The Sato Project

About This Project

Summary

It is estimated that 650,000 stray dogs, or "satos," currently roam the streets of Puerto Rico, an island roughly the size of the state of Connecticut. One pair of unsterilized satos can be responsible for 67,000 puppies over 6 years. The satos of PR face very short lives of disease, starvation, & abuse. The Sato Project has pivoted their approach to dog rescue to include free mass spay/neuter/vaccination events aimed at disrupting the overpopulation crisis & the spread of disease from the root.

Goals & Objectives

In 2023, The BISSELL Pet Foundation and Cathy Bissell donated crucial medical supplies and surgical equipment to help The Sato Project launch #OperationSato, with the goal of examining, spaying/neutering, vaccinating, and microchipping 1,000 dogs over just 6 days in Gurabo, PR - completely for free.

Results & Impact

The Sato Project & The BISSELL Pet Foundation successfully serviced over 1,200 dogs in 6 days in November of 2023. Countless families and rescuers brought both owned AND stray dogs to receive high-quality medical services for free (sterilization, 4DX snap tests, flea/tick meds, vaccines, microchip).