Helen Woodward Animal Center

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Rancho Santa Fe, CA
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.

01/26/2025

Arlo Ruffrie, a Cattle Dog blend, was adopted in October 2022. Previously known as Bubba, he arrived at the Center with two siblings. This playful and silly dog has since found his forever home with a loving family.

01/25/2025

One of Helen Woodward Animal Center’s longest residents finally found her forever home! 🖤🐾

Gina, an almost 12-year-old black cat, spent the last year and a half at the Center after her lifelong owners could no longer care for her due to illness. Heartbroken and scared, Gina arrived cranky and unwell. A medical exam revealed she had untreated diabetes, and the team worked tirelessly to nurse her back to health. From a luxurious cat condo to soft blankies and daily insulin, Gina received all the love and care she needed, but something was still missing.

Gina was sent to a foster home, where the calm environment helped her thrive and brought her closer to the comforts of a real home. For months, the team promoted Gina in every way possible, on social media, in newsletters, and even with a cardboard cutout in the lobby. Still, no forever family came.

Then, everything changed when a family came to the Center and wanted to meet this special senior gal! The Center's staff contacted Gina's foster family to let them know the good news. But, Gina’s foster parents realized they couldn’t let her go. She had become part of their family. On January 18, 2025, Gina’s foster parents officially became her forever family!

Now, Gina lives happily ever after, surrounded by love in the home she always deserved. ❤️

01/24/2025

Happy Friday! Are you ready to find a forever friend? Meet some sweet pets who are getting ready to find a match. 💗

Firecracker is a loving Shepherd/Husky blend currently available to meet you! She is 15 weeks old and is looking for a home where she can enjoy morning cuddles, binge movies with you on your couch, get lots of snacks, and get activity time when you take her out on walks, hikes, or runs. She is a happy girl that would love to find her match this weekend!

Miss. Victoria is also ready to be the QUEEN of your heart. If her adorable appearance alone has not won over your heart, you should know that playing and cuddling are her absolute favorite hobbies, besides going home with you!

We also have other pets that are getting ready to become available like Dash, Ribbons, Moon, and Adele. Stay tuned to our website https://animalcenter.org/adopt-a-pet/to find out when they are ready to meet you!🐾😍

01/23/2025

The Puppy Bowl is back, and two Helen Woodward Animal Center alumni, Callen & Petunia, are suiting up for ! 🐾🏈

San Diego fans, join us for a Puppy TAILgate at McGregor’s Bar & Grill (21+ only) from 10 AM - 2:30 PM! Enjoy food & drink specials (for humans and pups), a dog-friendly patio, and a Co****le ComPAWtition with prizes from SeaWorld, Sesame Place, and Raising Cane’s.

Registration for the Co****le Competition is $10 per person or $15 per team of two. Plus, 10% of all food and drink sales will go to support the animals and programs at the Center.

Bring your pups and cheer on Callen & Petunia as they take the field and enjoy terrier touchdowns, puppy penalties, and furry fumbles! Catch the Puppy Bowl XXI cuteness on Animal Planet on Sunday, Feb. 9th at 11 AM PST. 🐶✨

01/22/2025

Meet Teddy, the dog who does it all! From pretty, poised to full-on goofy teddy bear mode, she’s got every vibe covered. 🐾

This 6-month-old, 33-pound Shepherd blend will fill your home with smiles. Teddy is a little shy at first, but with a calm and mature family (14+) that can give her the space and respect she deserves.

As she spends time with you and builds her confidence in your home, she’ll open up into the perfect canine companion. ❤️

01/21/2025

Does your child dream of being a hero for animals?
This Saturday, Jan 25, let them step into the paws of a real veterinarian at You Can Be a Veterinarian Camp!

🔍 Imagine your child:
- Peering through a microscope to uncover tiny, hidden worlds.
- Listening to a heartbeat as they meet our gentle animal ambassadors up close.
- Suturing up a banana like a pro, practicing essential vet skills.
🐾 Why join us?

This hands-on adventure is more than just a camp—it’s an opportunity for kids aged 9-16 to explore their passions, learn from the pros, and connect with animals in a whole new way. Whether they’re dreaming of a future in veterinary medicine or just love animals, this experience will inspire, educate, and leave them with memories to last a lifetime.

