START has done miracles by saving hundreds and hundreds of lives of animals that had no hope to live. They saved them from shelters where they were about to be euthanized, from dire situations where they were strays and from the streets of Mexico. Because of their unwavering commitment now these precious dogs and cats have a new life with loving families. KUDOS to all the staff that work non-stop.
WE LOVE YOU AND WHAT YOU DO EVERYDAY.
I have been giving to this organization for over ten years. These people are dedicated to the animals they help. The rescue adapts to new challenges. They spend the donations wisely.
There are simply not enough words to describe the incredible life saving work done by START and their team. Their compassion, dedication and commitment sets the standard all rescues should follow.
If I could give Start Rescue 6 Stars I would, My wife and I have rescued many dogs from them and they are professional, compassionate and an ETHICAL non profit organization. START Rescue goes far beyond what other rescues do, pulling dogs who are Red Tagged, paying for major surgeries, and most importantly are Transparent with their funds. Furthermore, START Rescue does GOD= DOG work!!! That is why my wife and I feel connected to such an AMAZING Team, organization, and will only rescue from them....
Keep up the AMAZING work you do START Rescue... with ALL our LOVE and Gratitude ..
Dean, Dawn, Stasia, Malibu, Duke and Cooper.
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I can't say enough about the incredible work Startrescue does! Their commitment to integrity, kindness, and diligent hard work is truly inspiring. They go above and beyond in every aspect of dog and cat rescue, ensuring that every animal they help receives the best care possible. Their dedication to spay and neuter programs is a testament to their forward-thinking approach to animal welfare. This organization is making a profound difference in the lives of countless dogs, and I am in awe of their unwavering compassion and tireless efforts. Thank you for all that you do!
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I have been lucky enough to help with Shelter Transport Animal Rescue Team in a very small capacity of fostering some of the rescue dogs before they go to their forever homes. So from that viewpoint I can see what amazing work these people do. Literally thousands of dogs and cats have been saved from horrendous situations. The START team are tireless in their commitment to save both cats and dogs from certain death and to give them the wonderful life they deserve in happy and loving homes . How they carry on in the face of such adversity is heroic and yet they are tireless in their commitment, kindness and compassion.
Start Animal Transport Rescue Team does exactly what the name suggests. What sets START apart from other organizations is that you truly see where every donated dollar is used. Through social media, newsletters and direct messaging, you can see them hard at work, down to the individual dog. You can follow every transport, every northern arrival, and every adoption, smile and tear. They are a small team staffed by passionate individuals that have worked hard to create a board rescue network.
As an animal welfare professional working in local shelters and at other nonprofits, I’ve had the opportunity to see first hand the admirable impact that Shelter Transport Animal Rescue Team (START) has made over the past ten years. This organization has been instrumental in rescuing thousands of dogs and cats that had no other option, establishing a reliable transport system to vetted rescue partners in the Pacific Northwest, and successfully finding homes for these animals locally.
START's expansion into providing access for underserved areas to local spay and neuter further demonstrates their commitment to addressing the root causes of pet overpopulation. Their efforts have made a substantial difference in the lives of the animals they serve, as well as in the broader community.
I highly recommend START for their professionalism, dedication to animal welfare, and their continued contributions to improving the lives of both pets and people.
How do I begin to describe my gratitude and praise for this very wonderful rescue?! Steve and his team are compassionate, dedicated, hard working people who do so much good for the animals and have save countless lives. Over the years, I’ve seen them create miracles for so many precious souls who were in dire need. Steve is a very generous and humble man. I am truly amazed at his willingness to help. If you are looking for a true and trusted rescue to support, look no further! Thank you Steve and the whole team at START!!
