and practical burdens placed upon their caregivers.

Ana María Salicrup, Secretary of the Board of Directors at Save A Gato, echoed the urgency and importance of the relief efforts. "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 well-being depends on us, in this emergency." Her statement underscores the interconnectedness of human and animal health and the critical role of consistent hydration in preventing severe health consequences, particularly in extreme weather conditions.

Broader Implications and Long-Term Vision

The current emergency response is not an isolated event but rather a component of Alley Cat Allies’ broader strategy to establish sustainable resources and implement lasting positive change for cats across San Juan. The organization is committed to working collaboratively with local officials and organizations to address systemic issues that affect feline welfare. This includes advocating for humane policies, supporting Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs, and promoting community education on responsible cat care.

The ongoing water crisis in San Juan serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of both human and animal populations to environmental stressors. The implications extend beyond immediate relief, highlighting the need for climate resilience planning and infrastructure development that can better withstand such challenges. For animal welfare organizations, this means adapting strategies to address emerging crises, such as extreme weather events and resource scarcity, which disproportionately affect the most vulnerable.

Alley Cat Allies’ sustained presence and multifaceted approach in Puerto Rico aim to build a more resilient future for cats. By providing emergency aid, advocating for policy changes, and empowering local communities, the organization seeks to ensure that cats are protected not only from immediate threats but also from the long-term impacts of environmental instability and resource challenges. The success of initiatives like this hinges on continued support and collaboration between international organizations, local partners, and the dedicated individuals who champion the welfare of cats every day.

Call to Action and Support

Alley Cat Allies is actively seeking donations to sustain its emergency response efforts and its ongoing work in Puerto Rico and other disaster-prone regions. The organization emphasizes that financial contributions, no matter the size, make a significant difference in its ability to provide critical aid during times of crisis. Those wishing to support Alley Cat Allies’ mission can contribute through their secure online donation portal. Information regarding specific needs and ongoing projects in Puerto Rico can be found on the Alley Cat Allies website.

About Alley Cat Allies

Alley Cat Allies, founded in 1990, is the leading advocacy organization for cats in the United States and a global voice for their protection. The organization is dedicated to transforming communities to improve and save the lives of all cats and kittens. With a network of over 1.8 million supporters, Alley Cat Allies champions a world where cats are valued and have access to humane and effective programs and policies. Through fearless advocacy, humane care initiatives, education, outreach, and law and policy activism, Alley Cat Allies equips and mobilishes citizens, advocates, grassroots groups, shelters, veterinary professionals, and elected officials worldwide. Their approach prioritizes nonlethal, evidence-based solutions to protect cats and improve their lives.

The organization is active on various social media platforms, including Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, LinkedIn, Bluesky, Threads, and YouTube, sharing updates on their work and ways to get involved. Charlene Pedrolie serves as the President and Chief Operating Officer of Alley Cat Allies.

For more information on Alley Cat Allies’ work to protect the cats of Puerto Rico, please visit alleycat.org/PuertoRico.