The Vanderpump Dog Foundation
The Vanderpump Dog Foundation is a 501(c)(3) dog rescue nonprofit founded in 2016 by Lisa Vanderpump, operating a 6,000 sq ft LA rescue and retail center plus international rescue facilities in China, Venezuela, Peru, Mexico, and Puerto Rico, serving adopters, veterans, seniors, and homeless pet owners through donations, sponsorships, events, and merchandise.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2016
- HeadquartersLos Angeles, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What The Vanderpump Dog Foundation does
The Vanderpump Dog Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dog rescue organization founded in 2016 by Lisa Vanderpump and Ken Todd (with Dr. John Sessa as co-founder) and headquartered at a 6,000 sq ft flagship rescue, adoption, grooming, and retail center at 8134 West 3rd Street in Los Angeles. Its operations span three pillars: (i) domestic rescue, rehabilitation, and re-homing, supported by a maternity nursery, medical initiatives for severely injured or abused dogs, a low-cost spay/neuter program in partnership with SPAY4LA, and adoption placement through the LA center; (ii) targeted community programs including a free service-dog program for veterans with PTSD (paired with the Toni Brooks, New Directions, and Raven Drum foundations and trainer Madeline Quint), a Seniors for Seniors adoption initiative in partnership with Belmont Village of Calabasas, and monthly veterinary outreach to homeless pet owners in partnership with St. Joseph Center and Midnight Mission; and (iii) international rescue programs in China (two facilities housing 500+ dogs rescued from the Yulin Dog Meat Festival and dog meat trade, with a new facility under renovation outside city limits as of March 2021), Venezuela (in partnership with Save The Dogs Venezuela), Peru (with Perros de Alberqques shelter), Mexico, and Puerto Rico (with Souls of Sato).
The foundation's underlying "technology" is operational rather than digital: on-site medical and rehabilitation facilities, foster and volunteer networks, established relationships with international rescue partners and local authorities, and a small stack of commercial tools — Squarespace for the website, Shopify for the online store, Zoom for virtual events, and PayPal, Venmo, Flipcause, and Network for Good for donation processing. The documentary The Road to Yulin and Beyond (2017, available on Prime Video) is its primary multimedia asset.
Revenue is generated entirely through charitable and event-driven mechanisms: individual donations (one-time and recurring), corporate sponsorships and affiliate programs (companies donating a percentage of profits), gala and year-round auctions (items starting at $2,000 retail value, plus celebrity meet-and-greets and experiences), merchandise sales from the on-site and online shop (with 100% of profits funding rescue), professional grooming services, and legacy/planned giving. Sponsorship tiers range from $100 per-dog vaccinations to $25,000 per Veterans Program service dog, with international program sponsorships priced at $2,000–$4,000 per month. Distribution is concentrated at the LA flagship, complemented by an e-commerce storefront, a year-round online auction, adoption applications submitted via email or in person, international rescue relocation programs, and signature annual events including the Beverly Hills Gala and West Hollywood World Dog Day.
The Vanderpump Dog Foundation firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- The Vanderpump Dog Foundation
- Legal name
- The Vanderpump Dog Foundation
- Website
- https://vanderpumpdogs.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2016
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- The Vanderpump Dog Foundation is a 501(c)(3) dog rescue nonprofit founded in 2016 by Lisa Vanderpump, operating a 6,000 sq ft LA rescue and retail center plus international rescue facilities in China, Venezuela, Peru, Mexico, and Puerto Rico, serving adopters, veterans, seniors, and homeless pet owners through donations, sponsorships, events, and merchandise.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
The Vanderpump Dog Foundation industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Animal Rescue and Welfare Services
- NAICS
- Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations (813312), Social Advocacy Organizations (8133)
- SIC
- Services-Social Services (8300)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Animal Shelters & Rescue Operations (AFAEALAB)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Veterinary Charity Clinics & Medical Aid (BPAGAIAD), Foster & Volunteer Network Programs (BPAGAIAF)
Keywords
Where The Vanderpump Dog Foundation is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Los Angeles
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices5 records
Markets served
The Vanderpump Dog Foundation business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Operations, Personnel, Others, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain
Revenue model
- Individual Donations: Individual donors contribute monetary donations to support rescue operations, medical care, spay/neuter programs, and international initiatives. Recurring and one-time giving options available.
