FAQs

 

What is the St. Croix Animal Welfare Center and is it different from the animal shelter?
The St. Croix Animal Welfare Center operates the animal shelter on St. Croix. Founded in 1973, our organization is committed to the humane treatment of all animals in the St. Croix community.

 

Are you operated by the Virgin Islands government?
No. The St. Croix Animal Welfare Center is an independent, private, tax status 501C3 non profit organization. We depend on donations to help defer operational costs. We do fulfill the government contract for animal control. In 2009 that contract totaled $45,000 for the year.

 

Are you a “no-kill” adoption center?
No, we are an “open admission” shelter, which means that we take any animals (dogs, cats, iguana, chickens, etc) in any condition of health.

The St. Croix Animal Welfare Center makes every effort to place healthy pets into new homes and we never turn a pet away. A “no kill” shelter, when they reach space capacity, then turn away animals.

Help us stop the cycle of neglect and reduce our intake numbers Click here to sponsor a needy dog or cat today.

 

I need to put my pet up for adoption, what do I do?
The St. Croix AWC accepts all dogs/puppies and cats/kittens free of charge any time during operations hours: Monday – Saturday 8:30 to 5: p.m. Emergencies only on Sundays from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

 

I lost my pet, what do I do?
Call the St. Croix AWC to report your missing pet as soon as possible. Please bring a photo or written description to our shelter facility during business hours to help our animal control wardens recognize your pet. We suggest you contact all island veterinarians about your missing pet as well.

 

Stray dogs or cats are roaming in my neighborhood, what do I do?
Call us at 778-1650. If the dog or cat seems friendly, try to contain the animal in an enclosed area. If you cannot capture the animal, try to get a good description of the animal and location where the animal was last seen for animal control dispatch.

 

I witnessed animal abuse in progress
Call 911 immediately.

 

I witnessed suspect animal abuse or cruelty, what do I do?
Call us immediately at 778-1650 you DO NOT have to give your name. Provide the animal control with a location, description of the animal(s), the suspect abuse—as many details as possible. Animal Control will dispatch to investigate the circumstances and if the case is determined to be abuse, VIPD will be contacted.

 

What is Pets from Paradise?
Pets from Paradise is a transfer program places our pets in partner shelters in the U.S. mainland that need adoptable animals. Travelers to our island agree to be traveling companions to animals making the journey to the mainland.  We would like to encourage travelers, that we would appreciate any donation towards the cost of transporting an animal to the States. Click here for more information.

 

Do you board animals?
No, we do not have boarding facilities. Many island vets offer this service.

 

Do you accept other kinds of animals besides cats or dogs? (horses, rabbits, birds, mongoose, iguanas?)
Yes, we accept them, but we do not house them and instead transfer these animals to other organizations on island such as the Department of Agriculture.

Who do I call about livestock in distress?
Department of Agriculture 778-0997

 

Who do I call if I find a dead animal?
St Croix Waste Management 712-4986