Motley Zoo Animal Rescue

What Motley Zoo Animal Rescue does

Motley Zoo Animal Rescue is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit animal rescue organization founded in 2009 by jme Thomas and her husband Bryan, headquartered in Redmond, Washington with operations in Monroe. The organization operates a foster-based, volunteer-powered model in which rescued dogs and cats are placed with volunteer foster families throughout the Seattle/Eastside area until adopted. Adoptions follow a structured application, interview, and matching process, and the organization reports a sub-2% return rate across more than 5,000 lifetime placements. Animals are screened, behaviorally assessed, and medically rehabilitated as needed, with a stated focus on medically-needy and harder-to-place animals.

The organization runs a portfolio of revenue-generating and mission-supporting services beyond core adoption. These include Motley Zoo at Woods Creek Kennels (dog boarding and training in Monroe), Rock Star Dog Grooming, Rock Star Dog Handling Training, the MZ Backstage Experience (a celebrity/animal meet-and-greet program), the Rescue Shit podcast distributed across major audio platforms, the Motley Zoo blog, and a branded merchandise online store. Community fundraising is driven by events such as comedy shows, Yappy Hours, pet fairs, and adoption events at local businesses. Operational technology is modest: a Wix-hosted website, the proprietary 'Buzz to the Rescue' web database for managing applications and animal records, Stripe for adoption fee processing, and standard social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, X).

The business model is a hybrid nonprofit revenue mix: tax-deductible donations and corporate grants (Petco Love, PetSmart Charities, Maddie's Fund, Petfinder Foundation, Lufkin Family Foundation), non-negotiable adoption donations averaging approximately $350-$450 per animal, dog boarding/training service revenue, merchandise sales, and event-based fundraising. The volunteer-powered, foster-based model keeps overhead structurally low relative to brick-and-mortar shelters. Geographic scope is regional, concentrated in the Pacific Northwest, with no disclosed expansion outside Washington state. The organization holds 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status (EIN: 26-4338166) and is a member of the Washington Federation of Animal Care & Control Agencies.

Name

Motley Zoo Animal Rescue

Legal name

Motley Zoo Animal Rescue

Website

https://motleyzooanimalrescue.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2009

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Motley Zoo Animal Rescue is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2009 in Redmond and Monroe, Washington, that operates a volunteer-powered, foster-based rescue placing dogs and cats with adopters across the Pacific Northwest, supported by boarding, grooming, training, and event-based fundraising.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Animal Rescue Services

NAICS

Pet Care (except Veterinary) Services (812910)

akta.pro primary industry

Animal Shelters & Adoption Services (BPAGAIAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Mixed-Species Boarding Kennel (Dogs & Cats) (HSANADAC), Education & Community Outreach (Responsible Pet Ownership) (BPAGAIAK)

Keywords

• Animal rescue services
• Pet adoption programs
• Foster care services
• Dog boarding training
• Nonprofit fundraising

Headquarters

HQ city

Redmond

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Donations and Fundraising: The organization relies heavily on community donations and fundraising efforts including events, online campaigns, and corporate matching programs. Donations are tax-deductible as it's a 501c3 nonprofit.
2. Adoption Donations: Non-negotiable adoption fees that vary based on age and health of the animal. Younger, healthier pets have higher donations at the higher end of the spectrum. Average cost per pet was approximately $350-$450.
3. Dog Boarding and Training Services: Motley Zoo at Woods Creek Kennels provides dog boarding and training services to the community, serving as a fundraising venture for the rescue mission.
4. Merchandise Sales: Online store selling Motley Zoo branded merchandise including apparel and accessories.
5. Event Fundraising: Various fundraising events including comedy shows, Yappy Hours, and community events where a portion of proceeds benefit the rescue.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Motley Zoo Animal Rescue is a foster-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that rescues dogs and cats and places them in permanent homes through a thorough application and matching process. It also operates Motley Zoo at Woods Creek Kennels, providing dog boarding, grooming, and training as a fundraising arm for the rescue mission. Community education, events, merchandise sales, and a celebrity meet-and-greet program (MZ Backstage Experience) support the organization's animal welfare work.

