House-sponsored vaccination program reaches pets in Cabo Rojo.
- The San Juan Daily Star
- May 25
- 2 min read
By THE STAR STAFF
Some 83 cats and 77 dogs were vaccinated against rabies and other diseases during an outreach event held late last week at the San Francisco de Asís Animal Sanctuary in Cabo Rojo.
Early in the morning, staff from the island House of Representatives, led by Speaker Carlos “Johnny” Méndez Nuñez, as well as officials from the State Office for Animal Control and the Veterinary Doctors Association, visited the sanctuary state road PR-114 in the southwestern coastal town.
“The genesis of the community aid program ‘Leaving Footprints: A Fair of Love for Our Animals’ is centered on assisting with the pet vaccination process, essential for their well-being,” the House speaker said. “That’s why we directly support non-profit organizations like the Cabo Rojo Animal Sanctuary so they can continue their excellent work rescuing, caring for, and providing a home for abandoned dogs and cats in the southwest region of Puerto Rico.”
In addition to the vaccines, deworming services were provided.
Likewise, House staff delivered bags of pet food, toys and cleaning products, among other items, to volunteers at the sanctuary, which for more than a decade has provided veterinary and care services to abandoned dogs and cats.
The rabies vaccine is first administered to pets between 12 and 16 weeks of age. Booster doses are then given between one and three years of age. Deworming, meanwhile, usually done with pills, eliminates internal and external parasites. Its frequency varies depending on the animal’s age and lifestyle.
Since March 2025, the new program has reached communities in Bayamón, Barranquitas, Cabo Rojo, Toa Baja, Camuy, Hatillo, Quebradillas and San Juan with vaccination fairs and low-cost veterinary services. To date, more than 1,500 pets (dogs and cats) have been vaccinated against rabies.
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