Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about adopting, flying, and fostering animals through Island Rescues.
Adoption
How does adoption work on Island Rescues?
Browse all available animals from rescues across Aruba in one place. When you find your match, submit an adoption application through the animal’s profile. The rescue will review your application and contact you directly to continue the process.
Do I have to be in Aruba to adopt?
No, many of our animals are adopted by families abroad. Flight volunteers help transport animals from Aruba to their new homes in the Netherlands, the United States, and beyond.
How long does the adoption process take?
This varies per rescue and depends on your location, the animal, and travel arrangements. Local adoptions can happen within days. International adoptions typically take a few weeks to arrange flights and paperwork.
What are the adoption fees?
Adoption fees are set by each individual rescue and cover veterinary care, vaccinations, microchipping, and travel preparation. Contact the rescue directly for current fees.
Can I adopt if I live abroad?
Yes! International adoption is one of the core goals of Island Rescues. Animals are transported by flight volunteers — tourists or travelers who carry animals in-cabin on their existing flights from Aruba.
Flight Volunteering
What does a flight volunteer do?
As a flight volunteer, you carry an animal in-cabin on your existing flight from Aruba to your destination. The rescue handles all paperwork, health certificates, and coordination. We’ll bring the animal to the airport and you take them with you and hand them off on arrival.
Is it complicated to travel with an animal?
Not at all. The rescue prepares everything; the carrier, documentation, and health certificate. You just need to check your airline’s pet policy for in-cabin animals and notify them in advance. The rescue will guide you through every step.
Does it cost me anything to be a flight volunteer?
Most airlines charge a small fee for in-cabin pets (typically $25 – $75) and most rescues cover these costs. Check with your rescue for further information.
Who handles the paperwork?
The rescue handles all required documentation including the health certificate, EU pet passport or import paperwork, and microchip records. You just need to carry the documents with the animal.
Fostering
What does fostering involve?
Fostering means providing a temporary home for an animal while they wait for their forever family. This could be a few weeks or a few months. You provide love, food, and a safe space, the rescue covers veterinary costs.
Can I foster if I live outside Aruba?
Yes! Fosters are needed in Aruba (before the flight), in the Netherlands, and in the United States (as a receiving foster after the animal arrives). Sign up through our Foster form and indicate your location.
How long do foster placements last?
It depends on the animal and the situation. Some fosters last a few weeks, others a few months. Emergency fosters can be as short as a few days. You can indicate your availability when you sign up.
General
How do I contact a rescue?
Visit the rescue’s profile page on Island Rescues; each rescue lists their contact details and social media. Rescues are volunteer-run and may take a few days to respond.
I found a stray animal in Aruba — what do I do?
Most strays are being monitored and cared for. There is simply not enough space to have all strays at a rescue. Contact one of the rescues listed on Island Rescues directly. You can also share the animal on local Facebook groups. If the animal is injured, contact a local vet immediately.
How can my rescue join Island Rescues?
We’d love to have you! Reach out to us via the contact form on this page and we’ll get you set up with a rescue profile and dashboard.
Still have a question?
Can’t find what you’re looking for? Send us a message and we’ll get back to you.