History
After a 2017 holiday in Cuba, Paula Batista saw firsthand the needs of the island's street animals and returned to Canada determined to help.
She realised that much of the relief reaching Cuba was concentrated in busier tourist areas like Havana and Varadero, while other communities went largely underserved. The resort islands of Cayo Coco presented a unique opportunity: the steady stream of Canadian tourists could help bring much-needed food, medicine and supplies directly to the people and animals who needed them most.
Paula built a volunteer network to collect and transport donations to Cuba, while establishing a shelter to rescue resort and street animals in need and help them find homes in Canada.
What began as Brussy Rescue has since evolved into Cayo Coco Animal Rescue, a name that better reflects the organization's focus.
Today, the rescue operates a shelter near Morón, Cuba, about 1.5 hours from Cayo Coco. Local rescuers Yadira Piñero Armas and Tico González manage the day-to-day care of over 215 animals, while a small local veterinary team, led by Dr. Jorge, provides surgeries and emergency care.
She realised that much of the relief reaching Cuba was concentrated in busier tourist areas like Havana and Varadero, while other communities went largely underserved. The resort islands of Cayo Coco presented a unique opportunity: the steady stream of Canadian tourists could help bring much-needed food, medicine and supplies directly to the people and animals who needed them most.
Paula built a volunteer network to collect and transport donations to Cuba, while establishing a shelter to rescue resort and street animals in need and help them find homes in Canada.
What began as Brussy Rescue has since evolved into Cayo Coco Animal Rescue, a name that better reflects the organization's focus.
Today, the rescue operates a shelter near Morón, Cuba, about 1.5 hours from Cayo Coco. Local rescuers Yadira Piñero Armas and Tico González manage the day-to-day care of over 215 animals, while a small local veterinary team, led by Dr. Jorge, provides surgeries and emergency care.
The organization focuses on rescue, rehabilitation, spay/neuter campaigns at resorts, temporary fostering, and arranging local and Canadian adoptions. Yadira and Tico also provide free veterinary care and spay/neuter services in their community, helping break the cycle of unwanted animals while supporting families who may otherwise be unable to afford treatment. The rescue also coordinates travel arrangements and short-term fostering when animals are adopted to Canada.
To date, the group has spayed and neutered thousands of animals through free sterilization campaigns, including 18 TNR (trap-neuter-release) programs across seven Cayo Coco resorts. Beginning at Hotel Mojito in May 2019 and ending at Tryp Cayo Coco in January 2026, these campaigns helped humanely manage resort animal populations.
The rescue now faces some of its greatest challenges yet. Suspended flights to Cuba have cut off a vital lifeline for transporting supplies and adopting animals to Canada. Meanwhile, rising food and energy costs, limited resources and increasing animal abandonment continue to place enormous pressure on the rescue.
Despite this, Cayo Coco Animal Rescue remains committed to rescuing street animals, providing food, care and shelter to those with nowhere else to turn.
To date, the group has spayed and neutered thousands of animals through free sterilization campaigns, including 18 TNR (trap-neuter-release) programs across seven Cayo Coco resorts. Beginning at Hotel Mojito in May 2019 and ending at Tryp Cayo Coco in January 2026, these campaigns helped humanely manage resort animal populations.
The rescue now faces some of its greatest challenges yet. Suspended flights to Cuba have cut off a vital lifeline for transporting supplies and adopting animals to Canada. Meanwhile, rising food and energy costs, limited resources and increasing animal abandonment continue to place enormous pressure on the rescue.
Despite this, Cayo Coco Animal Rescue remains committed to rescuing street animals, providing food, care and shelter to those with nowhere else to turn.
Our commitment
Discover the unique values that guide our mission in rescuing and caring for animals in need.
Veterinary Care
We provide essential veterinary treatments to rescued animals, ensuring their health and well-being during rehabilitation.
Community Engagement
Through education and outreach programs, we promote humane treatment and responsible pet ownership within local communities.
Partnerships for Change
We collaborate with donors and volunteers to facilitate transport for pets seeking permanent homes in Canada, expanding rescue opportunities.
Join Our Mission Today
Every contribution helps us save and rehabilitate animals in need. Your support can make a lasting impact.
