PortMiami Seeks Volunteers, Donations for Managed Stray Cat Care Program

A community-based animal care initiative at PortMiami is experiencing a critical shortage of volunteers and food supplies. The facility, which encompasses 500 acres across three islands, has been operating a structured management program for stray cats since a partnership between the port and Miami-Dade Animal Services began two years ago. To date, the Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate and Return program, known as TNVR, has sterilized 146 cats.

Jeannine Frontela, a dedicated advocate and volunteer coordinator, has been instrumental in trapping and feeding the cats at the sprawling facility. “I am the voice of some of these cats,” Frontela stated, emphasizing an ongoing challenge: the consistent lack of food provisions. The current volunteer roster consists of only 14 members, each contributing significant personal effort to sustain the program.

Port officials are actively recruiting additional volunteers, particularly those with direct connections to PortMiami’s operations or familiarity with its layout. “We are looking for volunteers that either work at the port, or they are familiar with the port, to assist feeding the cats,” said Raysa Samper, the port’s property manager. Five designated feeding stations have been established throughout the facility, though four remain situated behind secured perimeter fencing.

Last year, Miami-Dade County commissioners enacted regulations permitting the lawful feeding of stray animals while simultaneously prohibiting animal abandonment at the port. All prospective volunteers must complete an application process to obtain authorization as “authorized individuals” within the lawfully established feeding initiative. Interested parties can contact Samper at 305-347-4908 or Raysa.Samper@miamidade.gov for program participation details.