Defensa Animal De Rincon Volunteer Opportunities in Puerto Rico Review

Summary

There is a profound need for the kind of work Defensa de Animal Rincón does in Puerto Rico. Because there are so many animals on the streets, Defensa welcomes all volunteers interested in working with them. Although the organization is highly localized, it has an excellent island-wide reputation and has received several awards for its efforts. People looking for volunteer work opportunities with Defensa are likely to be more than satisfied with their experience.

Type of Volunteer Work

Defensa de Animal Rincón provides a variety of animal rescue resources, but volunteers focus mostly on two things: saving homeless animals and taking care of rescued horses. Because the organization has no shelter for dogs or cats, it helps volunteers get them patched up at a vet, and then provides assistance to get them adopted. Volunteers also walk dogs around and generally interact with the animals to help them socialize better. Horses (and pigs and cows, in some circumstances) are taken in and cared for by Defensa volunteers. In both Rincón and Aibonito, volunteers are needed to feed, water, and train horses that have been rescued. Unlike dealing with dogs and cats, this requires some degree of experience with horses.

Area and Scope of Operation

Defensa virtual headquarters are located in the Puerto Rican municipality of Rincón, where it has been leading its animal rescue services from since 2013. Rincón, which is situated in the island's west coast, is well-known for its beaches, sunsets, and surfer culture. The town was founded in 1771 is spread over 9 wards plus the Rincón Pueblo (downtown and administrative center) ward. The municipality's primary source of revenue is tourism, thanks to its many excellent beaches.

Rincón has a large number of stray dogs and cats and homeless horses as well. For this reason, the organization's work is focused there. However, Defensa can still help people with animals they have rescued anywhere else on the Island, especially horses which it can take in and care for. Spanish-speaking volunteers interested in helping the organization with its rescued horses may also help at its sister horse sanctuary in the mountain municipality of Aibonito, Puerto Rico.

Volunteer Support

Defensa provides payment for any veterinary services an animal may need when rescued. When volunteers rescue a cat or dog, for example, they can contact the organization to locate a veterinary center in their vicinity. Defensa then sends authorizations via email to everyone involved. Large groups of volunteers seeking support can contact the organization to arrange for their accommodations. Defensa will generally schedule volunteer activities in a way that is adjusted to the volunteer or volunteer group's needs.

Reputation

Defensa has an excellent reputation online. Among its accomplishments are two awards by top nonprofit rating agencies: the 2018 Platinum GuideStar Seal of Transparency and 2018 Top-Rated Nonprofit by GreatNonprofits.com. The organization is very active on social media and collaborates with other outfits that take care of animals, such as PintosRUs and La Quinta de Aragón for horses.