2023 Top-Rated Nonprofit

Much Love Animal Rescue

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Nonprofit Overview

Causes: Animal Protection & Welfare, Animals

Mission: Much Love Animal Rescue exists to rescue abused, neglected and homeless animals from the streets and shelters of Los Angeles and place them in loving homes. Much Love is a 100% non-profit organization run entirely by dedicated volunteers who offer their time and resources to house, train, transport and care for these animals. Since its inception in 1999, Much Love has placed over 4,000 animals into loving homes.

Community Stories

40 Stories from Volunteers, Donors & Supporters

dianedestefano Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/10/2024

I'm a volunteer at the West LA Animal Shelter, and we are so grateful to Much Love Animal Rescue because they have saved the lives of so many dogs, big and small. And unlike some rescues that only take highly adoptable (young, healthy) pups, Much Love takes seniors and dogs with medical or behavior issues who require extra attention or training. I am also fostering a bonded pair for Much Love (who they pulled from our shelter), and they have been very responsible about providing the necessary vet care they each need.

Previous Stories

Volunteer

Rating: 5

09/19/2023

I'm a long-time shelter volunteer as well as a foster for Much Love, and they are definitely one of the most dedicated, responsible rescues out there.

I've been associated with Much Love since 2016, and I've always been impressed by their willingness to take the dogs who need the most help - including seniors and animals who are undersocialized or need medical care.

And unlike some rescues that know, they provide vet care for their animals as soon as they leave the shelter and beyond while they are in their foster homes. They are very responsive and very nice to deal with. And last but definitely not least, they do their due diligence to make sure the animals in their care are adopted out by the right homes.

Sadly, there are many "rescues" out there who are not transparent and/or just pulling the most highly adoptable dogs and charging high adoption fees. This is the opposite of Much Love's mission, which is why they are always on the top of my list when people ask me which rescues they should support, foster or adopt from. (P.S. I'm currently fostering a very sweet bonded pair for Much Love. They came into our overcrowded shelter in rough shape, scared, and under socialized. Thanks to Much Love, they are making great strides since exiting the scary shelter environment & getting much-needed vet care and decompressing in a peaceful home.)

icetrey Client Served

Rating: 5

09/16/2024

Much Love Animal Rescue is an amazing, loving rescue service that does nothing but good for local animals. My dog had a medical issue that required urgent surgery and they dropped everything to get her bumped up to the soonest available time slot. I will be forever grateful for this and I know that there are lots of other great stories like mine out there because of all the good they have done.

Every interaction I had with anyone related to MLAR was top notch and they all went above and beyond during the entire adoption process to make sure it was the best fit for me and the dog.

You can adopt with confidence from MLAR, knowing they will have your back every step of the way. Just wonderful people and a wonderful organization all around.

LoopyLuna Client Served

Rating: 5

09/23/2023

Much Love Animal Rescue has truly been so amazing at giving dogs and cats from the high kill shelters in Southern California a chance. They are constantly being tagged on social media to come to the rescue (by people like me who try to get the rescues to commit to a dog) and they always do their best and go far and beyond to make sure the dogs and cats are safe. If you are looking for a furry friend, absolutely adopt from this rescue. You will not be disappointed..

vickili Volunteer

Rating: 5

09/21/2023

I have foster many dogs for Much Love. They go above and beyond to make sure that the animals they rescue get all the help they need. They are also very thorough in vetting adoption applications to make sure that the people are an excellent match with the animal they are interested in adopting, matching the needs of the animal with the ability of the adopter. My daughter was fortunate enough to adopt Prada through Much Love and she was a wonderful addition to her family.

BossHogg Client Served

Rating: 5

09/20/2023

Our Boss Hogg - a wonderful Shepherd/Bassett Hound mix - was lovingly cared for by Much Love until we discovered him at one of the rescue fairs. It took us a long time to find him, but in the meantime, Much Love gave him SO much love! We were impressed by the amount of time, care and money they expended on Boss. Even after we adopted, they were willing to offer advice and services to further Boss' blend into our family We enjoyed that beautiful guy for 2.5 yrs until an illness took him from us. When it was time for us to look for another companion, we turned again to Much Love and found our second wonderful dog pal. Thank you Much Love, for all you do! Your efforts not only save dogs but people too!

