Helen Woodward Animal Center

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Helen Woodward Animal Center

Pet adoption, animal hospitals, pet boarding, teaching children to love animals and more can be found at www.animalcenter.org .
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Helen Woodward Animal Center is a unique, private non-profit organization in San Diego County that has been committed to the philosophy of people helping animals and animals helping people for over 40 years. Located on 12 acres in Rancho Santa Fe, California, our nationally recognized Center provides a variety of services that benefit the community through educational and therapeutic programs for

people, and humane care and adoption for animals. We are a no-kill facility that receives no government funding and relies heavily on tax-deductible contributions from private donors to continue our life-saving mission.

11/19/2024

The 2025 Calendars are here!📅

We are excited to show off all the amazing pets that participated in this year’s Pet Photo Contest. Each pet entry helped the Center fulfill its life-saving mission and each calendar purchase will continue the support in the coming year.

Need to start your holiday shopping? These calendars will make a wonderful holiday gift for the animal lovers in your life, and all proceeds support all pets and programs at the Center. Plus, they are adorable to look at and will brighten your day. Why not order a second one for you too? Order yours today at www.gogophotocontest.com/hwacphotocontest/purchase

11/17/2024

Thank you to everyone who has messaged us with your beautiful HWAC Alumni! We are so honored to feature your precious companions and show others the amazing life they are having after being adopted. ❤️

Yasmin, their beloved HWAC alum adopted over 14 years ago. She’s every bit the sassy queen we said she’d be—and then some! Yasmin is a social butterfly who’s convinced she’s part dog, charming everyone she meets. Her favorite pastime? Chasing the sunniest, warmest spots around the house. Now 16 ½ years old, she’s still going strong and living her best life.

Mickey, their handsome HWAC rescue from October 2014. He’s more than a dog—he’s Jill's soulmate and best friend. If “soul dog” is a thing, he’s hers. Mickey loves morning walks, begging for chicken and cheese, and snuggling with his treasured “blankie.” He’s a devoted watchdog who takes his role very seriously, and his vet calls him the “supermodel of dogs” thanks to his athletic build.

Their very first HWAC rescue, Miss Bailey, joined the family in 2002 and blessed them with 15 wonderful years. She adored relaxing in the backyard, watching the world go by, and was a world-class cheese enthusiast. With her spotted coat, they were convinced she was part dairy cow! Miss Bailey was a gentle soul who welcomed every new pack member and never had a mean bone in her body. Always ready for a beach day, she loved chasing balls by the waves. She crossed the rainbow bridge in 2015, leaving behind a legacy of love and joy.

Thank you Jill for sending us these beautiful photos! 🐾

11/17/2024

Yoki, a 9-year-old Australian Shepherd, arrived at the Center on September 16 with dermatitis, a skin condition caused by stress or food allergies. It left her itchy, uncomfortable, and prone to infections.

Treating dermatitis takes time and care, and Yoki’s foster family provided both with so much love. Thanks to their dedication and her regular medicine, her skin has healed, and she found lasting relief.

Through it all, Yoki kept her sweet smile, charming everyone she met. Now, she’s thriving in her forever home, and we couldn’t be happier for her. Yoki’s story is proof that every pet deserves a second chance at health and happiness! You can continue to help pets like Yoki by helping us at https://my.animalcenter.org/campaign/588609/donate?_gl=1*155m99h*_gcl_au*MjA2Njc2NjQ1OC4xNzI4NDA2NTExLjM4MTY4MjAyLjE3MzE3MTY3NTUuMTczMTcxNjc3MQ.. ❤️

11/15/2024

Feast your eyes with the cutest Thanksgiving crew!🦃🤎

Starting today, many of our Holiday pets will begin their journey to find a loving place to call home. We were able to capture a few of them. Meet Thanks & Giving, this pair of 9-week-old, male tabbies is always ready to shower their favorite humans with endless love and snuggles. Dinner is a beautiful 4-month-old tortoiseshell who loves hanging out with her sister Roll, the brown tabby! Potato the gorgeous 9-week-old, brown tabby enjoys spending time on the couch. Candy the 4-month-old, Lynx point blend is as sweet as she looks.

Our canines are also excited to join this Holiday trend and be part of your family! Turkey loves to go on walks, Ham loves all the belly rubs, and Icicle hopes to find some warmth in his life and a cuddle pawtner! 🤍

Stop by the Center this weekend between 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. and adopt a new furry friend to make this Holiday season unforgettable! To learn all about our available pets you may visit https://animalcenter.org/adopt-a-pet/

11/14/2024

Can you believe Thanksgiving is only two weeks away? 2024 has truly flown by! As we get ready to spend time with our friends and family during this special time of year, it’s important we don’t forget about our most vulnerable companions. Orphan Pets like River are in desperate need of your help. Without the aid of generous people like yourself, this beautiful kitten would have perished alone in a riverbed.

