These are/were all small charities that we have helped as, usually their largest live contributor.
For obvious reasons we CANNOT endorse any of these charities.
Lifesavers Wild Horse Rescue
Lifesavers Wild Horse Rescue is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and sanctuary of wild and domestic horses, particularly those suffering from abuse or neglect, or in danger of shipping to slaughter.
Founded in 1997, the organization focuses on saving mustangs, burros, and other equines, providing them with a safe and natural environment to heal and thrive.
Lifesavers works to preserve the spirit of wild horses by offering a natural habitat sanctuary where they can roam free. Their programs also include gentling, training, and educational outreach to encourage responsible equine care and advocacy. For more information visit: www.wildhorserescue.org
Grand-Paws Senior Sanctuary
Grand-Paws Senior Sanctuary’s mission is to rescue primarily large breed senior dogs who’ve been abandoned. We rescue from local high-kill shelters and let them live out their lives in our sanctuary or in one of our wonderful foster homes: happy, safe, and loved.
When appropriate, we attempt to find permanent, loving homes for them. However, we choose the large breed seniors because they are less likely to be adopted from the shelters. We have done well finding homes for many of our dogs, but if not adopted they are just as happy in their foster homes, they just know it’s home.
People don’t realize the joy you receive from rescuing a senior dog. Seeing an old dog renew some of their spunk when they’re given proper nutrition, exercise, and love is extraordinary. They may be a little slow, hard of hearing, have deteriorating eyesight, and a graying muzzle, but there’s still charm and dignity in these old dogs yet. Despite their condition they never feel sorry for themselves. They all have so much to offer and so much love to give.
Grand-Paws Senior Sanctuary
https://grandpawsrescue.org
email: grandpawsrescue@aol.com
661-286-2066
Spirit of Santa Paula
SPIRIT of Santa Paula is dedicated to serving the least powerful and most vulnerable people in the Santa Clara River Valley of Ventura County CA, approximately 50,000 in population. We provide and operate a family shelter and have 57 beds, 8 of which are dedicated to people struggling with mental illness.
Other services:
- Daily drop in center for homeless people
- Two food pantries with a food rescue operation
- Medical services
- Backpack medicine
Case management - 175 hot meals a day and services as needed.
Kay Wilson-Bolton
{805} 340-5025
kay@spiritsp.org
https://www.spiritofsantapaula.org
Happy Dog Ranch Horse Sanctuary
Where horses and humans connect
OUR MISSION
Rescue and rehabilitate horses who need help and a home, offering them a way to heal and connect with people.
MENTAL HEALTH & WELLNESS
When we connect with horses, we become better at connecting with ourselves. Our ranch hosts inclusive programs for people seeking mental health support or learning experiences. We partner with practitioners who offer equine-assisted therapy, coaching and education with our horses.
We serve: People with physical or cognitive difficulties, at-risk youth, those who’ve experienced trauma and PTSD including veterans and first-responders, community groups, schools, senior centers and corporations.
EQUINE EDUCATION & HEALTH
As a nonprofit teaching center, we embrace a compassionate, horse-centric philosophy. We partner with skilled practitioners and host workshops that draw participants from around the world.
We serve: Riders, trainers, veterinarians, equine dentists, farriers, body workers, and practitioners of alternative therapies.
Gretchen Ditto
Marketing & Development
Happy Dog Ranch Horse Sanctuary
(805) 796-9270
The Plumery
The Plumery, a 501c3 nonprofit (EIN #92-3893893), provides a full-service haven for all species of parrots, surrendered by pet owners. A place of safety and serenity (between squawks), we offer permanent residency, short- or long-term boarding, rehabilitation, and adoption, depending on the needs and well-being of each parrot entrusted to us. We also reach out to communities and organizations, often ignored and lacking access to unique educational enrichment opportunities. The Plumery presents a variety of partnerships to owners, at-risk populations, students, and experts. To all who experience The Plumery, you will receive education and resources, fellowship and guidance without judgment.