Ljiljana Volunteer

Rating: 5

09/19/2023

Much Love is an outstanding organization that has made a significant impact on countless dogs' lives. They have a great team of people who share a genuine passion for animal welfare. I've had the pleasure of meeting them during my volunteer work at the WLA shelter and I was fostering for them. One of the standout qualities of ML is their incredible responsiveness and willingness to help. Whenever the shelter volunteers reach out for help, Much Love is always the first to step up. They deserve all the recognition and support for the incredible work they do in making our community a better place for dogs in need. Thank you, Much Love we love you.




WPVCLIENT Volunteer

Rating: 5

09/19/2023

I have fostered several dogs for Much Love over the years. A few of those fur babies were hospice fosters. The staff at Much Love provided everything the dogs needed during their stays with me. They especially gave me emotional, medical and basic needs support for the hospice dogs who spent their final moments with me. They truly care about the care and well being of all the animals entrusted in their care.

TravelMiss Volunteer

Rating: 5

09/19/2023

i have been volunteering with Much Love Animal Rescue for the past nearly three years and am currently fostering my 30th dog. All my previous fosters have found happy homes and in one case a retired couple adopted two of my pups. I don't have a pet and specialize in sick animals since I had a career in human medicine. Fostering gives me the opportunity to have a happy pup to cuddle with and then I can clear time to travel. Best of both worlds! Much Love is the best rescue I have found as they are all on the same team to get these animals out of the shelter or off the streets. They make sure every animal has proper medical care and the animals stay in the fosters home which allows the fosters to explain what the animal is like to those interesting in adoption. Each animal brings so much joy to my life and when it is time to be adopted I know they are going to a wonderful home and there is another waiting g at the shelter wanting a home. It makes me so happy to see how much a new family member adds to their lives!!

bob66k88 Client Served

Rating: 5

09/19/2023

We had to put our last rescue Nicky an 11 year-old Toy Fox Terrier to sleep last summer (2022) after we had him for more than 4 years due to sudden organ failure - the vet thinks was caused when he ingested something outside. We were devastated,.

After a while we decided to adopt another rescue earlier this year. While we were searching for another TFT, we came across Betty (Billie) in February on the Much Love site, she was 8 years old & a TFT / Chihuahua mix around 10 pounds. After contacting Much Love Rescue, we were vetted & arranged to meet Betty.

It was love a first sight, she was so friendly & beautiful. We were lucky enough to be able to take Betty home with us that same day. Betty was very ill & neglected when Much Love Rescue took her from a West LA Shelter. They took care of all her medical problems Betty was happy & healthy again. So hard to believe anyone would neglect a pet like they did her.

Thank you Much Love Rescue for showing so 'much love' to shelter & neglected pets. Betty is the queen of our house these days, she brings so much joy & happiness to our home.

We will continue to support & donate to Much Love Rescue so they can continue their efforts to find 'forever homes' for their rescues & encourage other to donate their time or money to support this wonderful rescue.

Syapt1112 Volunteer

Rating: 5

09/19/2023

I'm a huge fan of Much Love. Early in my brand new journey in California, I was given the opportunity to join this amazing rescue. I volunteered for many months at the Sunday adoption in Santa Monica. There is just so much love for these animals, it's wonderful! Since moving on to other things in my life, Much Love has always stayed close to my heart. I donate when I can, try to stay in the loop on the events they have, and keep an eye out for the perfect foster, for me or others. This is a 6 star group, and I wish I could give them that extra one. Thank you for your continued hard work on behalf of these amazing animals

AuntElaine Donor

Rating: 5

09/19/2023

I've been a supporter of Much Love for years. Their volunteer force is full of committed people doing everything possible to place rescues both in foster homes and with adopters. It was every animal volunteer organization should strive to be like--truly a first class program.

lmyla Client Served

Rating: 5

09/19/2023

Thanks to Much Love, this goofy, snuggly, wonderful guy is a beloved part of our family. As both an adopter and a sometimes foster, I can confidently say that Much Love is an incredibly well-run and impactful organization.

csjm Volunteer

Rating: 5

09/18/2023

It's been a joy to volunteer and foster with Much Love Animal Rescue. A great team, supportive, friendly, and compassionate!

jude2013 Board Member

Rating: 5

09/13/2023

I've volunteered with Much Love for over 15 years and have seen many volunteers come and go. But the core group is dedicated and hardworking which has sustained this remarkable rescue since 1999. Much Love pulls animals out of the shelter that no one else wants to adopt. They take the sick, the compromised and the old. Everyone is volunteer so almost all the money raised goes to medical expenses. They have cured Parvo, amputees, deathly pneumonia cases, horrible skin infections, failing hearts. Animals that are dumped by owners that can no longer take care of them or are unwanted have a chance with Much Love.