Will you Give Today to save animals like River to live happy and healthy lives? Visit https://my.animalcenter.org/campaign/629100/donate

River’s story began in the middle of the hot Southern Californian summer. The nearly-year-old tuxedo coat kitten had found herself stuck in a dried-up river bed somewhere in LA county. An animal lover who lived nearby heard her cries and embarked to save her.

Equipped with a cat carrier and a bowl of tuna, the kind neighbor set up a ploy to get little River out of the predicament of her namesake. It took a lot of patience and an iron will, but he managed to get the kitten out of the riverbed. The kind neighbor took River to one of Helen Woodward Animal Center’s partners who sent her to the Center.

River was one step closer to finding her fairy tale ending. But she wouldn’t be out of the woods just yet, as Helen Woodward Animal Center’s medical team made a startling discovery.

Be sure to stay tuned to read how River’s story ends!

11/14/2024

This weeks is MISTER- Steal- Your- Heart!💙 Mister is an almost 4-year-old Boxer-Terrier blend with a larger than life personality who’s waiting to find his forever family.

Mister is looking for a home with patient adults (must be 18 and older) who have experience with strong willed dogs. He loves going on walks and sticking to his routine walk where he can find special spots to stop and relax. Mister is selective when it comes to his canine friends and will have to meet any potential dog brothers or sisters before being taken home.

Mister will thrive in a home with a spacious yard where he can run and play freely, along with a cozy, safe spot to rest after a fun-filled day!

Stop by the Center today between 12- 6p.m. to have Mister capture your heart forever! 🐾

11/12/2024

Treat yourself to a life-saving cake from Nothing Bundt Cakes! 💙😋

We’re thrilled to share that Nothing Bundt Cakes is celebrating the birthday of all their San Diego locations from November 15th to 17th!

Friday, November 15th is an extra special day: Stop by your nearest location for Helen Woodward Animal Center Benefit Day, where 20% of sales from all nine San Diego stores will go toward helping us save more lives and support our different programs.

It doesn’t get any sweeter than this when it comes to supporting animals in need! Thank you, Nothing Bundt Cakes, for making a difference!

11/11/2024

Happy Veterans Day! 🇺🇸

Adoptions is open today from 10 am - 6 pm, and we’re honored to help bring the unconditional love of a pet to military families in celebration of this special day.

We are proud to partner with Animals for Armed Forces, covering adoption fees for orphan pets for approved military families, while supplies last.

This special offer extends to active duty, reserve, and veterans of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and National Guard, as well as their immediate family members.

Come find your new furry best friend and a warm, wagging welcome home. Thank you for all your service!

11/10/2024

We are thrilled to spotlight our Helen Woodward Animal Center alumni and share their heartwarming success stories with you! Every weekend, we will feature one of our furry graduates, showcasing their journey from the shelter to their forever home.

This week, we're celebrating Sweet Pea, renamed Winnie by her new family. With her adorable features and loving personality, Winnie has adjusted to her new surroundings, bringing joy and love to her family.

We invite you to send us updates, complete with clear and adorable photos, detailing when your pet was adopted, their current adventures, and any cute traits they have. Let's celebrate our beautiful furry companions! If you have an alumni story to share, we’d love to hear from you!

11/08/2024

🌲 Embrace the cozy November vibes with a new snuggle buddy! As the days grow shorter and the air gets crisper, there’s nothing like a furry friend to curl up with.

Be on the lookout this weekend for Captain, Bells, Maple, Toboggan, Spruce, Sargent, Wreath, and Juniper who can’t wait to bring warmth to your heart and your home.

Stop by the Center from 10 am to 6 pm this weekend to meet these adorable furry companions and find your perfect match.

And we’re proud to partner with Animals for Armed Forces to cover adoption fees for approved military families while supplies last. Let’s make this season unforgettable for both you and a sweet new friend!

11/07/2024

I’m Taro, one of the adoptable cats available at Helen Woodward Animal Center, and I wanted to share some great stories about some incredible pets you saved this year, like me. We are lucky to be here.

In the coming weeks, I will share the stories of some amazing animals who have found their way to Helen Woodward. We were able to come here because of YOU! Your generosity and gifts made it possible, so thank you!

You’ll learn about my friends Bailey and Bear who contracted this SUPER scary disease that could have killed them if the Center didn’t stop it! You’ll also learn about my best friend Bunny who had a crazy injury only the Center’s medical team could fix. You’ll see how Helen Woodward Animal Center has helped my friends find their forever families!

