The Bahamas are known for an abundance of many things - sunshine, pristine beaches, and a warm, welcoming culture. They're also known for an abundance of potcakes (and potcats).

For those unfamiliar, "potcake" refers to a mixed breed of free-roaming canines in the Bahamas, named after the congealed rice mixture at the bottom of the family cooking pot traditionally fed to strays. (Note: Both owned and unowned dogs contribute to free-roaming animal populations in the Bahamas, as cultural attitudes toward animal ownership tend to be more lax. Larger dogs in particular may be owned for protection, but rarely live inside a home.)

Non-owned, free-roaming dogs and cats face numerous survival challenges: extreme heat, lack of food and clean water, relentless ticks and other insects, and sometimes even poisoning and abuse.

The Bahamas does have an Animal Control Services agency, but the Animal Protection and Control Act of 2010 is currently only enforced (albeit loosely) in New Providence and Grand Bahama. The Bahamas Humane Society operates a shelter, spay-neuter clinic, and rescue efforts, but it's almost always at capacity -- and located in Chippingham, near Nassau.

Eleuthera currently has no animal shelters. However, we do have a single veterinarian, Noah's Ark Animal Centre, in Rock Sound, as well as a number of individuals and organizations who have put their heart into helping unhoused animals. One of those is Tail Life, founded by an American attorney named Nikki Karis.

A Heart for Helping

A Florida resident and frequent visitor of Eleuthera, she was moved to begin rescuing dogs and cats on the island during an extended stay on the island after a profound and unexpected personal loss.

"I've always had a deep love for animals," Karis said.

"And I've also sort of always danced to the beat of my own drum, not going the traditional route of marriage and kids. I was also bullied badly growing up. ... So when I came across these animals, I just related to that feeling of being on the outside. ... Helping them has been part of a healing journey for me."

Karis believes every animal has a soul and every soul has a purpose. She details the stories of each of her rescues on her website as well as the Tail Life Facebook page.

She's rescued dozens of potcakes (and a few "potcats") in Eleuthera the past few years, arranging for them to be transported to the U.S., either to her sanctuary in Tarpon Springs or with new owners who have fallen in love and need help with the red tape of exporting them for adoption.

"I gave you my house when you were alone. When I walk through the door, it now feels like a home. Tail wagging and waiting, our bond quickly grew. Such unconditional love... Who rescued who?" 

— Unknown

For Karis, every initial interaction with a rescue has felt like a spark of divine intervention.

"All it takes is one look, and I get this sense of, 'Oh, you're here for me. This was meant to be.'"

The process of rescuing an animal from Eleuthera does require a bit of legwork. One must ensure the dog is, in fact, a stray, rather than a free-roaming owned dog. Karis usually spends at least a few days asking around to be sure.

From there, it's important to get the animal examined by a veterinarian. If you intend to take the animal home with you, a vet check is required to obtain an endorsement certificate to export the animal from the Bahamas.

They will need all their shots. (More on Bahamian animal import/export rules below.)

You will then need to arrange airfare. Not all commercial airlines are pet-friendly, particularly on international flights.

One popular exception with regular routes in Eleuthera is Aztec Airways. Pets must be added at the time booking (which includes fees), have appropriate documentation for international travel, and a muzzle/crate.

In some situations, it may be worthwhile to arrange a flight. Ruff Rescue 242 is a non-profit that has been coordinating volunteer pilots and planes to transport rescued potcakes throughout the Caribbean and U.S. since 2019.

Karis sees on her horizon the possibility of founding an animal shelter/sanctuary on Eleuthera.

In the shorter term, she's working on establishing Potcakes United, which will offer a directory of organizations that will assist people from all over with potcake adoptions.

Until then, she says people interested in helping Eleuthera potcakes and potcats can reach out to Tail Life, Noah's Ark, Ruff Rescue 242, or Baark!

Baark! Free Spay/Neuter Clinics

Baark!, the Bahamas Alliance for Animal Rights and Kindness, is a non-profit making a paw-sitive difference for Eleuthera's potcake and potcat populations. Volunteers host mobile clinics all over the Bahamas. Since 2020, the organization has spayed/neutered nearly 15,500 cats and dogs throughout the Bahamas.

The organization has hosted 7 clinics in Eleuthera, from Gregory Town to Deep Creek, spaying and neutering nearly 800 dogs and cats - free to the community. Future clinics are in the works, according to the Baark! website. Although the organization has worked to facilitate adoption for strays, their efforts prioritize spaying and neutering, as well as education on responsible pet ownership within local communities. Click here to learn more & donate.

What Should I Do If I Come Across a Stray in Eleuthera?

There are a number of ways visitors can help if they come across a stray.

Provide food and water. It's usually not a good idea to hand feed an animal, but if you can provide species-appropriate food and clean water, that might help ensure their survival. Avoid doing so on a schedule, near busy traffic areas or close to your rental. (You don't want them to become a nuisance prompting demand for their removal.)

Donate. This could include money or in-kind items to individuals and organizations working to help these animals or hold spay/neuter clinics. In addition to money, items like leashes and collars, blankets, cleaning supplies, food, etc. are usually welcome. (But make contact with the organization you intend to help first, just to be sure.)

Pet only with caution. Watch their body language: A wagging tail, perked up ears and a sniff are welcome signs. Never chase a dog. Let them drive the interaction. Always wash your hands with soap water after an interaction. (The Bahamas is free of dog rabies, according to the CDC, but be wary of any animal exhibiting symptoms like disorientation, mouth-foaming, aggression, etc.)

Helping a sick /injured animal. Note that Eleuthera has fewer animal services resources than other islands in the Bahamas. If you come across an animal who is sick or injured, don't try to catch it unless you have experience doing so. If you can, arrange to take the animal to the veterinarian by appointment. (Do not "dump" animals there.) If you cannot do this, take a picture, note its location, and contact the vet or local rescue. Consider donating to its vet care or food expenses. If you grow attached, consider adopting.

Adopt. Once you have confirmed the animal is not already owned, you might want to adopt. To import an animal to the U.S., consult the pet travel section of the Agriculture Departments' Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. Organizations like Tail Life and Baark! can also provide assistance to walk you through the process.

What to Know About Bringing Your Pet to Eleuthera

Visitors can bring pets to Eleuthera during their stay, but it does require some careful planning. All live animals entering the island must do so at an airport or port with customs. Each airline also has its own rules about flying with animals, so be sure to check before you book your tickets.

Per the Government of the Bahamas, you must complete a Permit to Import Domestic Animals. (If you are leaving with your animal after a stay longer than 6 days OR you are adopting a Bahamian animal to bring elsewhere, you must have an Endorsement Certificate for Domestic Animals from the Bahamas). Note: The Bahamas does ban certain breeds of both cats and dogs from import.

Submit your application to the Department of Agriculture and pay applicable fees.

If approved, you'll be issued a Dog Permit. You'll also be given a Veterinarian Form (AGR/VS/1A Form), which must be completed by a registered veterinarian before travel. This will include affirmation the animal is at least 6 months old and fully vaccinated. The Dog Permit and Completed Veterinarian Form is submitted to an Agricultural Officer and Customers Officer at the port of entry or departure.

If you'd rather someone else manage the red tape, there are Bahamas pet import service providers. Eleuthera Vacation Rentals can provide referrals to our guests.