Erica Marie Erickson, a dedicated animal advocate and former attorney, has channeled her passion for animal welfare into founding Playa Animal Welfare Services, Inc., affectionately known as Playa Paws. The nonprofit organization, based in Puerto Rico, is committed to rescuing cats and ensuring their safe transport to adopters and no-kill rescues in the mainland United States.
Erica’s journey from the legal world to animal rescue is a testament to her unwavering dedication and compassion. With Playa Paws, she has created a sanctuary for countless cats, providing them with a second chance at life and love. Her work involves not just the physical rescue of these animals but also raising awareness about their plight and the importance of animal welfare.
In Puerto Rico, over half a million stray cats suffer and die on the streets, with no substantial efforts by the government to humanely address the situation. Resources for animals, especially cats, are scarce, and they are often viewed as vermin by much of the local population. In response, Erica’s organization focuses on flying these cats off the island, aiding in spay and neuter efforts, and educating the younger generations in Puerto Rico to foster a more compassionate attitude towards animals. The situation for cats and dogs in Puerto Rico is much worse than anywhere else in the United States.
Thankfully, there are areas in the U.S., mainly in the Northeast, where pet overpopulation is not an issue. Playa Paws is able to transport their rescued kitties to loving adopters and no-kill rescues in these regions. Erica’s team intentionally avoids flying any animals to places with pet overpopulation issues, such as the U.S. South, to encourage local adoptions and ensure that their kitties do not end up in kill shelters if they lose their homes in the future.
Playa Paws operates with a mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome cats, ensuring they find loving and permanent homes. Erica’s leadership has been instrumental in building a network of volunteers, foster homes, and partner organizations that work together to save as many feline lives as possible.
Erica’s vision extends beyond immediate rescue efforts. She is a strong advocate for humane education, aiming to foster a community that values and protects its animal companions. Through educational initiatives and community outreach, Playa Paws seeks to instill a sense of responsibility and empathy towards animals in people of all ages.
Under Erica’s guidance, Playa Paws has become a beacon of hope for cats in need, transforming lives one rescue at a time. Her unwavering dedication to animal welfare has not only saved countless feline lives but also significantly improved the quality of life for many cats that would otherwise have been left to suffer. Playa Paws’ holistic approach includes not just rescuing abandoned and stray cats but also providing them with medical care, rehabilitation, and finding them loving forever homes.
Erica’s tireless efforts extend beyond the day-to-day operations of the rescue. She actively engages with the community, raising awareness about the importance of animal welfare and responsible pet ownership. Through educational workshops, community outreach programs, and social media campaigns, she has galvanized local and international support, creating a network of volunteers, donors, and adopters who share her vision.
Her dedication serves as an inspiration to many, demonstrating the profound impact that one person’s commitment can have on the world. Erica’s work with Playa Paws exemplifies how passion and perseverance can drive meaningful change, showing that with the right amount of care and attention, even the vulnerable creatures can thrive. Her story encourages others to get involved in animal rescue and to believe in the power of compassionate action, proving that together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of animals in need.
Published By: Aize Perez