You can make a big difference in the life of a pet in need today. From now until December 31st our friends at Aqualia International Foundation are DOUBLING all donations! Please consider giving at https://my.animalcenter.org/campaign/630400/donate and saving even more pets like me!

Thank you from all the furry ones at the Center. 🐾

11/06/2024

You’ll Have Triple the Fun Days with this Sundae!🍨 Our are Strawberry, Vanilla & Chocolate, a trio of 8-month-old Tabico delights who LOVE people.

These triplets first came to the Center in March when they were just a month old. During a routine exam, our medical staff discovered they tested positive for Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) – a common viral infection in cats transmitted to other felines through saliva. The good news is that the virus isn’t contagious to humans or dogs so they can go to a home with pups or FeLV-positive cats already in the house!

Despite their condition, Chocolate, Vanilla, and Strawberry are absurdly affectionate, plentifully playful, lap-loving wonder kitties. They love climbing all over any and all humans that give them attention, and they’ll purr like go-kart motors as they jostle for position in your lap. Even non-cat people can’t resist Chocolate, Vanilla, and Strawberry’s fun, loving, and fun-loving personalities.

Which Ice Cream flavor do you want to adopt? OR do you want to take all three and create your very own NeaPAWlitan sundae with Chocolate, Vanilla, and Strawberry?

11/05/2024

Veterans Day Adoption Weekend!🇺🇸

In honor of Veterans Day, we're teaming up with Animals for Armed Forces Foundation to offer FREE pet adoptions for military families at Helen Woodward Animal Center! 🐾💙 Starting Friday, Nov. 8 through Monday, Nov. 11, approved military adopters can bring home a furry friend, thanks to a generous donor.

FREE Adoptions are available to service members, veterans, and their families. (all you have to cover is a small microchip fee of $36)

Past adoption events have united our alumni with their forever families. It's your turn to bring home your forever love with no adoption fee as a thank you for your service.

Join us in giving these pets a second chance and our military heroes a loyal companion. Check out available pets here ➡️ https://animalcenter.org/adopt-a-pet

11/05/2024

Fall in love with the many new pets arriving at the Center!🤍🍂

Nothing says autumn like cozy snuggles, warm hearts, and the perfect companion by your side! Thanks to the Lewyt Rescue Foundation we've welcomed many new pets that will start getting ready to go home with you soon. Be part of the change 🐶💙

Meet our Peter, Jump, Tahoe, Charm, Fresno, Kern, Chippie, and Tulare! They can't wait to find their forever snuggle buddies. Will you be the one who brings them home?

Visit https://animalcenter.org/adopt-a-pet/ to meet all our adoptable pets!

*The names and availability of our pets are subject to change without further notice. Please visit the link above to learn which pets are currently available, or stop by the Center.*

11/03/2024

Happy Animal Shelter Appreciation Week! 🐾

This week, we celebrate shelters that provide care, compassion, and a second chance to countless animals. 💙 Many shelters operate as nonprofits, relying on donations and volunteers to help pets find loving homes, reunite with families, and stay safe.

At Helen Woodward Animal Center, we live by our motto: "Where people help animals, and animals help people." Every day, we work toward this mission by finding forever homes for orphaned pets, providing medical help for horses, educating future generations to care for animals and the planet, offering safe boarding services at Club Pet, supporting pets of those experiencing homelessness through our Pets Without Walls program, and fundraising for animal care at our Orphaned Objects Resale Shop.

Thanks to our dedicated staff, volunteers, fosters, and community, we can come together for the same goal—to help animals in need. You can support your local shelter by donating, volunteering, fostering, or even adopting if you’re ready for a new best friend!

11/01/2024

A new month means fresh faces! This weekend, meet the latest pups ready to snuggle into your heart—Sweet Pea, Lydia, Travis, Juice, Delia, Kim, and Patrick!

Adopting a furry friend changes your life in the best way. Imagine tail wags, puppy cuddles, and so much joy greeting you every day! Plus, enjoy 25% off adoption fees to make it even easier to bring home your new best friend.

Stop by the Center between 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. to meet all the available pets!🐾

10/31/2024

The Halloween spirit arrived at the Center with some of our pets dressed up as different characters. They are too cute to spook 👻 and ready to cast a spell on you to get you to adopt them! 🖤

Many of our SPOOK-tacular pets have brewed up some FANG-tastic costumes to be part of your family's trick-o-treating! They are ready to begin new traditions with you starting with Halloween! 🎃🧡

If you would like to know more details about our adoptable pets, please visit animalcenter.org/adopt-a-pet/ or stop by the Center today, we are open from 12-6 p.m. These furry babies are waiting to find their forever boo! 👻

10/30/2024

Donald may be Goofy, but he holds the key to the kingdom of your heart. 💙

Donald has big dreams of winning hearts (and all the toys). He bravely chases after balls, courageously protects his humans from heartless dog toys (he chews on them), and has the funniest, cutest, and GOOFIEST little hops you’ll ever see from a dog.

