In 1997 the Soufriere Hill volcano erupted creating a catastrophe for the island. The capital city Plymouth and two-thirds of the island was buried under tons of ash. Three quarters of the islands 12,000 residents were forced to evacuate the island leaving many dogs abandoned by their owners. The Montserrat Animal Protection Society (MAPS) was formed to address the large population of stray cats and dogs.

Establishing its first shelter in 2000, MAPS has continued its work providing care for neglected, abused, and abandoned dogs to this day. In addition to its work with the canine population of Montserrat, MAPS also supports volunteers who operate a feline trap-neuter-return program and manage feeding stations for feral cat colonies. Nearly six hundred cats have been spayed or neutered through the TNR program since 2017. 

MAPS actively encourages the humane treatment of animals through island-wide educational activities, low cost spay and neuter programs and, through a small network of volunteerism, strives to enhance veterinary care for the dogs and cats not only in our care but for those across the entire island. When local adoption and foster placement options are exhausted, MAPS works to find homes for dogs and cats abroad through liaisons with various other animal rescue organizations both locally in the Caribbean and in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.