In just 24 hours, we can change the fate of over 100 animals
Rescue-Transport Program
START Rescue partners with shelters and rescue groups to save strays and animals from overcrowded, high-kill shelters in California — transporting them (sometimes over 1,000 miles!) to communities in the Pacific Northwest where there is space and demand for rescue pets.
Unlike private transport companies, we are a non-profit charitable organization, and we do not bring animals directly to adopters — an approach that carries many risks. Instead, we work exclusively with highly vetted rescue partner organizations, ensuring every cat and dog has the benefit of the life-long support of a rescue organization (including us!) so they never end up abandoned or stuck in a shelter again.
We also welcome large-breed and medical needs dogs into our own START Foster homes in the Pacific Northwest!
SPONSOR A SEAT for $65 - and save a life
Or multiply your impact by sponsoring more!
A general donation allows us to use the funds where needed, which may or may not be towards transport. START Rescue also provides spay/neuter in underserved communities, support for strays, comfort supplies for shelter dogs, and more.
However you donate, your funds will go towards SAVING ANIMALS' LIVES.
Where our animals come from:
Delano
Kern County
Bakersfield
Tijuana, Mexico
Learn about the amazing, highly-vetted, Rescue Groups who are saving lives with us!
Why We Transport to the Pacific Northwest?
✅ Less Overpopulation
Oregon & Washington have far fewer unwanted pets compared to California’s overcrowded shelters and streets.
✅ Open Foster Homes and rescue-shelter kennels
Our START-SAFE partners often have foster homes or kennels ready for animals at risk in California. Many of these groups focus on specific breeds, sizes, or types of pets that are rarely found in their local shelters. When those breeds/sizes do appear locally, our partners pause intake from California until space opens again — then they return to helping save the countless animals still waiting in California.
✅ Higher Adoption Success
With less saturation, our partners are highly successful at placing dogs & cats into loving forever homes.
Our partners WANT the animals we bring to them, as much as the animals need them!
Together, we save lives.