Don’t miss out on our Half Day Vet Camp this Saturday 1/25
Sign up today and give your young animal lover the chance to embark on this unforgettable journey. 🩺🐶

👉 Register now at https://animalcenter.org/programs-services/education/career-camp/ before this opportunity hops away!

01/21/2025

We are in urgent need of foster families so that Helen Woodward Animal Center may welcome orphan pets affected by the Los Angeles Fires.

At any other time, these are pets that would be pulled from other shelters by spcaLA, but due to the wildfires SPCA LA is unable to take them and we are stepping in to help. We would like to thank SPCA LA for their ongoing efforts and for allowing us to support them during this time.

This Thursday, Jan. 23rd, the Center is expecting between 15-27 new puppies from SPCA LA. Some of them have found a foster home, and others like Riley and her 11 babies are still in search of one.

Riley and her puppies will need to be fostered together for approximately 5 weeks, Riley will do most of the work. As their foster, your job is to make sure they have food and water, give lots of love so the pups get used to being handled, weigh the puppies daily, and let us know if anything seems off (i.e. not nursing, f***s look bad, losing weight, etc.)

Other pets will be in need of a foster home individually or in groups of 2-3 pups for approximately 1-2 weeks.

To become a foster, simply apply online at https://animalcenter.org/get-involved/volunteer/foster/foster-care-application/. After submitting your application, you'll watch a virtual orientation, complete a brief quiz, and undergo a virtual home check. Once approved, you're ready to bring a foster animal into your home! Being a foster parent at HWAC is FREE! We will supply all the food and necessary materials for the pets while they are in your care. Foster assignments typically last 1-2 weeks, though duration may vary depending on the specific case.

Visit https://animalcenter.org/get-involved/volunteer/foster/ for more information. Help us save more lives!🐾💙

01/19/2025

Muddy (formerly “Laura”) was adopted in November 2022 as a young adolescent pup. Her adopters worked hard to train and nurture her wild, wickedly smart, and incredibly funny spirit.

They quickly discovered her love for other dogs and, after about a month, started sending her to daycare with Family Dog Consulting. There, Ashley and her team helped Muddy refine her play skills and burn off her pent-up adolescent energy.

Thank you for rescuing “Laura,” who has since become the beloved Muddy Buddy. Fun fact: Muddy is 68% Catahoula Leopard Dog!

01/18/2025

A special pup found his perfect forever family this past October! Meet Westley, the three-legged Beagle blend with a heart of gold who arrived at the Center at just 3 months old.

Despite his goofy, playful personality stealing hearts left and right, it took a while for him to find his match. 💔

Patrick Mead, a volunteer who wasn’t planning to adopt until Westley caught his eye. After a little convincing (and some help from his son, Jack), the Mead family, already experienced with tripod dogs, decided to welcome Westley home. ✨

Now, Westley spends his days playing with his new siblings, Ruby and Scooter (also tripods!), and soaking up all the love from his new family. ❤️

01/18/2025

Kick off the weekend with some furry fun! Meet Cookie, Eevee, Nyla, Fettuccini, Amaretto, Linguini, River, and Cory who are ready to steal your heart! 💖

These sweet babies are looking for their forever homes, whether you're dreaming of a walking buddy or a snuggle partner.

Stop by the Center this weekend from 10 AM–6 PM to meet your new best friend and check their availability at animalcenter.org/adopt-a-pet/!

01/17/2025

In loving memory of Betty White and in celebration of her incredible legacy, we honor her birthday by remembering the impact she had on animals, the causes she held dear, and her efforts on behalf of Helen Woodward Animal Center. Betty was a passionate advocate, supporting animals in need throughout her life.

Join us today in the , a heartfelt worldwide campaign inspired by her commitment to animal welfare. Your help will continue Betty's work and ensure her legacy lives on.

Any donation, big or small, makes a difference in providing the care and resources animals deserve. Together, we can carry forward her love and compassion for pets in need.

