COCOS HEART DOG RESCUE

What COCOS HEART DOG RESCUE does

Coco's Heart Dog Rescue (CHDR) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, State of Wisconsin licensed (400340-DS) foster-based animal rescue founded in May 2010 by Executive Director Ashley Kurtz and headquartered at 449 County Rd VV, Somerset, WI. The organization operates a volunteer-driven, foster-home-only model with no physical shelter — all rescued animals live in approved foster homes in the Twin Cities/Wisconsin area before being placed into permanent adoptive homes. Since inception, CHDR has placed over 23,380 animals (dogs, cats, pocket pets, and farm animals) and maintains 500+ animals in active care at any given time, spending over $1,000,000 annually on animal care with an average cost of $845-$900 per animal (some individual cases reach $1,000-$20,000+).

The core operating stack is non-proprietary: ShelterLuv powers the adoption portal, application processing, and foster matching; PayPal processes donations and The Pack recurring membership; and the organization operates an in-house veterinary clinic staffed by certified veterinary technicians (CVTs) capable of orthopedic surgery, laser therapy, C-sections, amputations, mass removals, heartworm treatment, and MRI coordination. Specialty programs include the Super Senior Program for elderly dogs, Senior Buddies (therapy dog visits to memory care centers), the Texas Transport Program (launched September 2025 with Tito's Handmade Vodka sponsorship and Houston K-911 as a partner shelter), Puppy Love Day Camp (ages 6-14), Coco's Heart Academy (school visits), the Minnesota Wild NHL Team Dog partnership, and the Soldier's 6 veteran K-9 matching program. A content extension — the 'Surviving Animal Rescue: Tails of The Nitty Gritty' podcast — launched in 2025 with 38 first-season episodes.

CHDR is governed by a Board of Directors (Kara, Jami, plus founder Ashley Kurtz) and is supported by dedicated program coordinators (Molly for fundraising, Eileen for Senior Buddies, Johanna for surrenders) plus an active CVT staff. Revenue is diversified across adoption fees ($500-$1,300, most commonly $800), a $30 non-refundable application processing fee, one-time and recurring donations, the tiered Pack membership ($10-$200+/month), merchandise sales, $400 birthday parties at Angel's Pet World in Hudson WI, vehicle donations via Luther Automotive, and corporate sponsorship. The organization publishes annual 990 forms (2023, 2024) and has completed a financial audit.

Name

COCOS HEART DOG RESCUE

Legal name

Coco's Heart Dog Rescue

Website

https://cocosheartdogrescue.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2010

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Coco's Heart Dog Rescue is a 501(c)(3) foster-based animal rescue in Somerset, WI, founded 2010, placing 23,380+ animals via hundreds of volunteers, an in-house vet clinic, and specialty programs for senior dogs, veterans, and Texas-transport imports.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Animal Rescue Services

NAICS

Veterinary Services (54194), Other Individual and Family Services (624190)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Animal Shelters & Adoption Services (BPAGAIAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Foster & Volunteer Network Programs (BPAGAIAF), Veterinary Charity Clinics & Medical Aid (BPAGAIAD), Education & Community Outreach (Responsible Pet Ownership) (BPAGAIAK)

Keywords

• Animal rescue services
• Companion animal adoption
• Foster care programs
• Animal welfare nonprofit
• Veterinary care services

Headquarters

HQ city

Somerset

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Personnel, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Adoption Fees: The primary revenue stream is adoption fees charged when animals are placed in forever homes. Adoption fees range from $500 to $1,300, with $800 being the most common fee. Fees cover the cost of high-quality veterinary care including spay/neuter, vaccinations, dental cleaning, heartworm testing, microchipping, deworming, and pre-adoption health examinations. The fees fund ongoing rescue operations and support animals with expensive medical needs.
2. Donations and Fundraising: The organization relies solely on donations and fundraising to support rescue operations. One-time donations are accepted via PayPal, and monthly recurring 'Coco's Heart Hero' contributions are available. The organization also accepts vehicle donations through Luther Automotive, accepts in-kind donations of supplies, and supports Facebook fundraisers. Legacy giving (planned giving) allows supporters to include CHDR in wills or trusts.
3. The Pack Membership Program: A monthly recurring membership program where supporters contribute set amounts ($10, $20, $50, $100 per month, or custom amounts) to fund specific animal care needs (food, vaccinations, bloodwork, spay/neuter). Members receive exclusive thank-you gifts (Pack Hat, Pack Bumper Car Decal, Pack Tote), with additional perks at $100+/month (25% seasonal coupon for online store) and $200+/month (shout-out in monthly update).
4. Merchandise Sales: The CHDR Merch Store sells branded merchandise including The Pack Hat, Bumper Car Decal, Tote, and seasonal items. Proceeds from a children's book titled 'A Dream Truly Come True' (written by Director Ashley Kurtz) also fund rescue efforts.
5. Birthday Parties: Birthday parties are hosted at Angel's Pet World in Hudson, WI, with 2+ adoptable rescue puppies. The $400 party fee helps fund veterinary care for animals in rescue.
6. Application Processing Fee: A $30 non-refundable processing fee is charged per adoption application submitted. As of January 1, 2026, this fee is valid for one year from submission date.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels11 records