- Corporate Sponsorships: Companies sponsor events (Gala, World Dog Day), specific programs (veterans, nursery, homeless), or make in-kind product donations. Includes affiliate programs where companies donate percentage of profits.
- Merchandise Sales: 100% non-profit online and retail store at rescue center selling dog food, treats, accessories, clothing, and branded merchandise. All profits fund rescue operations.
- Auctions: Year-round online auction plus live and silent auctions at annual gala featuring experiences, hotel stays, spa packages, jewelry, celebrity meet and greets, and product packages.
- Legacy/Planned Giving: Donors can include the foundation in their will, name as life insurance beneficiary, or establish estate planning gifts.
- Grooming Services: Professional grooming services offered at the rescue center generate revenue while promoting animal welfare.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Standard dog adoption with basic preparation |
| Other | Multi-year contract | Veterans Program service dog sponsorship |
| Subscription | Monthly | International rescue program sponsorships |
| Other | Monthly | Nursery program sponsorship |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Senior program adoption support |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Homeless program sponsorship |
| Other | Monthly | China rescue relocation sponsorship |
| Other | Annual | Event sponsorship packages |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels11 records
The Vanderpump Dog Foundation product offering
Product offeringCore offering
The Vanderpump Dog Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dog rescue organization that rescues, rehabilitates, and re-homes dogs domestically and internationally. It operates a flagship 6,000 sq ft Rescue Center in Los Angeles, runs international rescue facilities in China, Venezuela, Peru, Mexico, and Puerto Rico, and offers targeted programs including a Veterans service dog program, spay/neuter services, nursery care, and senior and homeless outreach.
Product overview
The Vanderpump Dog Foundation operates as a dog rescue organization offering a comprehensive suite of programs and services organized around three pillars: rescue and adoption (including domestic shelter rescue, international rescue programs, China programs with 500+ dogs from Yulin, nursery for pregnant mothers, medical initiatives for severe cases, and adoption services), community support programs (Veterans Program pairing service dogs with PTSD sufferers, Spay & Neuter initiatives, Senior adoption programs, and Homeless outreach), and advocacy/awareness (Legislation efforts, Stop Yulin Forever campaigns, documentary film, and annual gala events). The foundation also operates a 6,000 sq ft Rescue Center in Los Angeles offering grooming services and a non-profit retail store. Core offerings include dog rescue, rehabilitation, and re-homing services supported by fundraising events, online shopping, and virtual engagement platforms.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Dog Rescue & Adoption Services Rescue, rehabilitation, and re-homing of dogs from high-kill shelters, abuse situations, and international programs, including adoption application review, meet-and-greet, and placement into forever families.
- Vanderpump Dog Rescue Center 6,000 square foot flagship rescue and adoption facility in Los Angeles at 8134 West 3rd Street, offering rescue services, professional grooming, and a non-profit retail center. Open daily.
- China Rescue Programs Two rescue facilities in China housing 500+ dogs rescued from the Yulin Dog Meat Festival and dog meat trade, with 14-person team providing medical care, rehabilitation, and daily care.
- Vanderpump Nursery Program Maternity and nursery ward for pregnant mothers and puppies rescued from high-kill shelters, providing prenatal care, safe delivery, and specialized care until adoption-ready.
- Medical Initiatives Program Medical care program for dogs with severe conditions including broken bones, organ failure, and trauma from abuse, with surgeries costing $5,000-$10,000 per dog.
- Vanderpump Veterans Program Pairs specially trained service dogs with Veterans suffering from PTSD at no cost to the veteran, including 90-120 day board and train program with professional trainer.
- Spay & Neuter Program Low-cost spay and neuter services in partnership with SPAY4LA, providing 30-35 pet sterilizations per event for low-income Los Angeles residents, plus sterilization of foundation rescues.
- Senior Program (Seniors for Seniors) Seniors for Seniors adoption program pairing rescue dogs with seniors, plus Comfort & Cuddles partnership with Belmont Village of Calabasas for animal-assisted activities.
