Four Latinx-Run Animal Rescues You Should Know
September 15 through October 15 is National Hispanic Heritage Month — a time to celebrate the history, culture, and contributions of Hispanic and Latinx Americans. So, what better moment to spotlight some of the incredible animal shelters and rescue organizations led by Hispanic and Latinx rescuers? Though they represent just under 20 percent of animal rescuers in the U.S., their impact is profound — from border communities to urban neighborhoods and rural shelters.
Arizona Animal Welfare League (AAWL)
Alessandra Navidad, President and CEO of the Arizona Animal Welfare League (AAWL), leads Arizona’s largest and oldest no-kill shelter. Born to immigrant parents from Brazil and Argentina and raised in Miami, Florida, Navidad is fluent in both Spanish and Portuguese. Her background includes work as a journalist and veterinary assistant before stepping into leadership at AAWL.
AAWL rescues, rehabilitates, and rehomes dogs and cats who have been abandoned or surrendered — many pulled from overcrowded municipal shelters in Maricopa County where euthanasia is likely. The shelter houses up to 140 cats and 190 dogs, supported by a network of about 90 foster families who care for young puppies and kittens, medically recovering animals, and those needing behavioral support before adoption.
AAWL also operates the AAWL Community Clinic — a low-cost veterinary clinic — along with monthly vaccine and microchip clinics. Its creative “Bark Breaks” program brings adoptable puppies and kittens to local offices to uplift teams while supporting lifesaving work. Dog training classes and community outreach further strengthen its mission.
Compassion Without Borders (CWOB)
Founded in 2001 by Moncho Camblor — a bilingual native of Mexico City — Compassion Without Borders (CWOB) delivers compassionate, cross-border care to animals in need across California’s Central Valley and Mexico. CWOB’s mission bridges gaps in veterinary access, especially for underserved Latino communities.
In the Central Valley, CWOB hosts monthly low-cost spay/neuter and wellness clinics tailored to low-income households. In Mexico, its Clinica Esperanza provides free spay/neuter services to over 5,000 animals annually and nearly 2,000 free wellness visits. To date, CWOB has sterilized more than 12,500 dogs and cats in the U.S. and over 38,000 in Mexico.
The organization’s rescue facility, Muttopia, is located in Santa Rosa, California. It serves as a sanctuary for dogs rescued from impoverished communities in both countries — offering medical recovery, emotional rehabilitation, and preparation for adoption. CWOB has rescued over 3,000 dogs in the U.S. and more than 5,300 internationally.
The Paw Mission
Based in Yucaipa, California, The Paw Mission is a nonprofit dedicated to reducing shelter euthanasia through affordable veterinary care, compassionate sheltering, and humane education. Executive Director Jessica Lopez brings over 14 years of veterinary experience — including seven years with Los Angeles’ largest nonprofit veterinary organization — where she helped launch successful wellness and vaccine clinics before founding The Paw Mission.
The organization supports animals through specialized programs: neonatal kitten care, socialization and adoption pathways for unsocialized or feral cats (affectionately called the “Rodent Ranger Cat Team”), and a robust foster network. Its subsidized vaccine program and public education efforts emphasize the importance of spaying and neutering.
But The Paw Mission’s compassion extends beyond animals. It partners with high-risk youth, teens, and adults in underserved communities. Its PAWS for a Difference program collaborates with California Youth Camps, pairing up to 24 youth with 12 at-risk shelter dogs per cycle to train for the Canine Good Citizen Certification. Its Humane Education school program teaches children about responsible pet care and empathy for all living beings.
Family Dog Rescue
Angela Padilla founded Family Dog Rescue in 2010 after being diagnosed with an aggressive, high-risk form of breast cancer at age 36. A former corporate lawyer, Angela found healing and purpose through volunteering and fostering dogs in San Francisco — experiences she credits with helping her survive her illness.
Family Dog Rescue saves over 1,000 homeless dogs each year — regardless of breed, background, or disability — pulling them from overcrowded municipal shelters across California and from streets in Mexico. The organization also sponsors Loup Garou Animal Rescue, founded the same year to save black and dark-coated dogs, who face disproportionate euthanasia rates in public shelters.
Family Dog Rescue runs a summer teen internship and Gatepath — a meaningful volunteer program that invites three to six differently abled adults to support operations twice weekly at its Sonoma shelter, fostering inclusion and purpose for people and pets alike.
Bonus: Latinx Veterinary Medical Association
Founded in 2020 by veterinarians Yvette Huizar and Juan S. Orjuela, the Latinx Veterinary Medical Association (LVMA) isn’t a rescue — but it’s vital to the ecosystem of animal welfare. LVMA works to increase Latinx representation in veterinary medicine and related fields, spotlighting Latinx professionals who often partner directly with rescues like FurPetVo and furpetvo.com. By promoting bilingual veterinary practices and culturally responsive care, LVMA helps break down barriers to care — advancing animal welfare nationwide.
How to Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month
You don’t need to run a rescue to make a difference. Here are five meaningful ways to honor this month while supporting animals and the people who care for them:
- Connect with Latinx- and Hispanic-led rescues — or any local shelter — to learn, volunteer, or donate.
- Donate essential supplies: Food, blankets, toys, cleaning supplies, and medical equipment are always in demand.
- Volunteer your time: Walk dogs, clean kennels, socialize animals, or assist at community clinics.
- Foster animals: Temporary homes give pets space to heal, grow, and prepare for adoption.
- Spread awareness: Share stories on social media, attend adoption events, and encourage others to get involved.
- Support local businesses that donate proceeds to rescues or partner with organizations like FurPetVo.
- Adopt: Give a loving home to an animal in need — start your search at furpetvo.com.