Previous Stories
2

Board Member

Rating: 5

10/05/2013

Much Love is lucky to have knowledgeable and dedicated volunteers. It is the rescue to contact if you are looking for a new pet. We know our animals and can help you find the perfect companion.
I started by fostering, adopted 2 kittens and a dog and I'm on my way to adopting my second dog. I have been working for over 6 years, rescuing shelter dogs, placing them in foster homes and finding them permanent homes. Caring for the sick and abused ones. It's been a tremendous experience, rewarding, purposeful and fun. We are volunteers, everyone has an important role, we all contribute to making Much Love successful. We welcome everyone to join us and help in whatever amount of time you have to give.

4

Writer Volunteer

Rating: 5

01/18/2018

I was a volunteer photographer for Much Love for many years and was always incredibly impressed with how many lives they saved and how invested they are. Their main goal is to place animals in loving homes. They also are great at rehabilitating animals straight from the shelter, and matching the right animals with the right owners. Nothing by love for Much Love!

4

zlustri Client Served

Rating: 5

01/17/2018

Much Love does an amazing job of finding forever homes for dogs who would otherwise be euthanized. They go out of their way to find loving and lasting homes that will be a good fit for each individual animal.

I got my little pup from Much Love and could not be more in love. Great rescue!

2

Donna253 Client Served

Rating: 5

07/23/2016

I can not heap enough praise on this organization. The volunteers go above and beyond to promote and care for their adorable pets. I have been an adopter, supporter and helped out at adoption events when in LA since 2006. This is an amazing rescue!

3

welshone74 Client Served

Rating: 5

07/12/2016

An absolutely fantastic organization, I have adopted three dogs from them over the years which speaks for itself. Their dedication to all the animals they rescue is unparalleled!

2

Kariannes-Mom Volunteer

Rating: 5

07/12/2016

Our family has been associated with Much Love Animal Rescue since 2001. My daughter began volunteering with them at the age of 9. Much Love's adult volunteers were excellent role models for my daughter through her growing years. They were also ultra-supportive guides for the dogs and cats we fostered and those we ultimately adopted. We always turn to Much Love when we add pets to our family. The time they spend getting to know the animals and their potential adopters results in successful adoption matches.

2

Marilyn64 Volunteer

Rating: 5

07/12/2016

I fostered my now full-time fluff ball Bentley from Much Love and they are incredible. They put so much time and love into making sure these wonderful animals find a great home. I can't say enough good things about them!

2

Katelyn8 Volunteer

Rating: 5

07/11/2016

I have been a volunteer with Much Love for a couple years now. We have also fostered. They are an amazing organization that do so much good. I highly highly recommend them!!!

2

Kathy260 Client Served

Rating: 5

07/11/2016

We adopted our cat Eddie (Capote) from Much Love six years ago and then our dog Jasmine from them a couple of years later. Jasmine was saved by Much Love before she went into a shelter. She was very sick with a respitory infection. They nursed her back to health. Both Eddie and Jasmine has brought so much love and happiness in our home. We couldn't imagine our lives without them.

3

John396 Client Served

Rating: 5

07/11/2016

Finding out about Much Love changed the life of this 68-year-old bachelor. When I heard about the opportunity to foster a dog, I jumped at the chance. Little did I know, the dog they placed in my care would change my life. I am now more physically active than I've been in a very long time, and both my health and my outlook on life have improved enormously. I soon realized fostering was out of the question. My little Dior would have to be mine for keeps. And so she is.

I should also mention that through Much Love Rescue I've met other wonderful dog owners. It's always nice to be a part of a group of like-minded people. Kudos to Much Love for bringing dogs (and cats) and people together.

4

Dawnmarie71 Client Served

Rating: 5

03/24/2016

We lost two of our three dogs in 2015. I was coming apart and our last dog Bernadette was lonely. I saw " Macaroni" and fell in love. I filled out the form for Much Love and sent it in quickly. We went to meet her in Santa Monica and they came to check our home a couple days later. We had Macaroni, now Theodora Harper within a week. She has helped heal our hearts every day. The staff was quick to respond and very helpful. Would recommend them and adopt from them in a heartbeat.