Visit https://my.animalcenter.org/campaign/653417/donate to donate 🤍

01/16/2025

Dan, Harry, Baylor, and Ranchero are excited to begin their journey to find their forever families! Start the year by welcoming a furry friend into your life and enjoy a lifetime filled with unconditional love and cuddles.

Visit animalcenter.org/adopt-a-pet/ to check their availability and meet these adorable furry babies. Our Adoptions building is open today from 12–6 PM, come say hello and find your perfect match! 🐾❤️

01/15/2025

Gumdrop has a bright future ahead! ⭐

Gumdrop, a 3 year Domestic Short Hair blend, has been waiting to find his forever home. Gumdrop is a sweet kitty who enjoys being around people and slowly breaking out of his comfort zone to receive pets and love from his human friends! 🐱

Gumdrop was shy upon his arrival to the Center but after spending time in a loving foster home he began to break out of his shell and become more comfortable being his true self. Gumdrop would do best in a home with a family who will be patient and supportive of him while he acclimates to a new home and family. 💙

Come meet Gumdrop today, we are open from 12-6pm!

01/15/2025

The outpouring of generosity we’ve received from our community has been truly overwhelming. Together, we have made an extraordinary impact on the lives of countless animals and families affected by the devastating LA fires.

We’ve received donations for pets in need from dry and canned pet food, water bowls, leashes, and collars to portable pet cages, disposable litter trays, cat litter, and pet toys. The community has also shown support for families in need with clothing, non-perishable food, toiletries, toys, blankets, and more essentials for those in need.

Our team has traveled across Los Angeles to distribute your donations at Agora Animal Care Center, SPCA Los Angeles in Long Beach, Santa Anita Park Donation Distribution, True Everfaithful Baptist Church, and Los Angeles Regional Food Bank through our partner Feeding San Diego.

While we can't estimate the exact number of animals and people impacted, we know that every donation brought hope and relief to lives in crisis. Your generosity is a testament to the power of compassion. Animals don’t understand disasters, they only know the love and care we can provide.

From all of us at Helen Woodward Animal Center, thank you for being part of this lifesaving mission.

If you would like to provide your support to help pets in need, consider making a monetary donation directly to SPCA LA at https://spcala.com/programs-services/dart/?bbFormId=178a1dfb-5482-4675-ba9e-4b315097f86f

01/12/2025

In today's HWAC Alumni series, we have an ADORABLE pair of cats that have become the best of brothers to each other! 😻

Nacho was adopted in November 2023 and Boba joined the family in August 2024, both from HWAC. Nacho is the best big brother, always cleaning Boba. He is cautious and selectively snuggly, while Boba is adventurous, brave, and always ready to cuddle.

01/08/2025

Helen Woodward Animal Center's Pet of the Week: Addison 🌟🐾

Meet Addison, an 8-month-old Australian Cattle Dog blend, who has been bouncing in her kennel in anticipation for her forever family! This lovable girl has a plethora of energy that makes every day fun and exciting. She loves playing games and especially enjoys playing with her flirt pole. Addison also enjoys playing in the yard with other dogs.

If you have other pets at home, we want to make sure she’ll get along with them first, so they’ll have to meet before she is able to join your family. Addison would prefer a home with older kids who can give her the respect she deserves. When she’s tired out after a day of playing, she’ll curl up next to you on the couch and eagerly accept belly rubs.

Come meet Addison today! We are open from 12 to 6 pm!🐾

01/05/2025

Ella and her boyfriend, Sam, adopted Bear from HWAC in January 2024. Bear enjoys playing chase, snuggling, and showing off his tricks, with his favorite being "spin."

He has brought so much joy to their lives and eagerly joins them on all their life adventures. This past summer, Bear experienced his first boat ride and absolutely loved it. When he's excited, he grabs a toy and dashes around the house in playful laps. ⛵

01/04/2025

The magic of this holiday season gave us one last heartwarming story! ✨

Edinburgh, a sweet Catahoula Leopard Dog blend who'd been at the Center since September, found his forever family and a very special new brother!

On December 27th, Center alum and staff favorite Brad who called HWAC home for eight months, returned with his loving family. Brad's PAWrents felt he was ready for a sibling and wanted to adopt another overlooked pup, just like Brad once was.