If you want to make a difference in the lives of precious dogs (and cats) who have been abandoned, neglected or languishing in high-kill shelters, START is the group to support. I am a regular donor because I know and trust the START team and I believe in what they do! This is a "drama-free" organization of dedicated animal lovers who put the well-being of these dogs (and cats) above all else. Thousands of precious animals have been saved who otherwise would have perished. I no longer donate to the big names like ASPCA or others because when I donate to START I know that 100% of the money goes DIRECTLY to assist the animals. If you're an animal lover like I am who wants to do what you can to help these precious dogs (and cats) I urge you to consider donating generously and regularly to START so they can continue to save these animals that otherwise would have no hope. I will also say that over the years of donating to START, I have developed a close relationship with the founders, who were very compassionate and understanding when I was grieving the loss of my own precious furry family members. Thank you Steve and the whole START team for making a massive difference in our world.
We have been proud donors and active volunteers with START for over a decade, and our experience has been nothing short of extraordinary. Over the years, we’ve adopted several amazing dogs through their program, and each time, we’ve been impressed by the thoughtful and careful consideration that goes into placing the right dog into the best possible home. Their dedication to the well-being of each animal is evident in every interaction.
START’s mission to transport dogs from overcrowded shelters in Southern California to areas with greater demand for adoption has made a profound impact. Their work has directly contributed to saving thousands of lives, giving countless dogs a second chance at finding a loving home. The care and organization they put into these transports are remarkable and have made a tangible difference in communities across the country.
Moreover, START’s transparency and careful spending practices are a testament to their integrity. They consistently prioritize the welfare of the animals, ensuring that every dollar is maximized for their benefit. It’s clear that START is not only committed to rescuing animals but also to running an organization that operates with the highest ethical standards.
We wholeheartedly support START and will continue to do so, knowing that our contributions are helping to make a significant, positive impact on the lives of so many animals in need.
START Animal rescue is the best! My husband and I have rescued several animals from them and they are so caring about the placement and care of the animals prior to finding their furever home.
The work tirelessly to rescue animals and pay for vet bills for animals that would otherwise be euthanized. I cannot say enought positive things about START and their team.
This is one of my favorite non profits. They are an amazing group of dedicated people, many are volunteers who go into remote areas to help dogs who are dumped by uncaring individuals and rescue them from precarious situations to help the dogs get the care they need, both physically and emotionally. They work tirelessly to help dogs and to work towards better legislation to create systems to help today and for future humane efforts.
I have been involved with and supported many local Los Angeles animal rescues and START is one of the best. They fill a huge gap no other rescue fills. They are honest, transparent and save animals in very high risk situations. I will always be loyal to START!
START Rescue is led by an incredible team of dedicated volunteer board members and a TINY staff, who work tirelessly to save animals every day. Their commitment to transparency in both their operations and finances is commendable, ensuring that every effort is made with the primary goal of saving animals’ lives. Being part of the START team is an immensely rewarding experience, and although the work can be exhausting, the focus is always on the well-being of the animals and on saving more every day, making it all worthwhile.
This is an absolutely wonderful dedicated rescue. I am a donor when possible even tho I live far away. They pick wonderful dogs that due to no fault of their own are overlooked by adopters and are on brink of death by euthanasia in the death room of a shelter. . Start chooses these wonderful dogs and with great care and planning, set out to places far away that have much fewer dogs for adoption and welcome these dogs with open arms It is a sight to behold, often tears , smiles and the start of a new family. They receive the necessary info of anything available to help both the people and their new pet to get off to the very best star!! There is something awe inspiring to see the dogs starting to bond and all tails are wagging!! Saving lives is the goal of this excellent group and doing it well and right. This has been the worst year to attempt to save the lives of the actual thousands of pets that were abandoned or given up from their homes, the most euthanized in many years. This just caused many rescues to give up due to lack of donations and due to the huge number of dogs for which there was not going to be a happy ending no matter help was given but through it all, START rescue worked as hard and as long as it took to do what they do best. This group did not falter, together they did what so desperately need to be done. Many thanks to Start Rescue!!!
Connie Mogull
I have been donating regularly to START since 2011. One of the reasons I support them is because they know how to think outside the box and get results. Their program to transport animals from overcrowded LA shelters has saved thousands of lives. The logistical challenges which had to be overcome to make the transport program a reality were nearly endless, but the smart, practical, carefully thought out approach they took made it a reality.
