Save A Sato, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is celebrating 30 years of rescuing, rehabilitating, and finding loving homes for thousands of Puerto Rico’s stray animals — our beloved Satos.

For three decades, every animal that comes through our doors has received the highest level of care. Each one is fully vetted, spayed or neutered, and treated with compassion, dedication, and love. None of this would be possible without the incredible support of our veterinary partners.

As we celebrate this milestone, we are asking for your support to help us pay down outstanding veterinary bills so we can continue our lifesaving work. Our veterinarians are essential to our mission, and keeping these bills current ensures we can help even more animals for years to come.

Your donation helps us honor 30 years of impact — and build a future where even more Satos get the second chance they deserve. Thank you for being part of our journey and for helping us continue to save lives.

Your donations will help support the foundation’s vital work.

Our current bill balance at our Vet Dr Rivera is over $11,000.

Thank You!

Typical Vetting Process for Animals Entering a Shelter

1. Intake Exam & Health Assessment

A veterinarian or trained tech performs a full physical exam:

Weight, temperature, heart & lungs

Eyes, ears, skin, teeth

Injury and illness screening

Estimated cost: $40–$75 per animal

2. Vaccinations

To protect the animal and prevent disease spread in the shelter.

Dogs

Distemper/Parvo (DAPP)

Rabies

Cats

FVRCP

Rabies

Estimated cost:

Dogs: $40–$80

Cats: $35–$70

3. Parasite Prevention & Treatment

Most stray animals arrive with parasites.

Flea & tick treatment

Deworming (roundworms, hookworms, etc.)

Heartworm test (dogs)

Estimated cost:

Dogs: $50–$120

Cats: $40–$90

4. Spay or Neuter Surgery

A critical part of stopping overpopulation.

Includes:

Pre-op exam

Anesthesia

Surgery

Pain medication

Post-op care

Estimated cost:

Dogs: $150–$300

Cats: $80–$180

. Testing & Additional Care (As Needed)

Many animals need extra medical attention:

Bloodwork

Treatment for infections or injuries

X-rays or ultrasounds

Medications and follow-up visits

Estimated cost:

Minor care: $50–$150

Moderate to severe cases: $300–$1,000+

Average Total Cost Per Animal

Healthy cat: $250–$450

Healthy dog: $350–$600

Injured or sick animal: $700–$2,000+

Multiply that by hundreds or thousands of animals per year, and you can see why veterinary care is often a shelter’s largest expense.