Hope For Paws

What Hope For Paws does

Hope For Paws is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit animal rescue organization founded in 2008 by Eldad Hagar and headquartered in Studio City, California (EIN: 26-2869386). Its core service is direct field rescue of stray and abandoned dogs, cats, and other animals in the greater Los Angeles area, supplemented by emergency rescues abroad (Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, Israel) on a case-by-case basis. The organization does not operate a physical shelter; rescued animals receive veterinary care through partners such as CARES, and are placed into adoption through a network of more than 20 California-based rescue organizations including LA Animal Rescue, Kitten Rescue, SAFE Rescue Team, Maison Sûbre Foundation, and Maui Cat Rescue (which Hope For Paws helped spin off in 2021). Notable physical methodology includes custom-modified animal traps designed by founder Eldad Hagar that close with greater force to prevent escape during capture.

The organization is supported by a community-led go-to-market model centered on viral YouTube rescue videos. With 5.4M YouTube subscribers, 1.7M Facebook followers, and 480K Instagram followers, plus an estimated 5 billion cumulative views across digital and television platforms over 18 years, the content library functions as the primary donor acquisition engine. Revenue is generated through a diversified set of donation streams: monthly membership tiers ($10-$200+), one-time donations via Stripe/PayPal/Zelle, Facebook Payments fundraisers, peer-to-peer campaigns, cryptocurrency donations through The Giving Block (100+ digital assets), stock gifts, Donor Advised Funds, IRA Qualified Charitable Distributions (up to $105,000/year), vehicle donations via CARS, planned giving through FreeWill, and corporate matching gifts via Double the Donation. Ancillary revenue comes from Lucky Leash branded merchandise ($25.75 per unit, free US shipping) and gift-donation e-cards.

The technology stack is conventional and integration-heavy rather than proprietary: YouTube API Services for content display, Wufoo for forms, Stripe/PayPal for payments, and Facebook Payments for fundraiser processing. The core team consists of seven staff (Founder, Development Officer & Rescuer, two Rescuers, Operations lead, Rescue Assistant, Video Editor, Communications). Headcount has remained small throughout the organization's history, and financial figures are not publicly disclosed, consistent with standard nonprofit reporting rather than venture-style transparency.

Name

Hope For Paws

Legal name

Hope For Paws

Website

https://hopeforpaws.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2008

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Hope For Paws is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2008 that performs direct field rescue of stray animals in greater Los Angeles and places them through a 20+ partner adoption network, funded by individual donations, monthly memberships, crypto, stock, and planned giving, and amplified by a 5.4M-subscriber YouTube rescue video channel.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Animal Rescue Services

NAICS

Pet Care (except Veterinary) Services (812910), Pet Care (except Veterinary) Services (81291), Social Advocacy Organizations (8133)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Animal Shelters & Adoption Services (BPAGAIAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Animal Shelters & Rescue Operations (AFAEALAB), Foster & Volunteer Network Programs (BPAGAIAF), Education & Community Outreach (Responsible Pet Ownership) (BPAGAIAK)

Keywords

• Animal rescue services
• Nonprofit animal welfare
• Pet adoption services
• Veterinary rehabilitation
• Community fundraising

Headquarters

HQ city

Beverly Hills

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: One-time and recurring donations from individual supporters. Monthly membership program with tiered giving options ($10-$200+). Donations support rescue operations, medical care, and animal rehabilitation.
2. Campaign Fundraising: Time-limited matching campaigns and anniversary fundraising campaigns that amplify donation impact through donor matching challenges.
3. Cryptocurrency Donations: Accepts over 100 types of cryptocurrency through The Giving Block partnership. Donors receive tax deduction for fair market value and avoid capital gains tax.
4. Donor Advised Fund Gifts: Donors can recommend grants to Hope For Paws through their DAF custodians using EIN 26-2869386.
5. Vehicle Donations: Vehicle donation program through CARS partner. Donors receive tax deduction for vehicle contributions; proceeds support rescue operations.
6. Planned Giving: Bequests, IRA Qualified Charitable Distributions (up to $105,000/year for age 70½+), and beneficiary designations on retirement accounts and life insurance.
7. Stock Gifts: Direct stock donations avoid capital gains tax; full tax deduction for current market value; can exceed 20% more valuable than selling then donating.
8. Lucky Leash Merchandise: Sale of Lucky Leash merchandise. Profits support rescue operations. Free shipping on US orders. Purchases do not qualify for tax deduction.
9. Gift Donations: E-cards and memorial/ honor donations allow supporters to honor special occasions while supporting animal rescue.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