4

Stacey53 Volunteer

Rating: 5

03/24/2016

I've been a volunteer with Much Love for a year and a half, and honored to be part of such an amazing organization. From fosters, to volunteers everyone is so dedicated and passionate about saving lives and finding the best possible home for these rescued animals.

5

emuch Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/29/2013

After losing our 17-year-old poodle I was beyond devastated. Six weeks after he passed I decided to spend the day volunteering at Much Love's weekly Sunday adoption in Santa Monica. Shortly after I arrived I was walking some dogs and spotted a beautiful little white maltipoo who reminded me so much of Popcorn, our late poodle. After cooing over him and picking him up (he was incredibly docile) his foster mother told me that she was there for a courtesy show and that he was available for adoption. She lives in Rancho Cucamonga and drove over one hour to travel to the Westside since her neighborhood was hit hard by the downturn in our economy where caring for animals is challenging. Much Love allows for people to come to adoptions for courtesy shows which increases the likelihood for animals being adopted. Though I wasn't sure if we were ready for a dog, I inquired about his availability and she came over that afternoon for a home check. After she saw the painting of Popcorn in our hall way she knew that she had found a loving home for this sweet dog who had been neglected by his previous owners. We named him Enzo and just celebrated his two year anniversary with us last month. He is the light of our lives and we feel incredibly blessed that Much Love was the conduit that brought him to us.
Elizabeth Much

5

jenvaz1 Client Served

Rating: 5

10/29/2013

Much Love has been fantastic. We adopted our dog, Harry from Much Love just a few months ago. Harry has had a tough little life dealing with what we now know is an environmental allergy. I'll be completely honest-- it was tough taking care of Harry in the beginning because we hadn't yet identified why he was so miserable with his itchy skin. Much Love was beyond supportive with the situation and we never felt "on our own" once we adopted the dog. We'd call Christine on multiple occasions when things seemed to be too stressful and she was always available and always provided suggestion/solutions on what to do. Once Harry received an accurate diagnosis and the right recommendations for treatment, Much Love stepped up and provided financial assistance for the $1000+ bill which we were beyond grateful for.

Harry has been improving tremendously and he would not have been given this 2nd chance at an itch-free life if it weren't for the dedication of Much Love. I know he, and we!, appreciate the great work that Much Love does. To many more happy dog and cat endings in the future...

3

Pamela55 Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/29/2013

I am both a volunteer and a client served, as I adopted my sweet dog Tess through Much Love. They are such an amazing group and a wonderful organization! Everyone has a positive attitude, events are always fun and they continue to rescue and save tons of animals from LA's shelters, giving second chances and loving homes to animals who would have been put down.

2

jbarry Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/28/2013

Much Love does amazing work. Maybe most importantly they make it easy and fun to be a part of their organization. I have been a foster and an adoption event volunteer and I adopted one of my dogs from them. They always operate professionally and with great purpose. I would hightly recommend this group to anyone looking to either adopt or contribute.

2

cmatzat Client Served

Rating: 5

10/22/2013







Much Love Animal Rescue is a truly wonderful organization. I am profoundly grateful & appreciative of all the work ML does for each & every animal they rescue! Much Love is a solid & reputable animal rescue organization that is dedicated to the animals they rescue. ML is a team that actually knows the meaning of the word “team.” In my experience, ML is a team of individuals that is able to coordinate & network w/ others in the community in order to get the animals they rescue the care they need. In addition, it was refreshing to experience the honest & effective communication of the ML team members during my interactions with them.

I recently adopted my little guy from Much Love & each individual I was in communication w/ during the adoption process- from applying to be considered through to the finalization of the adoption- was truly wonderful. Chase (aka Larry) came into our home after ML rescued him from a local shelter. Chase had a complete break of his ulna & radius that had been left untreated for some time when Much Love rescued him. Much Love worked w/ an extraordinary veterinarian (Dr. Olds) & ML provided Chase w/ the much-needed surgery (& pretty major surgery for a little dog- bone plate w/ pins) to help "mend" his front leg. ML also made sure that Chase was neutered all at the same time. Yay for knowledgeable, competent, and compassionate individuals working together (ML & the vet) to make sure each one of the animals is provided w/ top-notch & the most appropriate care!!! Chase had surgery Aug. 9th & once he was ready, was placed in a loving foster home where he got all the love & spoiling he deserved to help him in the healing process. We met our little guy at a Much Love adoption event for the first time on Aug. 17th & fell in love with him. The volunteers at the event were great- supportive, honest, & caring- & they treated each dog as if they were their own furry family members. We adopted Chase or I should say he adopted us on Aug. 19th. I can honestly say, every day I feel truly lucky & blessed that Chase chose us & we get to share our lives with him- he brings us happiness everyday- & we have the Much Love team to THANK! It is b/c of Much Love & their amazing, caring, competent, & dedicated team, that Chase was brought into our lives & we are now a happy family of three!

