Celebrating 10 Years of The Sato Project

Our vetting protocols average
$2000 for a ‘healthy dog’. Those
with severe orthopedic issues,
injuries or diseases such as
heartworm can run into the tens
of thousands. Vetting is by far The
Sato Project’s biggest expense, but
we adamantly believe it is worth it.
Cutting corners on a dog’s health could mean cutting
corners on a dog’s life, or worse: contributing to the
spread of infectious diseases and claiming even more
lives. After all of the work we put into saving these dogs’
lives, this is not a risk we are willing to take. The Sato
Project’s unprecedented vetting protocols have been an
essential part of our process since our founding, and will
always continue to be.
In addition to being healthy, we also want to make sure
each dog is set up to be successful when placed with an
adoptive family. Our team spends quality time getting to
know each dog’s unique personality and needs. Some dogs
are ready to go right into homes as soon as they complete
their vetting protocols. Others who have been abused or
lived on the streets for many years sometimes need extra
rehabilitation. Whatever a dog needs, our incredible team
in Puerto Rico is there for them.
During their stay with us in Puerto Rico, many of our dogs
live in one of our partner veterinary clinics. This allows
them to be monitored constantly while they complete their
vetting requirements. While there, they get lots of love from
our team and the staff of the clinic. Dogs who need extra
rehabilitation go to one of our volunteer foster homes,
where they are showered with love and patience until
they are ready to find a family of their own and take their
Freedom Flight off the island.
CAPTAIN WILL - 2018
Captain Will was hit by a car and tragically left to die on the
side of the road. He was saved by two vet techs from our
Candelero veterinary clinic who had seen the car hit him and
keep driving. We tried to save his right eye, but unfortunately
it needed to be removed. Once he was under anesthesia we
discovered that he also had a broken pelvis and severe skin
lacerations from being dragged. We knew it was going to be a
long road for this little fighter, but we refused to give up on him.
Luckily our community of followers and supporters cheered
him (and us) on every step of the way. Captain Will would truly
not be here today without that support. After healing from his
injuries, Captain Will took his Freedom Flight and found an
adoring family in NYC. He even became somewhat of a local
celebrity in his West Village neighborhood. In February 2019,
Will had the opportunity to compete in Animal Planet’s Dog
Bowl II. We are incredibly proud that he was able to appear on
TV in front of millions of viewers, representing all of the love,
hope, and strength of The Sato Project community.
Photo by: Keith Barraclough/Animal Planet
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