While a parrot haven might seem unusual, in fact, birds are the #3 pet in the US, numbering upward of 20 million. Parrot species represent a surprisingly high percentage, yet most owners have little to no knowledge about the care required of parrots who are intelligent, emotional, possessive, expressive, and demanding. Without understanding the necessary commitment to living with a wild creature, owners often give up and turn to rescues and sanctuaries such as The Plumery to provide exotic avians true quality of life.
In existence since Spring 2023, we are opening our first facility in Ventura, CA. Please explore our website (https://www.theplumery.org), Facebook page (facebook.com/theplumery, and Instagram (@theplumeryca). For more information about supporting The Plumery services, educational outreach, and, above all, our parrots, contact us by phone/text – 805-725-0649 – and by email – director@theplumery.org or president@theplumery.org.
Loyal Friesians
Welcome to my world of horse rescue. My journey began in 2016 when I met a purebred Friesian who had been abandoned by his owner and was living in a boarding facility at Rancho Tujunga, California. His name is Hunter and he altered the course of my life forever.
I had a thriving interior design career in Los Angeles, however, I felt unhappy amidst all of my success. I discovered I wasn’t following my heart and my dreams. I sold everything I owned, purchased a ranch outside of Los Angeles, and I created a peaceful, serene sanctuary for a horse rescue. Loyal Friesians is an all volunteer, non-profit 501(c)(3) horse rescue and sanctuary for all horse breeds.
My organization focuses on rescuing all horses that have endured tremendous suffering, abuse and neglect. My life’s mission is to create a large sanctuary and wellness facility to promote the freedom for herds of wild mustangs and all horses in need from auction pens, slaughter houses and abusive conditions. Healing, advocacy and wellness are my focal points in creating a world of love through the beauty of horses.
Lisa Fara, CEO and founder of Loyal Friesians Horse Rescue, Inc.
https://www.loyalfriesians.org
Business Phone: 661-857-7860
Email: loyalfriesians@gmail.com
Cleo’s Critter Care
Cleo’s Critter Care is a non-profit rescue and rehabilitation with an on-site permitted rehabber, Cleo Watts, that takes in injured and orphaned wildlife in the LA area. We receive calls for intakes from neighborhoods and cities all around our Pasadena location including but not limited to, South Pasadena, Highland Park, Glendale, Burbank, Alhambra, Altadena, Sierra Madre, San Marino, Monrovia and La Cañada. While some neighboring organizations have staff dedicated to rescue and care of wildlife, our closest exclusively wildlife rescue is Squirrelmender in Thousand Oaks. For this reason, Cleo’s Critter Care covers a very large area, sometimes taking calls from as far as Riverside.
Our intakes can come from other organizations, such as animal shelters, parks and nature centers, animal control, as well as small individual finders. Cleo Watts, the founder and licensed wildlife rehabber, is on call almost everyday to help LA and its urban wildlife! Unlike other non-profit organizations like shelters which can only take calls during work hours, Cleo does her best to be available at all hours in case of animal emergencies. Cleo specializes in small mammals, particularly orphaned neonatal babies. During the Spring and Summer she often has dozens of orphaned squirrels, possums, skunks, and raccoons under her care. In addition to the small mammals we care for, Cleo receives emergency calls for raptors, like falcons and owls, or even bats. While not required to assist animals outside her permit, Cleo does take emergency calls for these animals, giving them life-saving care until they can be transported to other permitted facilities.
Thanks to public support from independent donors and organizations like Small Charities Unlimited, Cleo’s Critter Care is able to save hundreds of animals a year!
Cleo Watts
cleoscrittercareca@gmail.com
626 715-0262
Chabad of the Crescenta Valley
Chabad of the Crescenta Valley is a Jewish non-profit based in La Canada Flintridge, and serves the Jewish community of La Canada Flintridge, La Crescenta-Montrose, and Sunland-Tujunga.
