Erica Marie Erickson, a passionate animal advocate and former attorney, has transformed her commitment to animal welfare into a life-changing mission through Playa Animal Welfare Services, Inc.—commonly known as Playa Paws. This 501(c)(3) nonprofit, based in Puerto Rico, is dedicated to rescuing and relocating cats from the island’s overwhelmed streets to loving homes and no-kill rescues on the U.S. mainland. At the heart of Playa Paws is a compassionate vision: to alleviate the severe stray cat crisis while promoting a more humane culture that values the lives of all animals.
Erica’s journey from practicing law to leading an animal rescue initiative reflects not only her deep empathy but also her tenacity and willingness to act on behalf of the voiceless. After witnessing the staggering number of homeless cats in Puerto Rico and the limited resources available to address the problem, she chose to devote her life to direct action. What began as a personal calling soon evolved into a structured, organized movement that now impacts the lives of hundreds of cats annually.
Puerto Rico faces a heartbreaking overpopulation crisis, with estimates suggesting over half a million stray cats roam the island. These animals often suffer from hunger, disease, abuse, and environmental hazards, with very little support or infrastructure to address their needs. Local attitudes, where cats are sometimes seen as nuisances rather than beings deserving care, compound the problem. Recognizing this, Erica and Playa Paws not only focus on rescue and relocation but also on changing the public perception through grassroots education and spay-neuter advocacy.
One of the organization’s key strategies is to transport rescued cats to parts of the United States where adoptable pets are in high demand—particularly the Northeast, where overpopulation is less of an issue. Erica has made a deliberate choice to avoid placing cats in regions such as the U.S. South, which already grapples with its own overwhelming shelter intake numbers and limited resources. This geographic precision ensures rescued cats are placed in homes where their chances for a safe, healthy, and long life are significantly increased.
Playa Paws’ impact is not possible without its carefully cultivated network. Under Erica’s leadership, the organization has built strong relationships with U.S.-based rescues, foster homes, veterinarians, and transport partners. Every cat rescued by Playa Paws receives veterinary care, vaccinations, sterilization, and, when needed, rehabilitation. This comprehensive approach helps each cat make a safe and healthy transition from the streets to a forever home.
Yet Erica’s work extends far beyond physical rescue. She is a vocal advocate for humane education, speaking out on the importance of treating animals with dignity and kindness. Through workshops, classroom visits, media outreach, and social media campaigns, Playa Paws is actively fostering a new generation of animal allies in Puerto Rico and beyond. Erica believes that true change comes not only through rescue but also by transforming hearts and minds.
Her holistic approach ensures that every rescued cat receives not just the care needed to survive but also the love and environment needed to thrive. Whether it’s helping a malnourished kitten regain strength or finding the perfect adoptive family for an abandoned senior cat, Playa Paws provides individualized attention that reflects Erica’s deep respect for life.
Through unwavering dedication, Erica Marie Erickson has made a profound difference—not only for the animals she saves but for the people she inspires. Playa Paws stands as a beacon of hope in a place where animals are too often forgotten. Her work proves that with compassion, courage, and action, a single individual can ignite powerful change. As Playa Paws continues to grow, so does the ripple effect of Erica’s vision: a world where all creatures are seen, valued, and protected.