- Homeless Program (Help the Homeless Day) Monthly outreach providing flea medication, core vaccines, deworming, and food for dogs of homeless individuals, partnering with St. Joseph Center and Midnight Mission.
- Professional Grooming Services Full-service grooming offered to the public at the Rescue Center, with proceeds benefiting rescue efforts.
- Non-Profit Online Retail Store 100% non-profit online store at shop.vanderpumpdogs.org selling dog food, treats, accessories, clothing, and merchandise. All profits fund rescue operations.
- Year-Round Online Auction & Gala Auctions Year-round online auction plus live and silent auctions at annual gala featuring experiences, hotel stays, spa packages, jewelry, celebrity meet and greets, and product packages.
Quantifiable outcome
- Over 2,100 families brought together through adoption
- +5 more outcomes
Companies that use The Vanderpump Dog Foundation
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
The Vanderpump Dog Foundation technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration7 records
The Vanderpump Dog Foundation partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
16 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Save The Dogs VenezuelacorePartnership with Save The Dogs Venezuela to provide food for 1,200 street dogs, two major surgeries per month, and sterilization for up to 100 dogs per month. Has helped over 1,300 dogs and 1,500 cats with vaccinations, medications, surgeries, and nutrients.
- Perros de Alberqques Shelter (Peru)corePartnership with Peruvian shelter to rehabilitate street dogs who are injured, severely malnourished, or have terrible skin issues. Vanderpump Dogs operates two facilities in Peru housing 60 dogs total.
- Souls of Sato (Puerto Rico)corePartnership with Puerto Rico non-profit dedicated to improving lives and reducing numbers of abandoned dogs. Dogs are relocated to Los Angeles for adoption following Hurricane Maria recovery.
- SPAY4LAcorePartnership providing once-monthly free/low-cost spay and neuter services for low-income Los Angeles residents. Walk-up vaccine clinic also available on-site. Goal of 30-35 sterilizations per event.
- St. Joseph Center of VenicecorePartner organization assisting in reaching out to homeless community and providing space for monthly Help the Homeless Day events offering veterinary care for homeless pet owners' dogs.
- Midnight Mission Downtown LAcoreComprehensive homeless shelter and services provider assisting in reaching homeless community and providing space for monthly Help the Homeless Day events.
- Villa Blanca (Angel Food Program)minorBeverly Hills restaurant provides meals weekly for homeless populations in Los Angeles. Supplies food for all attendees of Help the Homeless Day events.
- Belmont Village of CalabasascoreSenior living community partnership hosting monthly Comfort and Cuddles day with animal-assisted activities, free vaccines, flea/tick medication, and Ask the Vet opportunities for residents.
- Toni Brooks FoundationcorePartner foundation working alongside Vanderpump Dogs to provide dogs at no cost to Veterans adopting through the Veterans Program.
- New Directions FoundationcoreVeterans services foundation partnering with Vanderpump Dogs to support the Veterans Program providing service dogs to veterans with PTSD.
- Raven Drum FoundationscoreFoundation supporting the Veterans Program, working with Vanderpump Dogs to provide service dogs to veterans suffering from PTSD at no cost.
- Madeline Quint (Board-certified Animal Trainer)coreBoard-certified animal trainer executing the 90-120 day training program for service dogs in the Veterans Program. Conducts 30-day intensive board and train, followed by 60-90 day human/service dog training.
- Metropolitan Animal Specialty HospitalcoreHollywood-based veterinary hospital providing free Ask the Vet virtual sessions and supporting medical initiatives for rescue dogs.
- XRCYZE (Fitness)minorFitness partner providing virtual at-home workout series during COVID pandemic. Ernesto Altamirano leads cycling-inspired workouts benefiting the foundation.
- Pasea Hotel / Meritage CollectionminorHuntington Beach hotel provided virtual dog massage and guided meditation sessions. Corporate wellness partner offering free night stay as event prize.
- Wendy & Jacques BouthilliercoreMajor donors who generously provided the Vanderpump Rooftop Deck for the rescue center, creating a spacious enclosed dog run with living rooms, toys, paddle pools, and grassy area.