Having opened four years ago, we’ve watched our community grow before our very eyes. We provide Jewish holiday family programming, adult and junior education, Shabbat prayer services, and much more. But perhaps more importantly, on a personal level, Chabad serves as a shoulder to lean on, a friend, and a place to turn to at a time of need. We are dedicated to providing you with a non-judgemental, accepting, and personalized Jewish experience.
Our weekly activities include a Hebrew School for children ages 5-12, an in-person women’s Torah and Tea class given by CV Chabad’s co-director Mushka Grossbaum, and a weekly Torah class on Zoom given by Rabbi Grossbaum. Each month we have a community Shabbat Dinner, a men’s whiskey, meat and cigars night, bi-weekly Mommy and Me get togethers, and Teen events. We also have seasonal Holiday events throughout the year.
This past year we have begun Camp Gan Israel of the Crescenta Valley—a summer camp for Jewish children located in and around the Crescenta Valley area. Thanks to the generosity of Peter and Barbara Rosenthal, we have been able to begin the Barbara Rosenthal Camp Scholarship Fund, giving Jewish children who otherwise would not have had the opportunity to attend summer camp, the opportunity to do so. We at Chabad are extremely thankful for the incredible kindness and support shown by the Rosenthal family. If a child in need enjoys a summer of friends, trips, and fun, it is because Peter and Barbara Rosenthal had a beautiful vision, and a generous heart.
Rabbi Mendy Grossbaum
(323) 308-5727
rabbi@cvchabad.org
https://www.cvchabad.org
The Medicine Horse Project
The Medicine Horse Project, founded in 2015, is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming of horses that have suffered neglect, abuse, abandonment or are at risk of falling into the slaughter pipeline. In addition, because we believe Horses Are Good Medicine, we partner those rescued horses with humans seeking hope, healing and inspiration through our Resiliency Through Horsemanship Programs. This partnership between horse and human is a mutually beneficial relationship where the horse receives the necessary rehabilitation to be successful in an adoptive home and the human discovers a deeper understanding of themselves and a pathway to wellness and wholeness.
It is incredibly powerful to see mutual healing between a horse that a human gave up on and a human that has maybe given up on themselves.
MHP specializes in horses that have suffered physical and emotional trauma, and although we are not breed specific, we are most commonly called upon to save America’s Wild Horses. We are committed to each horse’s unique journey in rehabilitation, finding them the perfect dedicated adoptive home. Some horses are with us a short time, while others require years of care before they find forever and for some we are their forever.
775-304-0043
https://medicinehorseproject.org
Denkai Animal Sanctuary
Our mission: Saving Animals in Crisis
Founded in 2004, Denkai Animal Sanctuary has successfully assisted more than 32,000 animals throughout its two decades of operation. This nonprofit organization has evolved from its humble grassroots origins into a prominent animal welfare entity recognized both nationally and internationally. Denkai extends its services not only to animals within the local community but also across the United States. The sanctuary collaborates with overcrowded shelters, responds to emergencies during disasters, and provides support to regions where resources are critically scarce.
Currently with operations in Montezuma and LaPlata County, Colorado, Denkai faces a myriad of challenges, with limited resources available to address them effectively. It is thanks to generous and kind individual contributions, foundation support, and donor advised funds that we are able to provide a myriad of services on a tight budget. Services include; rescue, rehabilitation and re-homing services for pet animals, equine, farm animals and mustang horses. Denkai works collaboratively with local and state officials alongside shelters nationwide, on the Native American Indian Reservations, and with overcrowded shelters to save lives.
Contact us at:
https://denkaisanctuary.org
info@denkaisanctuary.org
Special Needs Senior Dog Sanctuary
A few years ago I founded the Special Needs Senior Dog Sanctuary, a 501c3 non-profit.
In 2012, I adopted our 1st senior rescue, Chester, a pit bull. He was around 10-12 years old, had cancer and terrible arthritis. He was in the shelter for EIGHT years. Chester spent literally almost every day with me for 21 months until he passed away. I know this may sound crazy but when he looked into my eyes before he died, I know what he wanted to say. And it was that I needed to give others the chance I gave him; so I did.
