We've compiled touching before and after stories of homeless and neglected animals who find a second chance.
Find out how we're working to protect horses from being drugged for races.
View our adoptable cats and dogs.
Forever Home Feature: Patty
Pit Bull Terrier spent 2 years in the shelter!
Pit Bulls have big hearts and so much to give to their companions, but too often are adopted out as guard dogs or as status symbols of strength. As a result, many wind up back in the shelter system when they don't serve their guardians, or are under stimulated physically and mentally and act out.
Patty spent two years in the shelter system. She isn't a fan of other dogs. That's OK. Patty still deserves the love and care of a human guardian.
Actress Thora Birch saw Patty for who she is and chose her! Now named Pow Pow, this girl is beginning her real life!
Lesson Learned: There is someone right for each dog. Every dog isn't right for everyone.
Joey
Surrendered after 3 years in home.
Joey is a gorgeous girl who barely wanted to show her face when she was surrendered by her last owner after four years in home. Given her behavior, we wonder if Joey ever got the attention she fully deserves in order to blossom.
Joey wouldn't eat at first, hid 99% of the time and we were worried about her. We moved her from the hospital to an in-network foster home to ease her stress. It took her weeks to start soliciting affection.
This very nocturnal girl finally found a couple willing to shower her with love and be patient with her apprehensiveness. She's already sleeping on the bed with them!
Feline Lesson Learned: Some cats take months or years to feel secure and show their desire to be loved. The tough cookies are SO worth it. Don't give up.
Rhonda & Botitas
Bonded pair abandoned together, rehomed together!
It's always hard to adopt out a pair together - especially in the shelters where the adoption process is geared to move animals out and into homes quickly, which might mean separating bonded pairs.
Once rescued, we saw how loving and adoptable they were despite their shy temperaments. With patience, the right person came along at the right time for BOTH of these sweeties.
"We LOVE them. They are actually eating well and I think getting settled. Yes we have them in one room right now. Little Botitas really wants to explore the house but she will have to wait. We are giving Rhonda her space as she is still wary of us but that’s totally fine. This is them in my sons bed. (He adores them)"
- Rania, mom
Stella & Piper puppies adopted!
Lulu adopted!
Tiny adopted!
Poppy adopted!
ANIMAL PROTECTION NEWS
Animal Wellness Foundation and Animal Wellness Action
are fighting animal cruelty together.
The Horseracing Integrity Act will ban race-day doping of horses to reduce the deadly breakdowns on America's racetracks.
About 1,000 racehorses a year die in contests they never asked to join. Doping and the overuse of therapeutic drugs are largely to blame, along with harmful overbreeding, making the vaunted Sport of Kings too often a spectacle of suffering and death. About 12 percent of the horses slaughtered for human consumption are former racehorses.
We're seeking a FOREVER FAMILY who can support Huck through his senior years. Huck was found with multiple skin infections and severely malnourished. With the help of the Foundation and Animal Wellness Centers, we were able to save him from euthanasia by giving him the love and care required. He is thriving and playing - now over 30 healthy pounds heavier from when he came to us.
Huck is kind to all creatures and to children. He requires easy-to-administer daily medicine and weekly medicated baths. He will thank you with endless love and laughter. Dog-park ready!
Our adoption process was designed to help ensure that we select the best homes for our animals and includes a questionnaire, meeting and home visit. We take special care to match the right home with the right pet, ensuring a lifetime of love for both the pet and the adopter.
Volunteer with Rescues
We cannot stress enough what a huge difference our volunteers make toward the well being of our rescues. From playtime and walks to fostering and adoption events, our dogs and cats are enriched by the time spent with each volunteer. Thank you to our amazingly compassionate volunteers and friends for the work you do!
If you are interested in joining our volunteer community sign up here!
The Animal Wellness Foundation (Foundation) is a Los Angeles-based private charitable organization with a mission of helping animals by making veterinary care available to everyone with a pet, regardless of economic ability. We organize rescue efforts and medical services for dogs and cats in need and help homeless pets find a loving caregiver. We are advocates for getting veterinarians to the front lines of the animal welfare movement; promoting responsible pet ownership; and vaccinating animals against infectious diseases such as distemper. We also support policies that prevent animal cruelty and that alleviate suffering. We believe helping animals helps us all.