Hope For Paws is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that performs emergency field rescue of stray, abandoned, and injured animals (primarily dogs, cats, and rabbits) in the greater Los Angeles area, arranges veterinary care and rehabilitation through partner clinics, and facilitates adoption into forever homes through a network of more than 20 California partner rescue organizations. The organization funds these operations via a broad donation program that includes monthly memberships, one-time and gift donations, cryptocurrency, stock, donor-advised funds, vehicles, planned giving, and corporate matching gifts, supplemented by Lucky Leash branded merchandise.

Product overview

Hope For Paws is a 501 C-3 non-profit animal rescue organization based in Los Angeles, California. The organization operates a unified rescue-and-adoption model rather than a traditional product platform. Its primary offerings include emergency animal rescue services for dogs, cats, and other animals in the greater Los Angeles area, paired with a comprehensive adoption network managed through partner rescue organizations. The organization generates revenue through a diverse set of donation products including monthly membership (Lucky Leash program), one-time donations, stock gifts, cryptocurrency donations, vehicle donations, and planned giving/estate planning services. Additional fundraising products include peer-to-peer birthday fundraisers, personal campaign pages, and corporate matching gift programs through Double the Donation integration. The Lucky Leash branded merchandise serves as a tangible thank-you gift for monthly donors. The technology infrastructure integrates YouTube API for video content, Wufoo for form submissions, Stripe and PayPal for payment processing, and The Giving Block for cryptocurrency donations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Lucky Leash: A branded leash product that supporters can purchase, with proceeds supporting animal rescues. The Lucky Leash is offered as a gift to monthly members.

Products and services

• Emergency Animal Rescue Services

Quantifiable outcome

• 5 billion views and television impressions generated from rescue content
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

Yes

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration10 records

Feature2 records

Partnerships

24 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• LA Animal RescuecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNon-profit animal rescue based in San Fernando Valley. Not breed or species specific. Run by volunteers and funded by donations. Provides foster care and adoption services for Hope For Paws rescues.
• Kitty Bungalow Charm School for Wayward CatscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) for feral cats and rescues feral kittens in Los Angeles. Founded in 2009 in South LA. Hub for rescuing, socializing, and adopting feral kittens.
• Santé D'Or FoundationcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVolunteer-run animal adoption center in Los Angeles. Animals come from streets, owner surrenders, and crisis situations. Federal ID 68-0547925.
• PAL Rescue and AdoptioncoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor501c non-profit in South Bay area working to place abandoned and unwanted dogs in safe, permanent homes.
• SAFE Rescue TeamcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNon-profit 501(c)(3) foster and volunteer-based, all-animal, all-breed rescue. Rescues animals at risk of euthanasia from shelters, abandoned, abused, and unwanted animals.
• Cat ConnectioncoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNon-profit 501(c) no-kill cat and dog rescue organization established in 1996.
• Kitten RescuecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMission to rescue homeless cats and kittens from streets and shelter euthanasia, rehabilitate them, and place them into permanent, loving homes.
• Maison Sûre FoundationcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCommitted to rescuing at-risk animals facing euthanasia, abandonment, or surrender. Provides life-saving medical care, behavioral support, and compassionate foster placement.
• Maui Cat RescuecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounded in 2021 with assistance from Hope For Paws founder Eldad Hagar. Mission to facilitate adoptions of homeless cats on Maui and limit overpopulation. Operates Cat Cafe Maui for cat adoptions.
• Let Them Be LittleminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWorks to reduce euthanasia rates by rescuing underage and at-risk cats and kittens and placing them into loving foster homes.
• Balooja's FoundationminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSmall Southern California rescue run by volunteers. Saves dogs from death at overcrowded shelters, dogs with special medical needs, handicapped dogs, older dogs.
• I Stand With My PackminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFemale-run non-profit working locally and internationally to save animal lives. 98% of work focuses on removal of dogs from high-risk kill shelters in LA City and LA County.
• Sierra Pacific FurbabiesminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRescues cats and kittens from local shelters on euthanasia list or off mean streets and finds them forever homes.
• Well Pets SCcoreOthersVeterinary practice providing medical care for rescued animals in South Carolina.
• CAREScoreOthersEmergency trauma center with board-certified surgeon, rehab doctor, and support team providing around-the-clock care for rescued animals.
• Freedom Plumbing, Inc.minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPlumbing services donated for rescue operations in South Carolina (kitten in water well rescue).
• YouTube/GooglecoreTechnology or IntegrationYouTube API Services integration for displaying video content. Platform for rescue video distribution and YouTube Giving fundraising integration.
• The Giving BlockcoreTechnology or IntegrationCryptocurrency donation processing partner. Enables acceptance of 100+ cryptocurrency types for donations with tax benefit processing.
• CARS (Charitable Adult Rides & Services)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVehicle donation processing partner. Handles vehicle pickup and sale, sending proceeds to Hope For Paws. Available in all 50 states.
• GodVineminorGTM or Marketing PartnerWebsite that featured Hope For Paws rescue stories weekly, helping the Fiona video go viral and become the first viral dog rescue video on the internet.
• News Outlets and Television ShowsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMedia coverage on The Today Show, The Bonnie Hunt Show, The Queen Latifah Show, Right This Minute, and various news outlets.
• FreeWillminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFree online will and trust builder with pet planning built in. Partnership enables supporters to create estate plans including provisions for Hope For Paws.
• Moriah DiamondcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-founder of Maui Cat Rescue and Cat Cafe Maui. Local partner for Maui fire disaster animal relief efforts.
• FacebookcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerSocial media platform for rescue content distribution and Facebook Payments for donation processing. Covers transaction fees so Hope For Paws receives 100% of donations.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights3 records