The programs they've put in place have helped thousands of dogs and cats find forever homes, and have also addressed the need to spay and neuter more animals to help reduce the scope of the problem. They don't just focus on the easy or flashy problems and solutions - they do the often thankless legwork to really address the main problems facing dogs and cats in need of forever homes.
They also do a great job with transparency and accountability. Their frequent updates, by email, social media and other methods, are informative and detailed. I will continue my support because they're making such a tremendous positive difference.
How do you even begin to describe an incredible rescue organization like START.
Let’s begin with transparency…every penny is accounted for and open to the public eye. The volunteers have so much dedication and love for the animals and the mission. And the transports, spay and neuter clinics, over the border care for animals, saving animals from our over crowded shelters…accolades go on and on. I feel honored to know the founders of START and to be associated with this amazing organization.
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START is made up of the most passionate, kind and strong people that I have ever met. They see a need and go straight toward it and won’t stop until they achieve their goal. From spay neuter clinics, to life saving missions, Shelter Transport Animal Rescue Team is more than a rescue. They are heart and soul. I am proud to be a part of this organization.
So many Dogs have been saved by Start not to count helping dogs in Special needs as was Tebow one of my Fosters 5 years ago, he got accepted in one of the many rescue groups that partner with Start, all do he was disabled (deaf ) he got an amazing home in Oregon. After his adoption I receive a video of Tebow playing in the Snow ❄️ his first Snow day, it was amazing !
I was introduced to START through my friend who was looking to adopt a very special, very wonderful, very unsure girl named Ahura. My friend’s lifestyle was not a good fit for Ahura, but with her blessing I reached out to Colleen to inquire about Ahura. It has been extremely evident since the beginning that everyone within the START group adore these innocent animals as if they are all their own furry kids and I could tell based off of everything I learned from Colleen and Ahura in our initial visit. Ahura came from a very troubled background. She came from a backyard breeding hoarding situation in a heavy kill shelter area of California, where she and her siblings had very few interactions with people, and the interactions they did have were abusive and poor. Ahura was shuffled around several fosters, and rescues until she landed a soft spot in Oregon with START. There, they worked with her by socializing her, sending her to a board and train for several weeks to build her confidence, and sending her to live with a family with dogs and kids to help further socialize her. Ahura BLOSSOMED with the help of START. From the moment I laid eyes on her I knew she was going to be ours, but START required us to “foster to adopt” first because they wanted to make sure that she would be a great fit and live a happy life with us. They sent the trainer to our house for some free sessions as well to help us help Ahura (who we named Ahi Lemon!) Right as the foster period ended, Ahi Lemon unfortunately became very sick very quickly. I rushed her to the emergency room where she was admitted into the ICU with severe pneumonia, which as a previous vet assistant pneumonia is one of my biggest fears. I updated Colleen with START, crying and afraid we would lose our girl. Colleen and START ended up calling the hospital and paid for all her hospitalization, medications, everything. Colleen says that they are always there to help their Alumni, and she really meant it. When they say they love these innocent souls, they mean it. They want the best for these sweet furry babies, and I’m constantly in awe for how much they do for homeless animals, strays, pets in kill shelters, pets in overcrowded shelters, and even their alumni.
I could never thank START enough for how much they have changed not only our family’s lives but Ahi Lemon’s life and all the other animals’ lives they have saved and continue to save. ♥️
START Rescue truly works 365/24/7 to save animals. They are honest, kind, professional and dedicated. They look for solutions to big and small challenges alike. They truly make a difference.
I am thrilled to write a review for my fellow rescue organization START Rescue! Firstly, I deeply admire their dedication to collaboration, as they actively work with other rescues to make a greater impact together. Secondly, their open-door policy and honesty create an environment of trust, ensuring that every animal finds a safe haven. Lastly, this incredible organization goes above and beyond, venturing into different cities, States and Countries, in their mission to rescue and help animals in need. Their commitment is truly inspiring. Kudos to this remarkable rescue for their exceptional work! I am honored to work alongside with them.