When you walk away, this 5-month-old Labrador retriever blend WILL say, “please, don’t go.” His love is so Simple and Clean, it’s hard to let him go.

He will make the best edition to your home, stop by the Center between 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. to meet him!

Address

6461 El Apajo Road
Rancho Santa Fe, CA
92067

Telephone

(858) 756-4117

Website

http://www.animalcenter.org/

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Videos

Yoki found her happy ever after 💙 Just like her, many other pets are waiting to find someone who loves them and gives them a place to call home. Your support goes a long way! Share her story to promote adoption, you can donate, foster, adopt, or be a voice to those pets looking for a home. Let’s keep saving loves together 🐾💙

#givingtuesday is approaching us, you can start showing your support today! Donate to make a difference for pets like River 💙🐾

It’s Misters world and we are just living in it! 🤎 This mellow and quirky 3-year-old Boxer-Terrier blend is ready for his new chapter! He’s been waiting to find a loving home since arriving at the Center in January 2022. We hope this is the year this seeet boy gets adopted! Will you be the one to make a huge difference in his life?! 🐾

Hannah’s Bucket List Journey has been fulfilled! 🩷 Thank you to everyone who supported us through this journey to make Hannah a happy dog. She is now living her best life at her forever home! #adoptionupdate We wouldn’t be able to make things happen without your support! You may continue to support our efforts to save more pets like Hannah at animalcenter.org/helpinghannah 🩷 Big thank you to our supporters @kahootsfeedandpet @baskinrobbins @seaworldsandiego fox5sandiego @snoozeameatery

Chocolate, Strawberry, and Vanilla may be the cutest Ice Cream Sundae trio! 🍦😍 This 8-month-old trio have been patiently waiting to construe forever homes since March. They are the most living and playful siblings and you’ll instantly find yourself filling up with joy and a huge smile on your face. They are available to be adopted as an individual, pair, or trio! They do have FeLV and we hope to find them a home where they are the only cats since it’s transmittable to other cats, having a dog is safe since it’s not passed to dogs, or have other cats who are FeLV positive. This is a form of kitty leukemia. These sweet felines are ready to begin a new chapter with you!

Roblox is an absolute big time cuddler! When he’s not on your lap he enjoys running around outside and taking in his surroundings. This sweet 4-month-old Terrier-Cur blend can’t wait to find a loving family to love unconditionally but also play with many toys! This adorable pup will keep you giggling all day with his cute quirks 💙

Today, we welcomed some very special guests from Joey’s Wings to Howl-O-Ween Harvest Family Day! 🎃👻💙 Nine young warriors and their families joined us for a joyful afternoon of animal cuddles, Halloween fun, and healing laughter, honoring Joey’s legacy. 🪽👼 Special thanks to Joey’s Wings for bringing smiles and strength to these brave children!

On @unitednations Day, we stand proud to be the voice for animals around the world. 🌎🐾 Together, we can shine a light on their struggles and build a future where all lives, human and animal, thrive in harmony. 💙 #unday #unitednations

Wanna take a sweet trip with this lil traveller?! Barcelona is an adorable and playful Catahoula Leopard Dog blend who can’t wait to go on endless adventure with you! This sweet boy is a lover of the outdoors and is super friendly with other pups! Stop by the Center to meet this amazing pup!

We’re proud to be at the North County Veterans Stand Down, where veterans are receiving essential support from medical, dental, and legal services to artistic programs that empower and uplift them! Our Pets Without Walls program provides free wellness checks, vaccines, microchips and more to their beloved pets. 🐾💙 This event is a reminder of the incredible bond between veterans and their pets, and we are honored to help them. Your support makes it possible for us to serve those who’ve served us. 🇺🇸 Please consider donating at animalcenter.org/pets-without-walls/ to help us continue this mission!

Who is this precious and adorable lil gentleman?! 😍 This is Edinburgh the most gentle 3-month-old Catahoula Leopard Dog blend. He has the cutest overbite you ever did see. He loves to snuggle up with you and receive all the love he can get! Stop by the Center to meet Edinburgh and instantly fall in love with his adorable personality 💙

We belong together💙Come meet our new available pets at HWAC! These loving fur babies are looking to find their new homes🤍 We are open from 10 am to 6 pm this weekend. Check out our website to view all of the available pets https://animalcenter.org/adopt-a-pet/