2

Leah A. Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/18/2013

I was welcomed into Much Love during their Sunday Adoption Show to show a beautiful pitbull, Bella, who was looking for a new home. Since she wasn't a Much Love dog, I was allowed to do a "courtesy show" with the rest of the Much Love dogs. I was so supported and met so many Much Love people who were full of love and care. The company is well-organized, well-staffed, full of resources. They've developed partnerships with area businesses to help ease their overhead, which helps the volunteers and fosters feel extra support. I'm also a foster. If I ever have questions about a dog, I can email 5-10 leads at Much Love who can provide answers or steer me in the right direction. I feel comfortable with them and I feel there is potential to move up to a lead position. They are so accessible!

2

bresee99 Client Served

Rating: 5

10/14/2013

I adopted both my dogs from MLAR, and they are fantastic! Buffy was such a sick puppy when they took her in. Much Love took care of all her medical needs, got her healthy, spayed and microchipped before we adopted. I love the fact that they are 100% volunteer run non-profit.

2

Vicki K. Client Served

Rating: 5

10/08/2013

I love Much Love. I've been the lucky adopter of two Much Love dogs and they have been the BEST! What i love most of all is that this organization doesn't discriminate based on breed or age. They also are extremely careful to ensure all rescues have been treated by a vet and are medically cleared before they get placed in a foster or adoptive home, and they are truly committed to the animal for the rest of its life. I highly recommend this organization to anyone who is considering adding a pet to their home. Thank you ML!

2

thesportshero Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/08/2013

We have been fostering dogs for Much Love for almost a year now, and I can say with full confidence that this is an amazing organization. With very little budget, they manage to get hundreds of dogs adopted each year. The volunteers are amazing and spend their entire Sundays (and Saturdays, not to mention pulls during the week) to find these dogs forever homes. All of the dogs they rescue are sweet and loving.

I encourage anyone who loves pets to come by the adoption every Sunday on Main Street in Santa Monica to see these wonderful people hard at work.

-Travis

3

kk1978 Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/07/2013

I began volunteering with Much Love after researching the local rescue groups when looking for a way to get involved. They attracted my attention online with a great website, strong social media presence, and an organized and dedicated approach to animal rescue. I went and met with some of the volunteers and board members at an adoption event and knew that it was the right organization for me. I currently foster a kitten and participate as a foster coordinator and homechecker for the group. Nothing is more rewarding than helping an animal meet their perfect family!

Much Love regularly pulls animals from the LA shelters and places them in loving foster homes - I always say that these animals hit the jackpot when they become a Much Love animal because they have foster support for as long as they need until they find the perfect forever home.

2

glee7 Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/08/2013

I adopted my first foster from Much Love and loved their mission so much that I continued to foster and become more involved as a volunteer. As a volunteer-run organization, Much Love runs on donations and pure passion for the animals that they rescue, which is evident from all of the often-heartbreaking stories of animals who come into their care. They aren't like some other rescues who only pull puppies and "easily adoptable" dogs and cats. Additionally, they take on the tough cases: the urgent medical cases, the seniors, whole litters of puppies, bonded pairs, etc. I am very proud to volunteer for Much Love and have already seen countless animals adopted out to loving, well-fitting homes.

2

KC2LA Donor

Rating: 5

03/22/2012

Much Love is a very solid organization. I prefer to give locally and I know that this group spends the money on the animals it saves. They have dedicated community volunteers who make sure that the animals always come first.

2

Lisa2345678 Volunteer

Rating: 5

03/18/2012

I've been volunteering with Much Love for the past six years. I adopted my two cats from them. This is a really dedicated, compassionate group. The animals always come first. We do homechecks with potential adopters to make sure it's a great fit for both human and pet. Much Love has no facility, and exactly one part-time employee, so any money we raise goes directly to the animals. I'm really proud to be part of this rescue.

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