#United States #San Juan #RetrievAir #Rescue Dogs #Sato Project

RetrievAir Teams Up with The Sato Project for Dog Rescue

In a heartwarming initiative, RetrievAir has partnered with The Sato Project, a well-respected animal rescue organization, to help transport stray dogs from Puerto Rico to their forever homes in the continental United States. Announced on July 1, 2025, this collaboration marks a significant step in addressing the stray dog overpopulation crisis on the island.

A New Era in Pet Air Travel

RetrievAir has made waves in the aviation industry by offering innovative pet travel services. Unlike traditional airlines, RetrievAir allows pets of all sizes to fly in-cabin alongside their owners, ensuring comfort and reducing the stress typically associated with pet travel. The partnership with The Sato Project highlights their commitment to animal welfare, as they facilitate life-saving transport for countless stray dogs.

The Mission Behind the Initiative

The Sato Project is dedicated to combating the issue of stray dogs roaming the streets of Puerto Rico, with an estimated 650,000 such dogs currently without homes. To tackle this crisis, the organization has developed a multi-faceted approach known as the "one-two punch" strategy, which includes both spay/neuter initiatives and adoption programs. The upcoming rescue flight, scheduled for July 5th, aims to transport dozens of stray dogs, affectionately referred to as "satos," from San Juan to New Jersey.

Chrissy Beckles, President and Founder of The Sato Project, spoke passionately about the importance of this mission. "With hurricane season upon us, we must act swiftly to fly the dogs in our program to safety before any potential disaster strikes. Working with RetrievAir gives us confidence that our mission to change the lives of these animals will be supported," stated Beckles.

RetrievAir co-founder Mark Williams shared his personal connection to this cause, reflecting on how his family adopted a sato, named Diego, nearly a decade ago. His emotional investment emphasizes the broader impact that such endeavors can have on both animals and families.

Fundraising for a Cause

To fund the mission, The Sato Project has launched a campaign to raise the necessary funds for the flight, supported by various partners like The Miranda Family Fund and Flew The Coop. This collaborative effort underscores the shared commitment to animal welfare and the importance of community support in successful rescue operations.

"Every contribution counts; it’s about uniting efforts to save the lives of these vulnerable dogs," beckons Beckles. The transparency and dedication of The Sato Project, combined with the innovative strategies of RetrievAir, create a model that other organizations can emulate.

Community Engagement and Future Plans

The focus on community outreach doesn't stop at flights. The Sato Project offers free spay/neuter and vaccination clinics, directly addressing the root causes of overpopulation and the dire situations many dogs find themselves in. Their program, known as Operation Sato, has been instrumental in effecting change since the project's inception in 2011.

As RetrievAir continues to grow—servicing nine major U.S. cities and looking to expand further—they remain committed to ensuring every pet journey is safe and pleasant. Their partnership with The Sato Project exemplifies their philosophy of making air travel simple and stress-free for both pets and their humans.

Conclusion

With a shared vision and purpose, RetrievAir and The Sato Project are leading the charge against the struggles faced by stray dogs in Puerto Rico, one flight at a time. Their collaboration exemplifies the power of partnerships in fostering a future where every pet has a loving home. If you’d like to support this noble cause, visit The Sato Project's campaign page and contribute to their efforts.

For more information about RetrievAir and to book a flight for your own pet, you can visit their website retrievair.com or follow them on social media @flyretrievair. Follow The Sato Project at thesatoproject.org and on social media @thesatoproject for updates on their life-changing work.