I continued to adopt a senior that has the least likelihood of finding a final, forever home. Then, we kept adopting more and started a non-profit so others that couldn’t do what we did can help. We find the old, neglected and/or abandoned dogs that maybe never had a loving home; warm bed, food twice a day, snuggles and belly rubs, etc. And at the very least, when it is their time to pass on, my promise is that it will be whilst they are in my arms telling them that they were in fact the very best girl or boy.
In total, my family has had the pleasure of 31 dogs, 11 which we currently have as of November 6th 2024.
Todd Giorgi – Founder
snsdsct@gmail.com
https://specialneedsseniordogsanctuary.com
West Coast Labrador Retriever Rescue
West Coast Labrador Retriever Rescue was established out of a growing need to rescue abandoned and unwanted Labrador and Golden Retrievers. WCLRR is a 501(c)(3) all-volunteer, nonprofit rescue organization servicing the Southern California area.
Our mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and re-home abandoned Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and other retriever breeds. Our rescue team saves these dogs from shelters and assists people who need to re-home their dogs. It’s simple – “We’re All About the Dogs.”
WCLRR is an active rescue, we rescue multiple dogs per week and have adopted nearly 700 dogs since our inception in 2019. We rescue dogs from both shelters and owner relinquishments. We take in all age dogs inclusive of those with bigger medical issues such as major surgeries. Dogs spend as much time with fosters as is needed for their recovery and then are put up for adoption. We are 100% volunteer based.
All potential adopters go through our approval process inclusive of home checks. Then our adoption team works to match potential adopters with the dogs to put them into their “furever” homes.
West Coast Labrador Retriever Rescue
14107 Avenida Munoz, Riverside, CA. 92508
805-277-0307
https://www.wclrr.org
Press Paws Ranch Retreat
Press Paws Ranch Retreat is an animal therapy non-profit serving the cancer community through mindfulness in nature.
Press Paws is a 501(c)(3) organization, founded in 2022, and is located on a breathtaking 25-acre ranch in the high desert of Southern California. To date, we have hosted over 125 individuals for half-day retreats. Our retreats offer activities that foster mindfulness and connection to self, nature, animals, and to each other. Our typical retreat includes free time with the animals, a goat hike, breath work with the horses, yoga and/or meditation, as well as a healthy community meal. We hold these events monthly and keep each one small and intimate.
Our retreats are free for anyone affected by cancer and those that care for them. Our events focus on recruitment of under resourced communities, communities of color, and non-English speaking communities. These communities rarely have access to integrative care, which is a key component of cancer healing, wellness, and recovery.
Reducing barriers so that participants can access programing at Press Paws is an important part of our mission. As a result, the organization provides transportation and language support to those that need it. This is especially important in the greater LA area, which is large geographically, as well as being economically and culturally diverse.
Robin Lee
Founder & Chair
415-298-9047
pause@presspawsrr.org
https://www.presspawsrr.org/
Kinder4Horses Rescue
Kinder4Horses Rescue is a non-profit organization in Somis, CA, dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming of at-risk horses, with a special focus on Thoroughbred mares. Established in 1998, we have over 26 years of experience in equine rescue, combining our expertise with a team of skilled trainers and veterinary professionals. Our mission is to provide a multi-faceted approach to horse care, helping each animal transition to a safe and fulfilling future.
We specialize in rescuing Thoroughbred fillies and mares, as they are among the most vulnerable populations once their racing or breeding careers are over. Our team has successfully rehabilitated and rehomed over two dozen mares, placing them in approved sport horse homes where they thrive in new careers, from competitive sports to companion roles.
Our herd includes ex-racehorses recovering from injuries and auctions and kill pens, many of which now live in sanctuary due to their special needs. Through ongoing follow-up, we ensure that horses adopted from us remain safe and cared for throughout their lives. Kinder4Horses is committed to showcasing the resilience and versatility of these animals, advocating for their value in new roles, and providing them with the secure futures they deserve.