Core offering

Coco's Heart Dog Rescue is a 501(c)(3) foster-based, volunteer-driven animal rescue organization that rescues, rehabilitates, and rehomes dogs, cats, pocket pets, and farm animals through a national adoption program. The organization operates an in-house veterinary clinic, a network of 500+ volunteers and foster homes, and supports a tiered membership program (The Pack) alongside corporate sponsorships. Specialized programs include Super Senior adoption, Senior Buddies outreach, the Surviving Animal Rescue podcast, and Texas Transport intake partnerships.

Product overview

Coco's Heart Dog Rescue is a foster-based, volunteer-driven animal rescue organization operating as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. The organization runs a comprehensive animal adoption program pairing rescued animals with forever homes, supported by an extensive network of foster families. Core programs include the Foster Program for temporary animal care, Super Senior Program for elderly dogs, Senior Buddies Outreach visiting memory care centers, Puppy Love Day Camp for children, Texas Transport Program, and the Minnesota Wild/Soldier's 6 partnerships. The organization operates an in-house veterinary clinic and offers The Pack monthly membership donation program. Additional offerings include birthday party events, an online merchandise store, lost dog services, and the Surviving Animal Rescue podcast launched in 2025.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Senior Buddies Outreach Program: Program where volunteers visit senior living centers with gentle foster dogs to provide love and comfort to residents, particularly those in memory care.
• Texas Transport Program
• Puppy Love Program & Day Camp
• Surviving Animal Rescue Podcast
• The Pack Animal Care Fund
• Super Senior Fund

Products and services

• Animal Adoption Services Companion animal adoption program placing dogs, cats, pocket pets, and farm animals into permanent homes through a structured application, meet-and-greet, and trial adoption process. Tiered adoption fees range from $500 for cats to $1,300 for specific dog categories. Over 13,000 animals have been placed since 2012.
• Foster Program Volunteer foster program that places rescued animals in temporary home environments with foster families. The network supports more than 500 active volunteers and foster homes feeding approximately 1,000 animals per year.
• In-House Veterinary Clinic On-site veterinary clinic staffed by certified veterinary technicians providing direct medical care to rescued animals. The in-house clinic lowers per-animal medical costs and accelerates rehabilitation timelines for incoming animals.
• The Pack Animal Care Fund (Membership) Tiered monthly membership program with five contribution levels ($10, $25, $50, $100, $200). Members receive branded merchandise, name listing on the website, and an annual rescue party invitation. Provides recurring revenue to support the organization's $1M+ annual animal care expenses.
• CHDR Merch Store Online branded merchandise store selling Coco's Heart Dog Rescue apparel and accessories. Revenue supports the organization's animal welfare mission.
• Birthday Party Events Paid birthday party events hosted at the rescue facility for $400 per party. Includes activities with the rescued animals and provides an alternative revenue stream alongside the educational programs.
• Vehicle Donation Program Vehicle donation program accepting cars, trucks, and other vehicles in any condition. Donated vehicles are converted to fundraising revenue to support the organization's animal rescue operations.
• Surviving Animal Rescue Podcast Original podcast produced by Coco's Heart Dog Rescue covering animal rescue stories, educational content, and behind-the-scenes operations. Hosted on BuzzSprout and distributed across major podcast platforms.
• Super Senior Program Specialized adoption program for senior dogs aged 7 and older, with dedicated funding for their medical care and adoption support. Addresses the harder-to-place senior animal population.
• Puppy Love Day Camp Day camp program for youth and families to engage with rescued puppies in a supervised environment at the rescue facility. Supports the educational mission and provides additional engagement opportunities for young supporters.