START Rescue's Mode of Operandi is to operate in collaboration with others, with full transparency, and with a focus on rescuing large numbers of animals and supporting high-level solutions to the ongoing crisis. START Rescue is made up of an amazing number of highly motivated individuals who remain focused on no-drama solutions and successes. I am incredibly lucky to be part of this amazing team!
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I have never met a team of such focused, trustworthy go-getters.
They really stick to their principles, truly want what is best for the animals, and they are always interested in finding real solutions and new ways (and partnerships) to help more animals....but without losing sight of the need to offer animals only good quality care. This is so crucial in animal rescue and I admire the START Team for keeping their focus on being a high-quality, fully transparent, rescue organization.
The whole team is in it for all of the right reasons - for the animals. I have been a staff member with START Rescue for 1.5 years and truly admire the team's motivation, resilience, and especially their CARE, concern, and love for animals.
Shelter Transport Animal Rescue Team are incredible. Their passion and love for the animals is a breath of fresh air. I am personally in awe of the work that they do and with the animals they help. Nothing less than Five stars for this organization!
START is completely and unselfishly DEVOTED to saving the abandoned, abused, neglected, starving, needy dogs and cats "dumped" and left as strays by those who dare to call themselves "owners." START is equally DEVOTED to curbing the burgeoning stray animal overpopulation with its focused and continuing spay/neuter programs, underwritten by START for our low-income families. START's 12-year record at animal Transport to loving homes and Spay/Neuter outreach has been, and will continue to be, a resounding success!!
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I found my calling several years ago when I joined the START Rescue Board. START is like no other . . . bringing the abandoned, abused and neglected 4-leggeds to forever homes from shelters, the streets and beyond borders, so many of them at death's door. We are a mighty team relying on all who have room in their hearts to help us save so many by transport and spay neuter. Help us if you can!
START rescue is an outstanding rescue .. Demonstrating kindness, safety, and support for the animals they rescue. We would highly recommend START as one of the best non profits..
START is such an Amazing Rescue Group!!!
The hard work,care and dedication that (Steve,Suzanna and the whole crew) give to help these once Forgotten Animals, is Incredible and Inspirational! They selflessly help more animals than one can count. If it were not for START so many more animals would never have had a chance at Love and Forever homes. I am Grateful for Everything they do to save these animals! And for the help and assistance that they give to so many animal rescuers.
Thank-You START!❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
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START is an Incredible non-profit dog rescue and transport. They have helped so many animals. They go Above and Beyond! One case in particular they helped a homeless man get his dog back. After a groomer took him! His dog was all he had. It was Amazing!
They have saved so many animals lives. They deserve 10 stars in my book!
Thank You START for Everything you do to help any animal that comes your way!
STARTrescue is absolutely amazing! They're a nonprofit dog rescue organization that goes above and beyond to save dogs from high-kill shelters. Due to them, literally thousands of dogs have been given a second chance at life. Startrescue's dedicated volunteers work tirelessly to physically rescue the dogs from shelters, transport them and place them into loving homes. STARTrescue's selfless and relentless dedication is a testament to the amazing things they have accomplished in the world of dog rescue. They've made a massive impact in saving the lives of dogs that have been overlooked and abandoned and whose time was running out. STARTrescues unwavering commitment to saving to lives of these forgotten and abandoned dogs is incredible
This non profit has saved over 15,000 lives over a 12 year period. They are a very small group of volunteers with the exception of a few paid employees. They work tirelessly literally 24/7. They are transparent in all that they do. They bring awareness to the public regarding spay/neuter and the severe epidemic of dogs and cats being dumped in the Bakersfield , Ca area. They keep their donors updated on the animals in their care. They are working on a Safe Haven Sanctuary for Bakersfield dogs and cats, they are working on a permanent spay/neuter clinic. They also help other rescues and the unhoused and their pets. I can't say enough about this amazing group of compassionate people.