Laurel Kinder
818-641-3345
https://www.kinder4horsesrescue.org
501 c 3
White Rock Ranch Horse Rescue
White Rock Ranch Horse Rescue is a non-profit organization 501(c)3 located in the high desert of Yucca Valley, founded in 2008.
It all started from the need in our community for a rescue that would take vary difficult cases, and it all began with a phone call asking for help with a severely emaciated and neglected horse, he was in such bad shape that we couldn’t save him, but that ignited the spark that would create our horse rescue and sanctuary mission and we would become one of the first horse rescues in the area.
We are 100% non paid volunteer run. We know we can’t save them all but we can sure try our hardest to help as many as we can, and in the process of saving and rehabilitating horses , they have at the same time, saved and healed many of our volunteers in return.
Our mission statement is to rescue horses that have been abandoned or abused. After we take care of the horses until they are rehabilitated physically or mentally, we find them new homes committed to providing them with a loving, caring environment. For the un-adoptable horses, White Rock Ranch provides a natural sanctuary setting for them to live during their remaining days.
We believe that true wealth comes from the great joy of being part of helping an animal in need and seeing them get healthy and thrive.
Isabella Megli – Founder
horsegrandma@aol.com
951 532-2417
https://www.whiterockranchhorserescueca.org/
National Mustang Association, Inc. Colorado
National Mustang Association, Inc. Colorado (NMACO) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization headquartered in Cortez, Colorado.
From its beginnings in the 1990s, this volunteer-run organization has been dedicated to preserving and protecting horses in the wild and to promoting conscious and humane management.
NMACO promotes and implements sustainable, conscious, and humane wild horse management and care practices through education, advocacy, fieldwork, research, and stakeholder collaboration.
To make a meaningful impact, NMACO actively ensures the provision of care and support for the placement of mustangs removed from their wild home ranges to sanctuary or good adoptive homes to keep the horses safe from the slaughter pipeline.
Please visit us at https://nmaco.org/ to learn more.
Valley View Ranch Equine Rescue
Valley View Ranch Equine Rescue is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization specializing in rescuing equines that are in imminent danger, such as from natural disasters, fires & floods, and from abuse, neglect, starvation, and the slaughter pipeline.
Founder/president. Marlene Dodge was a professional firefighter, police officer and certified Arson Investigator, who retired after 24 years of service. She also has a lifetime of studying, owning, training and competing on many different breeds of horses.
With these combined skills, Marlene has become the one to call to safely move wild, unhandled horses , horses that are health-compromised or with behavioral issues due to past hauling trauma.
Along with running a successful equine rescue, Marlene logs an estimated 8 months a year traveling over 100,000 miles moving horses for other rescues, sanctuaries and other various animal welfare organizations all over the United States.
Marlene Dodge Founder
valleyviewranch@gmail.com
https://www.valleyviewranchequinerescue.org/
https://www.facebook.com/VVRERinKingCity/
Military Animal Project
“Healing Vets, Saving Shelter Pets”
Military Animal Project is a compassionate initiative utilizing animal support services to acknowledge the healing power of the veteran-animal bond and seeks to foster a supportive community for both veterans and animals in need.
Military Animal Project (MAP) provides our active military, veterans & their families a unique program that fosters healing and resilience through innovative animal support services. These programs, crafted by Bob Horrell, a combat Vietnam Navy veteran, are specifically designed to create a nurturing, strong bond between veterans and animals, providing emotional and psychological benefits.
The initiative not only assists in the personal healing journey of veterans, their families and animals in need but it also strengthens community ties, promoting a sense of shared understanding and support among all involved. Through MAP, veterans find renewed inspiration and a path to healing, guided by the unconditional love and companionship of their animal partners.
