Caribbean Voluntourism: Adopt a Puppy in the Turks and Caicos

Potcake Place

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Photo by: Potcake Place

Next time you’re in the Turks and Caicos, bring back more than the usual rum and seashells – and make a difference while you’re at it. Animal-loving vacationers can connect with Provo’s non-profit animal rescue organization, Potcake Place, during their stay, and volunteer to adopt or courier an island puppy in need of a good home.

To date, the organization has placed over 1,000 homeless pups – known affectionately as “potcakes” because the locals have long fed the caked remains of cooking pots to the stray litters. Potcake Place was born a decade ago to help control the feral pet population on the island, as local spay and neuter initiatives were falling short. While finding foster and permanent homes for the puppies is a major focus of the program, the real goal is education and awareness – teaching local families how to care for the puppies and prevent future stray litters.

Potcake Puppy Gallery...

Even if you can’t give a potcake a home when your vacation comes to an end, you can still help by transporting a pup back with you; The organization will prearrange to find a good home in your local area, and cover all of the airline fees for the transport. All you have to do is carry the puppy on board with you, and the new owners will be waiting for their potcake on your arrival home. The most popular U.S. hubs for placement include Boston, Atlanta, New York (JFK and LGA), Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando and Philadelphia – but couriers are also needed in Kentucky and Ohio now.

To adopt an island puppy of your own, or for information on other ways you can help, call 649-231-1010, log on to potcakeplace.com or email mail@potcakeplace.com.

Tags: caribbean destinations