OUR RESCUE IS CLOSED FOR INTAKES UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
We need the time and space to recover and rebuild after Hurricane Melissa. Our property is not safe. We will devote our time to taking care of/feeding stray dogs in their current location
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. After a post-Hurricane Melissa relief flight on November 25th that removed 58 dogs to rescues in the Northeastern United States and Canada, they currently are caring for 16 remaining 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
REHAB
REHOME
REFUGE
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
On November 25, 2025, a relief flight evacuated 58 of these dogs off of the island to rescue partners in the Northeast US and Canada. To see the dogs that have left for new lives and the partner rescues that pulled them, click HERE.
FAQ’s
Are you the same organization as Negril Spay Neuter Clinic?
Can we visit?
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?
I want to help!! What can I do?
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?
I found a dog on the beach that needs rescuing. Can you come and get them?
Unfortunately, no. We are currently closed for intakes until further notice. Our rescue and facilities were severely damaged during Hurricane Melissa on October 28, 2025 and we recently evacuated 58 of our dogs off of the island because our conditions are not safe and we need to rebuild.
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 a few registered no-kill rescues in Jamaica and our 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. Many of our dogs were recently evacuated to rescue partners in the Northeast US and Canada. To see these dogs and learn about how to adopt them, visit our Adopt page.