Mardu Lydick – Co-Founder/President
mardu@militaryanimalproject.com
(805) 551-1168
https://militaryanimalproject.com
Mission & Vision Statement
The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law. The Boy Scouts of America will prepare every eligible youth in America to become a responsible, participating citizen and leader who is guided by the Scout Oath and Law.
Scout Oath
On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law;
To help other people at all times; To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.
Scout Law
A Scout is: Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean and Reverent.
Laura Clay
Scout Executive/CEO, Verdugo Hills Council
Laura.Clay@scouting.org
https://www.vhcbsa.org
Fresh Start Sport Horses
Fresh Start Sport Horses (FSSH) is a Southern California-based 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to providing top-notch care and training for thoroughbreds in our unique program until they can start the next chapter of their lives in a new and optimal home.
We provide an individualized program for each horse which is catered to their specific needs and suitability; finding them the career and home they will thrive in, to ensure they have the best possible future.
Our thoroughbreds are trained by well-rounded professional trainers with the horses’ best interest as our highest priority.
cassandra@freshstartsporthorses.org
https://www.freshstartsporthorses.org
Aussie Rescue San Diego
Mission Statement:
Aussie Rescue San Diego is organized under the Nonprofit Public Benefit Corporation Law for charitable purposes. The purpose of this corporation is the rescuing and finding of; forever homes for Australian Shepherds, Border Collies and other breeds.
This organization was formed for the primary purpose of rescuing dogs from Southern California animals shelters and owners who can no longer care for them. All dogs receive needed medical care and training, after which they are placed in appropriate, permanent loving homes. Homes are carefully screened to match each dog with the right home for their individual needs.
Aussie Rescue San Diego also works to educate the public on dog training and care so that all dogs may live safe, happy and fulfilled lives.
Heather Toole, Director of Gifts
info@aussierescuesandiego.org
https://aussierescuesandiego.org
Puppy Love Maternity Rescue
Mission Statement:
“Our mission is to be a “small batch”, high quality dog maternity rescue with a focus on early puppy
development using brain stimulation techniques in daily training sessions to enable the puppies to be placed in responsible homes, and become wonderful family members to their human adopters.”
Core Values:
Our mommas are the “highly unadoptable”, heavily pregnant or nursing mixed-breed dogs that have been
dumped in the streets of Bakersfield, CA, and/or have wound up in the high-kill institution of Bakersfield City Animal Shelter. The mothers we rescue are all in threat of euthanasia- usually scheduled just days from our pick-up.
We want to highlight the “trash to treasure” aspect of our goal. We aim to provide safety and security to a
mother in her greatest time of need- giving birth, and caring for infants. We intend to invest our time in small
groups of puppies that we can help mature to their highest potential.
Our goal is to prove that “nurture” can be as powerful as nature. We strive to develop puppies for the general pet-owning population, and we will continue to pick out the sweetest, most even-tempered mothers for us to rescue to best provide healthy, happy puppies to their adoptive families.
Angi Murray – Co-founder
angi@wrongturnranch.com
https://plmrescue.org
Four Corners Equine Rescue
Four Corners Equine Rescue is a volunteer non-profit group dedicated to the rescue of horses from perilous situations, their physical and mental rehabilitation, and their adoption into good, loving homes.
We will assist wherever, whenever we can to help a horse that needs rescuing. We believe that horses hold a special place in God’s world, and that helping them is a noble effort. We further dedicate ourselves to educating people on the care, medical needs, and other aspects of good horse ownership, thereby improving the lives of the horses and their owners.
Four Corners Equine Rescue was started in 2004 in Aztec, NM by Debbie and Terry Coburn. They began by saving Premarin foals from Canada and getting them to safe homes. Eventually, the doors opened for any horse in need. They have helped hundreds of horses in the 20+ years of operation. In 2022, Debbie lost her battle with cancer, and it has been Terry’s mission to see that the organization continues on for generations to come so that no horse sees a dire fate.
Terry Coburn, President
fcernm@gmail.com
https://www.fourcornersequinerescue.org