Product overview

Motley Zoo Animal Rescue is a foster-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit animal rescue organization operating in Redmond and Monroe, Washington since 2009. The organization operates a portfolio of animal welfare services centered on its core adoption matching service, supplemented by physical care facilities (Motley Zoo at Woods Creek Kennels for dog boarding and training), grooming services, and community engagement programs including the MZ Backstage Experience that pairs animals with musicians for media exposure. Content offerings include the Rescue Shit podcast and company blog. The organization also maintains an online merchandise store and hosts community events for fundraising and adoption outreach.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Animal Adoption Services

Quantifiable outcome

• Less than 2% return rate on adoptions
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• EusohminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEusoh offers comprehensive pet health coverage. Using ambassador code 'MotleyZoo' when registering results in a donation to Motley Zoo.
• The Farmer's DogminorGTM or Marketing PartnerWoofTrax partnered with The Farmer's Dog to help Motley Zoo's rescue mission. Pet parents get 60% off a trial box of fresh dog food delivered, and WoofTrax sends $15 donation for each order placed.
• All the Best Pet CareminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocally-owned pet care company that has donated quality foods, hosted adoption events at their stores, and helped raise funds for veterinary care.
• Pet ProscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerGreat supporter of Motley Zoo with fundraising campaigns and hosting adoption events. Raised over $25,000 for Motley Zoo with their Paw-liday Giving campaign.
• Mud BayminorGTM or Marketing PartnerProvides donated food, hosts adoption events and more at their many locations. Thanks customers for their support.
• Darwin's Natural Pet ProductsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsors rescue mission through pet food donations of 100 lbs per week. Rescue animals receive high-quality, natural, raw food while waiting for forever homes.
• Postdoc Brewing CompanyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCollaborated with this animal-loving brewing company to create a special pale ale that has raised funds for the rescue.
• Walmart Spark GoodminorGTM or Marketing PartnerWalmart's Spark Good program allows customers to round up purchases to donate to their favorite charity. Motley Zoo receives donations when customers choose them.
• Healthy Paws Pet InsuranceminorGTM or Marketing PartnerProvides TOP RATED pet insurance that gives back to Motley Zoo. Using their link provides a 10% discount on policy and results in a donation to MZ for each new policy.
• The Washington Federation of Animal Care & Control AgenciescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMotley Zoo is a proud member of this federation of animal rescues and shelters uniting to improve the lives of pets in Washington state.
• Bissell Pet FoundationminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFor every purchase of Bissell pet-related products, funds are donated to rescues like Motley Zoo.
• Catio SpacesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerOutdoor cat patio designer. Purchasing their DIY Catio Plans using promo code 'MotleyZoo10' results in 10% donation to Motley Zoo.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Others

• Maddie's Fund: National family foundation funding shelter and rescue programs, including data initiatives Motley Zoo participates in. Comparable as a key grantmaker and ecosystem participant supporting Motley Zoo's mission rather than a direct competitor.
• PetSmart Charities: PetSmart's charitable arm funding adoption, rescue, and veterinary programs nationally. Comparable as an institutional funder and ecosystem partner rather than a direct rescue operator.
• Petfinder Foundation: Foundation supporting shelters and rescues with funding, supplies, and adoption tools. Comparable as a grantmaker and adoption-platform ecosystem participant supporting Motley Zoo's operations.
• Petco Love: Petco's nonprofit arm providing grants, supplies, and adoption support to animal welfare organizations. Comparable as a major funding and partnership counterpart in Motley Zoo's network rather than as an operating peer.

Regional players

• Oregon Humane Society: Regional Pacific Northwest animal welfare organization with adoption, veterinary, and investigation services. Comparable in operating model and mission, serving an adjacent but separate geography.

Broad incumbents

• ASPCA: Large national animal welfare organization with adoption, rescue, and advocacy programs. Comparable mission and donor-base characteristics, but operates at significantly greater scale and as a broader portfolio.
• Best Friends Animal Society: National leader in no-kill animal welfare operating sanctuaries, adoption programs, and advocacy. Comparable mission and operating model at a national scale, with overlapping partner/funder relationships in the rescue ecosystem.
• The Humane Society of the United States: National animal welfare nonprofit with rescue, advocacy, and shelter-support programs. Comparable mission and reliance on donations, though scope extends well beyond direct rescue into policy and national campaigns.

Direct peers

• Seattle Humane Society: Regional nonprofit animal shelter serving the greater Puget Sound area with adoption, behavioral, and veterinary services. Comparable in target geography, mission scope, and adoption-driven operating model.
• Pasado's Safe Haven: Washington State-based nonprofit animal sanctuary and rescue providing shelter, rehabilitation, and adoption services. Directly comparable as a regional nonprofit rescue operating in Motley Zoo's home geography with a similar foster/placement mission.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/MotleyZooRescue
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/MZAnimalRescue
• Facebookfacebook.com/MotleyZooAnimalRescue
• Instagraminstagram.com/motleyzooanimalrescue
• Pinterestpinterest.com/motleyzoo

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Motley Zoo Animal Rescue