Quantifiable outcome

• 23,380+ animals placed in loving homes since May 2010
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration9 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• Minnesota Wild (NHL)flagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2024CHDR partners with the Minnesota Wild NHL team through the Team Dog program. Rescue dogs are selected to serve as team mascots and ambassadors, appearing at games and in team communications. Current (2025-2026) team dog is Paulie. Previous team dogs include Rookie, Dino, Hatty, Brooksy, Celly, Hobey, and Breezer. The partnership generates media coverage including a feature on NHL.com and produces an annual Puppy Calendar with proceeds benefiting CHDR. The partnership significantly raises CHDR's profile in the regional community and nationally through NHL media channels.
• Soldier's 6coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024CHDR partners with Soldier's 6, a local nonprofit serving honorably discharged veterans, police officers, and firefighters. Soldier's 6 mission is to provide specially trained K-9s to these individuals as Battle Buddies. CHDR matches rescue dogs to recipients through this program. It is described as an honor to work with such an honorable organization.
• Angel's Pet WorldcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAngel's Pet World in Hudson, WI 54016 is a drop-off location for donated animal supplies (kennels, beds, blankets, unopened food, toys). It hosts birthday parties with adoptable puppies and the Puppy Love Program on Wednesdays for children aged 6-14. The partnership enables in-person community engagement and supply collection.
• Pet EvolutionminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPet Evolution is listed as a supporting partner business of CHDR, alongside Angel's Pet World. Pet Evolution likely participates in CHDR's events calendar and fundraising activities.
• Houston K-911coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHouston K-911 is a partner shelter in Texas that CHDR works with through the Texas Transport Program. Dogs found on the streets of Texas in poor condition are welcomed through this partnership, including Ruby who was found on Texas streets in awful condition and has since been receiving ongoing medical care including laser therapy.
• ShelterLuvcoreTechnology or IntegrationShelterLuv powers CHDR's adoption portal, including the adoptable animals listings, adoption application forms, foster matching, and surrender inquiry forms. ShelterLuv also supports CHDR's partnership with Lemonade Insurance for post-adoption pet insurance.
• Amazon Wish ListminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCHDR maintains an Amazon Wish List allowing supporters to purchase needed supplies directly. The wish list includes items like 48-inch tall puppy pens, stainless steel dog bowls, martingale collars, slip leads, Benebones, Kongs, reusable potty pads, poop bags, laundry detergent, and rescue sanitizer.
• The Retrievers (Lost Dog Search Team)minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerThe Retrievers is a volunteer lost dog search team that works with CHDR adopters whose newly adopted dogs go missing. They provide free training and the NeverLost U course to help adopters create safe environments. CHDR refers adopters to their services when a dog is lost.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Regional players

• Animal Humane Society (Minnesota): Minnesota-based 501(c)(3) operating shelter, adoption, and veterinary services across the Twin Cities metro. Direct geographic overlap with CHDR's foster network and adoption market; comparable mission but facility-based operating model.
• Wisconsin Humane Society: Wisconsin-based 501(c)(3) animal welfare organization operating shelters, adoption, and veterinary services across the same state as CHDR. Direct geographic peer for adoption market share and donor mindshare, but operates physical shelters rather than a foster-based model.

Broad incumbents

• ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals): National 501(c)(3) animal welfare organization providing rescue, adoption, veterinary, and advocacy services. Comparable in mission scope and reliance on donations, but operates at vastly greater scale and as an incumbent across the full animal welfare category rather than a regional rescue specialist.
• Petco Love (formerly Petco Foundation): National nonprofit supporting animal welfare through grantmaking and adoption partnerships with shelters and rescues. Comparable in driving adoptions and supporting rescue operations; functions as a funder/partner rather than a direct operator.
• Humane Society of the United States (HSUS): National animal welfare nonprofit focused on advocacy, rescue, and shelter support. Comparable mission and donor-supported model; differs as a primarily advocacy and grantmaking organization rather than a direct rescue operator.

Others

• Maddie's Fund: National family foundation funding no-kill animal welfare initiatives, shelter medicine, and community programs. Comparable in supporting the no-kill movement and rescue operations; functions as a grantmaking/ecosystem participant rather than a rescue operator.
• Petfinder: Adoption platform aggregating adoptable pets from shelters and rescues nationwide. Comparable as a discovery channel for adopters (analogous to CHDR's ShelterLuv portal), but functions as enabling infrastructure rather than a rescue operator.

Direct peers

• Best Friends Animal Society: National 501(c)(3) foster- and shelter-based animal rescue network operating no-kill programs across multiple states. Most directly comparable in mission (no-kill rescue), funding model (donations + adoption fees), and program breadth (community spay/neuter, senior programs, transport). Larger scale than CHDR.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/cocosheartdogrescue
• Instagraminstagram.com/p/DZeoLRIhBL4
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/cocos-heart-dog-rescue

Compliance2 records

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 COCOS HEART DOG RESCUE