I have been working for this non-profit only a couple of months now but I have never had a better job, nor experience with a place of work. Steve Spiro and team members are the most hardworking, selfless people, that do everything they can to save as many animals as possible. This non-profit is the best organization I have ever experienced, and I couldn't have asked for a better place to work. START Rescue is AMAZING in every aspect!
I love START! They are a brilliant organization having changed the lives of thousands of helpless and homeless animals. They are also actively trying to solve the root of the problem through outreach and education. This nonprofit is putting every penny and ounce of energy into making a positive impact in the lives of animals, the citizens of Southern California who are sick and tired of finding stray animals all over our streets, and the environment. They are changing the world with every transport!
We recently rescued a Blue Nose Pitbull that had been dumped in the desert and left starving in twenty degrees weather after having puppies. She was in such poor condition the vet thought she was twelve when in fact she was only around four. We were advised that she was thirty pounds under weight and had a dislocated hip that might lead to needing her leg amputated. Thankfully START rescue stepped in and raised the funds needed for her medical care. With the help of START we were able to take her to see a specialist. Under the treatment of the specialist she was able to heal without the need for amputation. Once she was healthy, START found HOPE a forever home where she is at peace and completely loved. Thank you START for your amazing support for these animals.
My husband and I adopted Priya, our beloved shepherd mix, from START Rescue almost 10 years ago. Initially, Steve from START brought Priya over for a home visit to see if she would mesh with our two older dogs. The entire experience, from our first meet and greet to Priya’s homecoming, was supportive, unrushed and zero pressure. Steve (and everyone else on his team) is so kind and patient, and they absolutely LOVE animals. During the past few years, START has responded to our nationwide overflowing animal shelter crisis by rescuing dogs and cats from high kill facilities and transporting them to the Pacific Northwest and other rescue groups for adoption. START has an immaculate rescue bus called “The Beast,” which regularly saves and transports hundreds of dogs that would otherwise be euthanized, languish in cages or other awful scenarios. START’s reputation in the wider rescue community is stellar, and it’s easy to see why. Steve and I still stay in touch, which is a testament to how truly caring he is. I truly cannot rave enough about START and the transformative, heartbreaking, hard and essential work they do.
START https://www.startrescue.org/ has been a lifeline for many dogs and cats in California. START is efficient, professional, and has one of the best people on board. They are kind, responsive, caring, well-organized and easy to work with. I have been working with START for approximately 3 years and I can’t thank them enough for all their efforts. There are countless happy endings that START has started. One particular story is forever imprinted in my heart: BODHI was a blind sweetheart, he was roaming the streets, abandoned by his owner. He ended up in a high kill shelter in Northern California. His owner was found but said he did not want Bodhi back. START helped to secure rescue for Bodhi. Today, he is loved and home. Bodhi is just one of hundreds and hundreds of animals that are blessed to be on START’s path. The amount of work that START puts into its operations is astounding. I applaud their efforts and immensely grateful for their support ❤️
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START is an essential lifeline for the shelter animals across CA. START staff is highly efficient, professional, generous, and caring. I have been honored to work with START over the last couple of years to save the abandoned animals from the overcrowded Stanislaus Animal Services Agency located in Modesto, CA. There are dozens and dozens of happy stories that I remember, however, the story of Tommen and his fluffy companion will always be the dearest to my heart.
Tommen (German Shepherd mix) and his fluffy buddy came to Modesto shelter together, as strays. Few days after the intake, the small, fluffy dog was adopted. Tommen was left behind. He was all alone in his kennel, sad and deflated. His chances to leave the shelter alive were slim. START staff has helped me to find a great rescue for Tommen and transported him to safety. Shortly thereafter, Tommen (now Ziggy) was adopted by a great family and now lives with his best new buddy, a little fluffy dog. :) Ziggy has helped the new family to move on from losing their last dog. START continues to bring lots of love to both animals and people. Thank you START!
I am an independent animal rescuer & work with rural animal shelters. There was a sickly pittie bleeding , almost dead but his eyes locked into my eyes pleading for help. Rural shelters have very little foot traffic. I immediately got an animal control officer. I wanted to know everything about this dog & why he is on the cold cement. I had them clean his kennel, I put a cot in his kennel, took pics & promised this dog I am getting him out.
