The Animal Pad

The Animal Pad is an all-breed dog rescue based in San Diego, founded in 2010 out of a deep urgency to reform the Southern California shelter system. Witnessing heartbreakingly high euthanasia rates at shelters like San Bernardino City and Devore, their team stepped up when it mattered most. Around 2014, their mission expanded across the border to Mexico, where street dogs have little to no rescue support. As a border community, they knew they could make a real difference — and they have. Today, they work primarily in Tijuana and Ensenada, serving as the sole rescue support for the only no-kill shelter of its kind in the region.

Every dog they bring to the States receives immediate veterinary care, thoughtful rehabilitation, and a loving foster home while they wait for their perfect forever family. The Animal Pad is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit run entirely by volunteers and funded through donations and foster support. To learn more, visit theanimalpad.org.

Animal Care Centers of NYC

Animal Care Centers of NYC serves the five boroughs every single day, helping reunite lost pets with their families, finding loving homes for cats, dogs, and rabbits, and providing resources to help New Yorkers keep their pets where they belong — at home. Through direct adoptions and partnerships with over 200 dedicated placement organizations, ACC works tirelessly to ensure that no animal in New York City is without hope. Their field services team also responds to community calls, rescuing animals in need across the city. To learn more, visit nycacc.org.