Scale indicators22 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
The Vanderpump Dog Foundation competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- PETA: Global animal rights organization combining advocacy, celebrity-driven campaigns, and high-profile media. Comparable in its reliance on celebrity visibility and aggressive campaign/legislative tactics, but operates at much larger scale.
- Humane Society of the United States: Largest US animal protection organization with parallel programs in rescue, legislative advocacy, and international animal welfare. Operates at significantly greater scale but addresses the same donor and corporate sponsorship pool.
- ASPCA: The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is a much larger national animal welfare organization that combines rescue, advocacy, and legislative work — directly comparable to the PACT Act and H.Res.401 advocacy that defines Vanderpump Dogs' policy wing.
- PetSmart Charities: Affiliated funder of pet adoptions, spay/neuter, and pet welfare grants, leveraging a major retail brand. Comparable model combining a consumer-facing brand with rescue/adoption infrastructure and donation-driven revenue.
Direct peers
- Four Paws International: Global animal welfare organization operating sanctuaries and rescue programs across multiple countries, with a strong focus on dog and cat welfare internationally. Closest international programmatic comparable to Vanderpump Dogs' China and Latin America operations.
- International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW): Global nonprofit combining animal rescue, policy advocacy, and on-the-ground programs across multiple continents. Comparable on the international dog welfare and legislative/advocacy dimensions of Vanderpump Dogs' work.
- Best Friends Animal Society: National no-kill animal welfare nonprofit operating sanctuaries, adoption centers, and spay/neuter programs. Closest direct peer to Vanderpump Dogs' rescue, adoption, and spay/neuter mission at a comparable programmatic level.
- Maddie's Fund: Family foundation focused on achieving a no-kill nation through grants to shelters, spay/neuter funding, and adoption programs. Highly relevant comparable on the rescue/adoption and spay/neuter programmatic side.
Regional players
- SPCA Los Angeles: Regional direct peer based in the same Los Angeles market, providing adoption, spay/neuter, and rescue services. Competes for the same local donor base, adopters, and corporate sponsors in the LA area.
- Dogs Trust: UK-based leading dog welfare charity running rehoming centers, veterinary services, and international dog welfare advocacy. Strong functional comparable on rescue, rehoming, and policy advocacy outside the US.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
The Vanderpump Dog Foundation social profiles
Digital presenceThe Vanderpump Dog Foundation compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
The Vanderpump Dog Foundation financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
The Vanderpump Dog Foundation leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles4 records
The Vanderpump Dog Foundation funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
The Vanderpump Dog Foundation M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about The Vanderpump Dog Foundation
What does The Vanderpump Dog Foundation do?
The Vanderpump Dog Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dog rescue organization that rescues, rehabilitates, and re-homes dogs domestically and internationally. It operates a flagship 6,000 sq ft Rescue Center in Los Angeles, runs international rescue facilities in China, Venezuela, Peru, Mexico, and Puerto Rico, and offers targeted programs including a Veterans service dog program, spay/neuter services, nursery care, and senior and homeless outreach.
Is The Vanderpump Dog Foundation a public or private company?
The Vanderpump Dog Foundation is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was The Vanderpump Dog Foundation founded?
The Vanderpump Dog Foundation was founded in 2016. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is The Vanderpump Dog Foundation based?
The Vanderpump Dog Foundation is headquartered in Los Angeles, United States, in the North America region.
How does The Vanderpump Dog Foundation make money?
Six revenue lines are on record. Individual Donations are the primary driver. The others are corporate Sponsorships, merchandise Sales, auctions, legacy/Planned Giving and grooming Services.
Who are The Vanderpump Dog Foundation's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are PETA, Humane Society of the United States, ASPCA and PetSmart Charities. Direct peers are Four Paws International, International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), Best Friends Animal Society and Maddie's Fund. Regional players are SPCA Los Angeles and Dogs Trust.
Does The Vanderpump Dog Foundation have an API?
No public API is recorded for The Vanderpump Dog Foundation.
What industry is The Vanderpump Dog Foundation in?
The Vanderpump Dog Foundation's product category is Animal Rescue and Welfare Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is AFAEALAB, Animal Shelters & Rescue Operations, with a secondary code of BPAGAIAD, Veterinary Charity Clinics & Medical Aid. Its NAICS code is 813312 and its SIC code is 8300.