I have worked with Steve Spiro & START for years. I called Steve for his help & told him this dog is very sick & has given up hope but his eyes said please help me. Without any hesitation he told me get the dog, take him to his rescue & he will get the medical care he needs. Steve named him Newman which is my last name. I returned back to the shelter & my backseat was a nice comfy bed for Newman. His eyes lit up when he saw me. He was put in my car, I covered him up with his new blanket & drove 3 hrs to STARTS rescue. Newman was very sick, his vet bill was thousands, but without START RESCUE Newman would had died on the cold cement.
This is just 1 story out many I have. So many lives have been saved thanks to START.
I am proud to have been part of START RESCUE animal rescue.
There are no words to describe the level of excellence this organization operates under. The creative choices they have made to get the word out to help these abandoned animals is unlike anything I have ever seen. They are the epitome of success in the animal rescue world. Los Angeles is filled with rescue organizations, but none have the integrity and results I have seen with S.T.A.R.T rescue team. As a charity they are professional, honest and honourable. I know that the animals they rescue are not only safe, but they do their due diligence to assure that they are going to a solid & trusted organization.
As an an animal lover I met Steve Spiro
At least 15 or 2o years ago
I was very impressed by his dedication , his love and passion to rescue animals
He was doing it all over California Mexico or wherever an animal was in dire danger
I discover that he was working with a wonderful loving team and they were doing a fabulous job
We shared together some friends who like us dedicate their time to rescue animals. Dogs. Cats. Etc ,,,,
They were inspired by Steve♥️
During all these years I saw START becoming a nice organization evolving ,,,,,,,,i have been following all the progress through media news Facebook etc …..
It’s not an easy job but Steve has the charismatic personality courage and strength
To make it so successful
I am living in New York but I promise myself to go and visit him and his group
Steve has friends all over and a good team of wonderful people helping him
He is very appreciated and respected
I wish START lots of luck and love
Long life
START is the best and I am there with them
Respectfully and sincerely
Pascale
Pascale Gousseland. PhD
Psychoanalyst
New York 10021
Office tel
212 472 68 81
I have been aware of START rescue for many years, and am constantly super impressed with their level of dedication, drive, passion and integrity for what they do. They literally champion the underdogs and those dogs that find it hardest to find their forever homes. They never give up and never take the easy route when the harder route results in more lives saved. Since I've been aware of them they have saved literally thousands of innocent lives and long may they continue!
START Rescue does great work for the animals and the community and they are very kind and caring people! Highly recommend their services.
START is an amazing rescue . They organize twice monthly or more, transports of 125 dogs and cats from the neediest shelters to vetted groups in the Pacific Northwest.
I have often come across a dog in need of a new home and the START rescue team have diligently found the right rescue group to take the pet. They have safed so many unwanted animals, it is their mission and passion. START rescue teams work with integrity and consistency in their transports and have a wonderful reputation.
We are a small group of rescuers in Bakersfield, CA, where dogs are continuously dumped at an alarming rate on the outskirts of town. We save as many of these discarded pups as we can, and Shelter Transport Animal Rescue Team (START) has been an INVALUABLE supporter of our work. They have provided funding for vetting, boarding and kennels. They've helped connect us with some incredible rescues and also provided dog food and other much-needed supplies. START has literally helped us save HUNDREDS OF DOGS! We can't say enough good things about them - we love START and highly recommend them!
Start started me on my path to help spay and neuter dogs and cats, they have helped me save may dogs off the streets and in the shelters. Many lives have been saved because START is there.
START is amazing!!!
They care so much about the animals who need homes, and they go above and beyond to help them find forever homes and happy endings.
After being involved in several adoptions and rescues START has facilitated, I am a firm believer in them.
The S.T.A.R.T. Team (Steve and the many people and volunteers involved) go above and beyond to save as many dogs and cats from various horrible situations and are able to give them all a 2nd chance. These people are in it for the long haul for all the precious innocent animals they save.
