Helen Woodward Animal Center is a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization located in Rancho Santa Fe, CA. At Helen Woodward Animal Center, people help animals and animals help people. Under one management, this unique organization benefits the community by providing educational and therapeutic programs for people, and humane care and adoption for animals. Life is more precious when trust, unconditional love, and respect exist between animals and one another.

The Center relies on donations, grants, and sponsorships to carry out our services to the community.

• ANIMEALS Working with groups including Meals-on-Wheels and Jewish Family Services, Animeals provides free food for the pets of elderly and disabled individuals enabling them to keep their lifelong companions.


• ADOPTIONS Each year we find loving homes for more than 2,500 cats and dogs.


• HOME 4 THE HOLIDAYS In 1999, HWAC created the Home 4 the Holidays adoption drive finding homes for 2,563 orphaned animals. To date 1,900 pet rescue groups are involved worldwide and in 2005 the one millionth adoption took place.


• EDUCATION Animal lovers of all ages learn about compassion, responsible pet care, and the creatures who share our lives. Classes run year round. The AniMobile, a traveling classroom, visits Title I (low-income) schools throughout San Diego County to reach 10,000 at-risk children each year.


• THERAPEUTIC RIDING Physically and mentally challenged riders from 4 to 81 years old enjoy the physical and emotional benefits of horseback riding sessions in a safe environment.


• PET ENCOUNTER THERAPY HWAC staff and volunteers visit senior centers, hospice patients, and youth facilities, bringing the unconditional love of animals.


• ANIMAL CENTER EDUCATIONAL SERVICES Shelter directors and care providers from across the globe spend three days of intense training at HWAC learning more effective ways to run their facilities and save the lives of orphaned pets.


• CLUB PET HWAC boasts a top-rated boarding facility that provides quality care for dogs, cats, and exotics.


• EQUINE HOSPITAL The hospital treats a variety of horses ranging from thoroughbreds to family pets with state-of-the-art equipment.


• VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Our 1,100 volunteers donated more than 30,000 hours last year to raise funds, care for animals, and assist staff at special events.