A Ray of Hope for the Stray Dogs of Jamaica

Rescue. Rehab. Rehome. Refuge.

REPEAT.

The life of a dog in Jamaica is often not one of tail-wagging happiness, belly rubs or yummy treats. Instead, for too many dogs (animals), it is a life of neglect, fear, loneliness and even unnecessary abuse. Each day begins with an empty stomach and a desperate search for food and clean water. Mange, parasites, worms, ticks, dehydration, flea induced anemia, dog fights, vehicle strikes, inhumanity (gun shots, poisoning, machete cuts), screwworms, endless litters and disease. Their world is small and bleak, without the joy of running freely, playing, or being held close. It is a life of waiting—waiting for food, for kindness, for rescue that may never come.

This is why we exist.

Negril Pup Rescue was co-founded in 2018 by Dominique Chapman and Les Steel, a long-time couple from Canada who fell in love with the island and the pups they encountered and Gayla Schultz (who exited the rescue in early 2019). Since then, Dominique and Les have dedicated their life and their home to the forgotten strays of Negril. The rescue is now a U.S. registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and relies on the support of donors and volunteers from all over the world. Currently, they are caring for over 80 dogs and providing outreach (food and other care) to numerous strays in Negril. The need is overwhelming, and animal rescues are few and far between on the island. So, we are steadfast.

RESCUE

Our primary function is to utilize the space we have available to rescue as many strays as possible from the streets of Negril. Dogs are brought to our attention by locals, tourists and business owners or dropped off at our physical location by individuals seeking assistance. Negril Pup Rescue is one of only two active no-kill dog rescues on the island of Jamaica and the only rescue in Negril.

REHAB

We are not a veterinary or medical clinic. However, there are many times that animals are found or brought to us with grievous injuries or illnesses that must be immediately addressed. We work with a local vet when required and provide rehabilitative care for as long as necessary. We have also had several instances where newborn puppies required care following the death of the mother.

REHOME

In order for Negril Pup Rescue to save as many animals as possible, it is necessary to work towards the eventual adoption of the dogs that we help. Some dogs have been placed in local loving homes while others have traveled to their forever family in Canada and the United States. We also rely on a strong foster, volunteer and flight angel network to assist us in achieving this mission.

REFUGE

Some of our dogs, through no fault of their own, will unfortunately never be suitable for adoption due to behavioral issues, advanced medical needs or other limiting factors. For these animals, we will be their family and Negril Pup Rescue will be their refuge, where they will receive love, treats, food, toys, kindness and a life that they would have never known on the difficult streets of Negril.

OUTREACH

Negril Pup Rescue is situated on the grounds of a private residence, with a large yard complete with kennels and run space. The rescue is bursting at the seams with 80 dogs. We regularly receive calls from tourists or locals alerting us to a dog in need of attention, medication or food. On a daily basis, Les travels the streets of Negril delivering food to strays and dewormer or mange medications and other supplies to dogs in crisis. Negril Pup Rescue also works with local residents, educating about vaccines and advocating for the spaying and neutering of their dogs as a means of controlling and reducing the unwanted animal population.

Meet the Pups

FAQ’s

Are you the same organization as Negril Spay Neuter Clinic?
No! In fact, this is one of the most common misconceptions we face. While we recognize that Negril Spay Neuter Clinic is doing great work, they are a completely separate organization and have different staff and fundraising objectives. We are not a veterinary clinic and do not provide spay or neuter services. Both organizations are fulfilling a desperate need.
Can we visit?
Absolutely yes! Many reach out to us to come by and meet the dogs, bring supplies, learn about the rescue and soak up the puppy love.

Since our daily schedule and situations with the dogs can change from day to day, we ask that you let us know that you are coming to Jamaica and when in a private message or on our Contact page. We will instruct you to reach out to us again once you are in Jamaica and we will be able to set up a mutually agreeable day/time to come by!

How do I get to the Rescue?
The rescue is about 15-20 minutes from many of the resorts on the beach road. Most of that time is driving slow on the dirt roads leading to the rescue. If you are driving, or have a driver, we will provide you with the address. If you need a driver, we recommend Norris with Island Turf Tours who is a steadfast supporter of the rescue and a dog lover (his pups – Stella and Winston are from NPR). You will be in wonderful, safe hands with him. On a case-by-case basis, we may also be able to pick you up at your resort or lodging, but this is dependent upon our schedule for that day.
I want to help!! What can I do?
We truly appreciate your enthusiasm and support. There are many ways that you can help including, but not limited to:

1. Make a donation. We raise money each week to feed the 80+ dogs in our care and to support our outreach program. From time to time, we run contests and fun fundraisers to benefit our general fund and finally, there are opportunities to donate to capital projects as they arise. You can opt for a one-time gift, or even better, make a monthly commitment that is automatically processed each month.

2. Spread the word. Tell your friends and family about the rescue. Let others know when you are on vacation about the dogs of Negril and the challenges facing them and the rescue. Share our posts on your social media and in your resort or Jamaica tourism based groups. Buy a tee shirt or other swag to raise recognition.

3. Host a fundraiser. Use our peer to peer fundraising, Facebook or GoFundMe resources to raise money for the rescue in lieu of birthday or holiday gifts or to commemorate a special occasion. Hold a tag sale. Organize an event.  Reach out to us for ideas and support.

4. Carry supplies. The cost of goods in Jamaica is exhorbitant and many items are not readily available. We rely on the kindness of our supporters to carry much needed supplies to us in their checked luggage when they travel to Jamaica. Some supporters set up Amazon wishlists to have others ship items to their home to be included in their travels. Find a suitcase at a local thrift shop or buy nothing group. Fill it. Check with your airline about fee waivers for nonprofit donations. Leave the suitcase with us. We will make a dog bed out of it!

5. Volunteer. Join us at the rescue for a day (or few) to help with the daily tasks. Ride along as Les conducts his daily outreach to the strays of Negril. Assist with administrative tasks (both locally and remotely). Join a committee to assist with fundraising, marketing, outreach, advocacy and other tasks. There is so much to do and many hands make light work!

6. Participate in our passive campaigns. On occasion, we will offer a way to raise money that doesn’t take any financial commitment on your part – but does require your votes, walking, purchasing the items you usually do, but through an app, and more. Help us out by doing these things. It costs you nothing and yields big results for the dogs.

7. Check to see if your workplace offers matching donations. This is the easiest way yet to double your money!

My dog is sick/injured/needs neutering - can I bring him or her to you?
Unfortunately, no. We are not a veterinary clinic. Bringing a sick or injured animal to us will only delay their care which could have a serious impact on their well-being. Please visit our Resources page for information about local vets and spay/neuter clinics.
I found a dog on the beach that needs rescuing. Can you come and get them?
Unfortunately, no. We are currently at capacity for intakes due to limited space and resources. While we would love to be able to rescue every stray dog on the island, it simply is not feasible. There are too many of them and not enough of us. Negril Pup Rescue is one of only two no-kill rescues in Jamaica and both rescues struggle with capacity issues and funding daily. If the animal is imminent danger, please reach out to us or one of the individuals on our Resources page. Whenever possible, we/they will make arrangements to check on the animal, provide outreach care or food, secure vet care when necessary and then likely return the animal to its environment.
Can I adopt one of the dogs locally/to the United States/to Canada?
Of course. One of the major parts of our mission is giving these dogs the opportunity to have the home and family they deserve. Some of our dogs are with us forever, as they have conditions or behaviors that make them unsuitable for adoption, but there are many others waiting on a forever home. Visit our Adopt page to learn more about the process and cost.