Several years ago Steve Spiro of START stepped in to rescue our beloved Honey, a dog who was on the brink of being euthanized in a shelter because she had been rejected by her humans when they learned she had a heart murmur. We adopted Honey and she has given our family the best years of our lives! There are many, many of stories like ours because START has given a second chance to thousands of throw away dogs and cats. We will always be grateful.
START does so much for animals. They transport thousands of dogs and cats from high risk shelters in Southern California to no-kill rescue organizations in the north west that don’t have the pet over-population we do here. They provide tens of thousands of free spay and neuter for pets and transport dogs in desperate condition from Mexico. Can’t say enough good about this organization!
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START is by far one of my favorite animal charities and I know them all! I appreciate that dogs and cats are being rescued by this organization from high-kill shelters and transferred to sister no- kill shelters in the north west where they stand a much better chance of being adopted. Additionally they provide tons of spay and neuter surgeries, preventing thousands of unwanted births in a state inundated with homeless animals. Also this organization is very transparent.
START is the best rescue out there! They are kind, compassionate, helpful and caring. If there is a better rescue out there, I challenge anyone to find it.
Very professional, START saves a huge number of pets every year and fund spay/neuters that families can’t afford for their pets.
START is simply an incredible organisation doing truly vital and wonderful work in Los Angeles. We have supported them for many years and will continue to do so.
Please follow them if you do not yet know them ... and please support them if you can.
Shelter Transport Animal Rescue Team (START) is the highest quality non-profit because it delivers on its promise to rescue the maximum dogs and cats as well as provision of free neuter and spay services. The thousands of animals who have been rescued from shelters speak for themselves. California has a glut of unwanted animals for a number of reasons - including non-enforcement of spay and neuter laws. START does what it can to stem the tide - and in doing so has changed the landscape of rescue in Southern California. The thousands of updates of animals successfully transported and given loving homes proves this non-profit has got it right. Their low overhead, all for the animals approach is seen, heard and felt.
START walks the walk. They keep overhead very low which insures more of your donation dollar goes to helping animals. No wonder they have saved thousands of lives! Rest assured this charity is the real deal.
I meet the would-be founders of START when we all were independent rescuers sometime in 2006 or so. We all had passion to do the right thing. Years later, START was founded and surpassed everyone's imagination by transporting and relocating at-risk shelter animals to the Pacific Northwest. They saved many, many of the animals I networked to them. Years later, quite by coincidence and through a mutual friend, we discussed some work I could donate for them. I sent them my resume and 6 1/2 years later, I am proud to be their one full-time employee. This is the best rescue there is. They have saved over 13,000 shelter animals in nine years. They help the underdogs. They have provided over 9,000 spay/neuter procedures to underserved communities. They have a heart as deep as the Grand Canyon. And they are fiscally responsible. Made up of only 6 people, they are "The Little Engine That Could"
S.T.A.R.T. is the most reputable non profit I have ever worked with. They do what they say they will do, all the while putting the animals first and foremost. The whole S.T.A.R.T. team is committed to their mission of saving and transporting adoptable dogs out of the crowded Los Angeles shelters and the streets of Mexico, to their rescue partner orgs in the Pacific Northwest, which is why it is an honor to serve on their board. I have worked with them in saving many dogs. Each dog and each situation is approached with the same compassion and care. I wish all organizations would operate like S.T.A.R.T.
I was introduced to START at a fundraiser several years ago. It really is amazing what they do...transport adoptable dogs to areas that have the demand for those dogs with loving families. Steve, Rene, and Candace have spend their entire lives since 2011 organizing this mission and have saved so many pups lives.
Shelter Transport Animal Rescue Team ("START") is the leading California Rescue Organization to SAVE our rescues from California's High-Kill shelters and to get them all spayed/neutered. We transport those on the euthanasia lists to our partners in the Pacific Northwest where they're immediately adopted out to loving forever homes. Our spay/neuter programs fund spay/neuters in California's underserved communities monthly . . . and, with your support, often more.
Please support us! www.startrescue.org