While initially eyeing another dog, their visit took a beautiful turn when Edinburgh joined the play yard. This cuddly boy immediately connected with the family. But the ultimate test? Meeting his potential big brother, Brad!

The gates opened, and it was love at first sniff! Brad and Edinburgh bonded instantly, their personalities perfectly in sync. After some cuddles and playtime, Brad's family knew Edinburgh was "the one." They completed the adoption and drove home with their two boys for a happily ever after. 🚗🐕❤️

Address

6461 El Apajo Road
Rancho Santa Fe, CA
92067

Telephone

(858) 756-4117

Website

http://www.animalcenter.org/

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Today, 18 orphaned pets arrived at Helen Woodward Animal Center from Los Angeles, making room for displaced animals affected by the wildfires. Thanks to your generous donations, we’ve supported shelters with vital supplies and given these pets a chance at a brighter future. Our team ensured they were ready for adoption, and with the help of devoted fosters, these 6 dogs, 1 puppy, and a mom with her 11 babies are now safe in San Diego. Stay tuned for updates on when they’ll be ready to find their forever homes. Thank you for making this possible!

Don’t miss our Reuse, Repurpose, Recycle Weekend sale, happening January 24-26 at @orphanedobjects It’s the perfect time to score great deals on great items! There will be half price tagged clothing, half price shoes, 25-75% off select furniture, and more! Not only will you be scoring amazing deals, but you’ll also be supporting the pets and programs at the Center. Stop by Orphaned Objects this weekend! We are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Come and shop with purpose!

Sweet Teddy is the most adorable cuddle bug! 🐞 This sweet 6-month-old Shepherd blend can’t wait to find her forever home. She demands pets and snuggles but who can say no to this sweet girl?! Come meet Teddy today from 12-6 pm! 🐾

Last week around 50 pets were brought to the Center from partner organization’s. The animals receive an initial exam from vet techs as well as vaccines, microchipping, and other essentials. Pets typically become available shortly after they are spayed and neutered. Visit https://animalcenter.org/adopt-a-pet/ for the most up to date list of available pets!

The LA fires have impacted so many, including pets in shelters still waiting for their forever homes. 🐾 Yesterday, we partnered with @wagsandwalks to provide supplies and medical care to animals in need. Thanks to your generosity we’ve completed 6 trips & gearing up for more next week. We’re so grateful for your support and contributions. At this time, we’ve paused donations but will keep you updated if that changes. Thank you for helping us make a difference! ✨

Gumdrops journey is one of patience. Sometimes some pets require their space and time to be comfortable in a new surroundings and home. Fostering helps animals like Gumdrops a safe space to heal, grow, and learn about love. We hope someone finds a place in their heart to love Gumdrop unconditionally and give him a safe space forever 💙 He is available and waiting for his special family!

We are so grateful with @feedingsandiego for letting us partner with them to provide support to the people affected by the wildfires in Los Angeles by bringing donations to the @lafoodbank Thanks to your donations. We were able to distribute over 2,000 lbs. of the items they need most. Our team is still sorting through your donations and organizing distribution to the places where they’re needed most! We will keep you updated on where your donations are going, and if we are in need of more items. Thank you for everything that you do to help the people and animals. 💙🐾

Our first trip to Los Angeles this week to deliver your generous donations was a huge success! Thanks to our amazing partners, we were able to distribute much-needed pet supplies at Santa Anita Park, where they were received with so much gratitude. While there is plenty of clothing available, pet supplies were in short supply, thank you for helping us fill that gap. If you know someone in the LA area who needs donations, they can visit Santa Anita Park between 9 AM and 11 PM to pick up supplies. A special thank you to Santa Anita Park for opening their space and helping make this possible. Let’s keep spreading the word to get these donations where they are needed most. From all of us at Helen Woodward Animal Center, thank you for your kindness and support! 💙🐾

We are deeply grateful for your kind donations. Our team is out in LA today beginning the distribution of the supplies you donated. We are leading the way by donating $50,000 to @spcala to support their ongoing rescue effort and we encourage you to do the same thing! Visit spcala.com and donate to their rescue fund. Together we can make a difference for people and pets 💙🐾

Helen Woodward Animal Center

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