We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Amareliz Rivera-burgos. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with AMARELIZ below.

AMARELIZ, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

In the heart of the Caribbean lies a hidden crisis: Puerto Rico, “la isla del encanto” (the island of enchantment) but as we, the locals call it “la isla del abandono” (the island of abandonment). With over 650,000 Satos (puerto rican stray dogs) and more than a 1,000,000 stray cats roaming its streets, on an island the size of Connecticut. The island of Puerto Rico faces a great monumental challenge in animal welfare. However, amid this adversity, one initiative is shining a beacon of hope – FlyDogzPR.

FlyDogz-Puerto Rico is a non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing stray and abused dogs from Puerto Rico, known as “Satos.” Our organization works closely with local rescues and independent rescuers to rehabilitate these dogs and prepare them for adoption. One of the key ways FlyDogz-Puerto Rico connects dogs with their new homes in the United States is through our unique volunteer program.

Volunteers, typically travelers who are already planning trips from Puerto Rico to the U.S., are paired with a rescued dog or cat. These volunteers, referred to as “FLYERZ” travelers, help bring the dogs back to the mainland by carrying them in the cabin of the airplane (pet in cabin). This process is completely free for the volunteers, as the pet-in-cabin fee is covered by the rescue organization. This arrangement allows the dogs to travel safely and comfortably while giving them a second chance at life in the U.S. We coordinate with travelers, arranging for the dogs to be transported to specific rescue partners in Maryland, Delaware, New York, New Jersey, and Florida.

By connecting travelers with dogs in need, FlyDogzPR not only helps save lives but also builds a network of compassionate volunteers who are dedicated to making a difference in the lives of these animals.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

The process of traveling with a pet in cabin is seamless and easy – we handle everything for you!

Apply to be a flyer by filling out our application @ www.flydogzpr.org. Once we receive your flight details, we take care of all the logistics, from booking your reservation to coordinating drop-off and pick-up at both airports. The pet will only be with you during the flight, making it a smooth and simple experience for the traveler.

However, our biggest challenge right now is raising awareness about our program. Not many people know about it, which has led to a shortage of volunteers (or “FLYERZ”) traveling to Puerto Rico and back to the U.S. There’s a particularly high need for volunteers in Northeastern states.

When it comes to puppies, timing is critical – we need to get them to their forever homes as soon as they’re adopted, using the pet-in-cabin option. If we’re unable to secure a volunteer traveler, we risk the puppies growing too large (in weight and size) to fly in cabin, which means they would have to be transported via cargo. This shift from a $100 transport fee to a $400-$1,000 fee can create significant challenges, especially if the airline has limited availability. Additionally, Puerto Rico’s hot climate year-round makes cargo transport risky, as flying animals beneath the plane can be dangerous if temperatures are too high.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

To expand our mission and make a greater impact, we need to raise awareness about our program and reach more potential volunteers, especially those who are already traveling. Many people don’t know that FlyDogz-Puerto Rico exists and how easy it is for travelers to make a difference by helping transport rescued dogs. Our goal is to spread the word and encourage more compassionate individuals to become “FLYERZ” and bring these dogs to their new homes in the U.S.

We are actively seeking partnerships with small businesses, especially those in the travel, pet, and animal welfare sectors, as well as other animal lovers who can help amplify our mission. These collaborations will allow us to expand our network and connect with more potential volunteers who may be willing to help, whether they are frequent travelers, pet owners, or just passionate about animal rescue.

By partnering with businesses and individuals who share our values, we can increase our outreach, build a larger community of supporters, and ultimately help save more lives. We believe that with the right partnerships and increased awareness, we can make a meaningful difference for the animals in Puerto Rico and give them the chance they deserve for a better life.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

One of the stories that stands out in FlyDogz-Puerto Rico’s journey is when we faced a particularly difficult situation with a litter of puppies that needed urgent transport to the United States. These puppies had been rescued from a dangerous situation in Puerto Rico, and we were determined to get them to their forever homes in Baltimore, MD as soon as possible.

We had a flight scheduled, and everything seemed to be going according to plan, but at the last minute, the volunteer traveler who was supposed to bring the puppies couldn’t make the trip due to unforeseen circumstances. This was a huge setback, as we didn’t have another volunteer lined up, and the puppies were already getting too large to travel comfortably in cabin.

With the clock ticking, we immediately began reaching out to our network, scrambling to find another traveler who could help. At the same time, we were coordinating with our rescue partners on the U.S. side to prepare for their arrival. Despite the stress and the challenges, we didn’t give up. We kept pushing, and after a few days of social media outreach and coordination, we found a volunteer who was willing to step up and bring the puppies to Baltimore.

The sense of relief when the puppies were safely delivered was indescribable, and it was a true testament to the resilience of our team and our volunteers. It wasn’t an easy journey, but the determination to help those puppies—and many others like them—kept us going. We learned that, even when things don’t go as planned, we can always find a way to overcome the obstacles and continue our mission.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.flydogzpr.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flydogz_pr/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/15L5bJhjM9/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amarelizrivera