Broad incumbents

• ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals): The largest US animal welfare charity, combining direct rescue, advocacy, and veterinary services. Overlaps with Hope For Paws on donor audience and rescue mission but operates at vastly larger scale with broader geographic and programmatic footprint.
• PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals): High-profile animal rights organization with global brand recognition, multi-channel fundraising (including planned giving), and aggressive social media presence. Competes for the same mission-driven donor segment and shares Hope For Paws' reliance on viral video and emotional storytelling to drive donations.
• Humane Society of the United States: National animal welfare advocacy and protection organization that runs direct rescue, shelter support, and legislative campaigns. Comparable as a donor-funded animal welfare nonprofit, though primarily advocacy/systemic-change oriented versus Hope For Paws' direct field-rescue model.
• Best Friends Animal Society: Large national no-kill animal welfare nonprofit operating the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Utah, with a network of partner rescues across the country. Directly comparable as a fundraising-driven, content-rich, donation-supported rescue organization competing for the same donor attention and partner-rescue relationships.

Direct peers

• Big Dog Ranch Rescue: Large-scale dog rescue operating the largest cage-free dog facility in the US, also based in the Southeast and heavily reliant on digital content and donations. Closest operational analog to Hope For Paws in terms of high-volume rescue, donor-supported model, and social-media-driven awareness.
• Wright-Way Rescue: Illinois-based no-kill animal rescue offering adoption, veterinary care, and surrender prevention. Direct peer in mission and nonprofit rescue model, though more regionally focused and less reliant on viral video content than Hope For Paws.
• Stray Rescue of St. Louis: Long-running Missouri dog rescue with strong video storytelling (founder Scott Rugh), shelterless foster model, and donor-driven operations. Direct analog to Hope For Paws in field-rescue style, shelterless operations, and reliance on emotional rescue video content for fundraising.
• Animal Haven: NYC-based shelterless rescue operating a foster network and adoption center, relying on donor support and partnerships. Directly comparable operational model — rescue, vet coordination, foster/adoption pipeline — within a similar small-team nonprofit structure.
• Villalobos Rescue Center: Louisiana-based pit bull rescue featured on the Animal Planet show 'Pit Bulls & Parolees'. Comparable as a founder-led, donor-supported, content-driven dog rescue with a strong social media presence and large partner/placement network.
• Muddy Paws Rescue: New York City dog rescue combining foster-based operations with high-volume adoption events and digital fundraising. Comparable as a similarly small-team, donation-driven, content-savvy urban rescue that relies on partner fosters and social media to drive both adoptions and donations.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/hopeforpaws
• Facebookfacebook.com/hopeforpaws
• Instagraminstagram.com/hopeforpawsrescue
• Xtwitter.com/HopeForPaws
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/hope-for-paws

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 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 Hope For Paws