FePA — Animal Protection Federation of Puerto Rico

FePA — Federation for Animal Protection of Puerto Rico

FePA homepage mockup v6 — English version. Brand-aligned, sibling to Spanish-canonical mockup. Prepared by Firm Forward.

Puerto Rico · Since 1983

We are their voice.

Somos su voz.

Four decades working for the welfare of every animal in Puerto Rico. An organization uniting communities around a single purpose — recognizing animal welfare, environmental conservation, and food sustainability as one shared mission.

Our mission
Gato rescatado en Puerto Rico
43
years defending animal welfare in Puerto Rico
Founded 1983
43 years of continuous mission
501(c)(3) · 1101
Federal · Puerto Rico · Tax-deductible
Law 154-2008
PR animal welfare legal framework
Red LAPA
52 allied organizations · founding member
Rescate de animal en Puerto Rico
Our Vision
«An island where humans honor and respect animals in peaceful coexistence.»
Our Mission

To end animal abuse in Puerto Rico.

Our mission is to end animal abuse through education, support for community-impact programs, and legal reform efforts.

FePA is the organization that brings together those working for animal welfare across the island. We recognize the link between animal welfare, environmental conservation, and food sustainability — and we work all three fronts at once.

One Health, One Welfare.

01
Humane education
02
Community impact
03
Public policy
Our Impact · 2024–2025

Measurable results.

What we achieved this year, in concrete numbers, with our member organizations and allies.

2,000+
Teachers trained
Humane Education — first year of the six-year agreement with the Department of Education.
227k
Students reached
Through the 2,000 teachers trained — the program’s multiplier effect.
1,400
Spay/neuter procedures
Free procedures performed with member organizations across the island.
400
Vaccinations in Toa Baja
Community outreach with the Office of the President of the House — September 5, 2025.
Humane Education

Changing the island, one generation at a time.

We work with the education system and the legislature to make animal welfare part of Puerto Rico’s civic formation.

Regional workshops
«Effective Animal Advocacy» at Hacienda El Jibarito, San Sebastián — 20+ representatives from the western region.
Annual Convention
2nd Convention at Wyndham Grand Río Mar with 100+ representatives — Law 154-2008, compassion fatigue, and model jurisdictions.
The Roots
Dedicated space at Segunda Unidad Barrio Pasto Montessori School in Aibonito, in collaboration with Rooms To Go.
Operativo comunitario en Vieques
Caso de Éxito · 2024
Our Member Organizations

Vieques — a model for impact.

With a grant from FePA, this member organization in Vieques delivered measurable results in a single year. It’s the model we’re scaling with other organizations in the network.

1,400
free spay/neuter procedures
89
animals rescued and adopted
209
community animals served
50
families assisted with their pets
Meet our member organization network
Leadership

Board of Directors.

The institutional structure sustaining 43 years of continuous work.

President · Executive Director
Yolanda Álvarez, Esq.
Attorney specializing in intellectual property and animal law. Leads FePA’s legislative reform efforts, humane education programs, and the articulation of the member-organization network across Puerto Rico.
BS
Bryan Shames
Vice President I
SS
Shakira Santiago, Esq.
Vice President II
MC
Meliana Canino
Secretary
AC
Anabelle Colón
Treasurer
Board Members
MC
María E. Cestero
TG
Troadio González, Esq.
MA
María Celeste Arrarás
SC
Sergio Calzada, Esq.
Legislation & Advocacy

The legal voice for animals.

Next project · Office of the Director of Animal Welfare

FePA is currently working with the President of the House of Representatives on legislation to create the Office of the Director of Animal Welfare — addressing the institutional gaps that limit enforcement of Law 154-2008 and providing structured guidance for all efforts.

As a recognized source of information on animal-related issues in Puerto Rico, FePA publicly demands systemic change.

Strategic Alliances

We don’t work alone.

FePA is part of coalitions that recognize the link between animal welfare, environmental health, and food sustainability.

Local Coalition

One mission, multiple disciplines.

We work alongside mental health professionals, environmentalists, and community educators to make visible the link between animal welfare, environmental conservation, and food sustainability.

Association of Psychologists
Association of Social Workers
Para la Naturaleza
Club 4H
International Network

Red LAPA.

FePA is a founding member of Red LAPA — the Latin American Network for Animal Protection — an alliance of 52 organizations across Latin America working for animal welfare and protection.

52 organizations
Latin America
Upcoming Events

Join the cause.

Full calendar
Sep
International Conference
World Animal Day · Bill announcement
Puerto Rico · September 2026verify fecha
Get notified
Next
Annual Convention
3rd FePA Convention · date TBA
Sede por anunciar
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