Hope For Paws

I thought this nonprofit organization was pretty amazing, but I was quite surprised to find out that one animal rescuer is paid $124,000 plus $27,000, and another animal rescuer is paid $101,000 plus $19,000. It’s is a nonprofit!!! These are animal rescuers. And, these figures are from 2022. How? Why? The leader’s salary is a decent amount higher. How many hours a week do they spend rescuing animals that warrants those salaries? I find this baffling. If the animal rescuers get paid six figures, maybe donate to smaller rescue organizations that scrape by, and have rescuers make very little, if anything. Rescues that don’t pay their rescuers six figures. I really hope I’m missing something, but when looking at many animal rescues that are nonprofit, people tend to pay themselves handsomely.

Hope for Paws deserves 100 stars. There are many wonderful animal rescues out there, no doubt. However, I have never seen a rescue go above and beyond like these guys do. If you watch some of the videos, they go down into the deepest, most disgusting areas for the sake of rescuing an animal in need. Eldad and his team are awesome and I know that they are very grateful for all of the donations and gifts that they receive. You know just by their characters. Yes, it would be exciting to receive "Thank You" notes, but, really, think about it. They don't have the time to thank every single person that gives them a donation. I look at it as doing something that blesses an animal. ❤❤

Although I've never had a dog rescued by Hope for Paws and have never adopted through them, I believe they are doing exceptional work. For those of you who whined about not receiving a receipt, if you think about how much it costs to take a dog to the vet and how many Hope for Paws rescues they had to do that for, why in hell would you want them to have to spend donation money on filling out thank you cards . Get your receipt from the payer service and assume Hope for Paws is grateful for the donation. Some people are just me-me-me.

I just checked them out on CharityNavigator and as of 2021 they're rated 91 out of 100. Just sayin'...

I am a donor. I like that they do follow up on the videos of the animals they rescue. I do wonder what happens to dogs who are vicious. And cats that are so feral they can't be rehabilitated.

Contacted them 2 times, about the same problem. It seems as if is not a "Hollywood" style drama, that they usually post on Youtube, they basically don't give a crap. I'm totally disappointed with this group calling themselves HOPE FOR PAWS. They are nothing but the publicity based group, and it's absolutely pathetic. I actually thought they'd come and safe this poor dogs. Shame on you Hope For Paws.

I LIVE ON THE OTHER SIDE OF UNITED STATES BUT WATCH THE RESCUES. IT IS AMAZING HOW HARD YOU WORK TO RESCUE THESE ANIMALS. SO MANY IN NEED. WE HAVE 2 DOGS, GOLDEN DOODLE WAS A RESCUE. SHE WAS CRATED 24/7 WASNT FEED. SHE WAS ABOUT 20 LBS UNDER WEIGHT WHEN WE TOOK HER FROM A BREEDER THIS WOMAN WAS NUTS. I THINK THE WOMAN STOLE HER. WE PAID $500 FOR HER WHAT A JOY SHE IS. SHE IS NOW 5 AND WORTH EVERY PENNY. HER NAME IS PENNY I WILL TRY TO SEND OTHER DONATIONS TO HELP IN THESE RESCUES

Hi! My sister loves these video's! I don't live in LA but in WA. I really want a dog but I have one. I really am not happy that the dogs are getting hurt . I love HOPE FOR PAWS!!! I don't know why a lot of people are not liking them.

I hate tge fact people are giving soo much hate they need help to help those poor animals that they dont come rescue dogs in your state doesn't mean anything do it yourself they cant just travel each week we have to help them i donate because they are heroes watch their vids all the people saying their a scam is not about the people is about the animal that their lives are in danger .respect and they dont force u to donate u can donate even a dollar so everyone plz stop it.

I have watched many of HopeForPaws videos and am astounded by the many rescues they have performed. I have just joined the site and am looking forward to seeing all of their videos. Elded does a super job of filming them all and thereby helps us understand how HFP is helping stray and homeless dogs and cats. Good for you and I will become a regular donator.

I am soooooo disappointed with this rescue that I donate to every month. On our Neighborhood website, we were alerted to a homeless dog that has been living near a school for months. Hope for Paws was contacted and they said they would go out the next weekend (a few days later) and never did. They were contacted again and nothing. Very sad and disappointed. This dog needs help and Hope for Paws is not going to give it.

I have no issue with the practices of Hope for Paws (HFP). The are affiliated with approx. 35 other rescues. Having worked for a GSD rescue, that is what we do, it’s called networking and very effective. HFP also covers all vet bills ($$$) prior to passing the dogs on to the appropriate breed rescue., I don’t call that “dumping” the dog off, geez. When my GSD rescue found a Labrador retriever we would send it to a Lab rescue and vice versa.
I did make a $5.00 monthly donation to HFP and received a boilerplate email of confirmation and thanks. I’m totally cool with that - many companies that are efficient do that - banks, insurance companies...
I also looked into the reference link that I’ve seen posted here numerous times slamming this group and the link doesn’t even exist
I also volunteer making fancy websites and youtube videos for free for charitable causes and I don’t expect anything in return but I wouldn’t fault a charity if they did pay someone. So just because their product is well produced don’t assume they rip people off. All the negative crap here has weak arguments with links that don’t exist. I would be happy to know Eldad has a pool and gets paid $120,000 a year. Money well spent imho. Is he aloud to go on a vacation to a fancy resort or will people criticize that too? I guess he has to live in a crappy house to make you happy. Yes , there is no actual address but instead just a postal box, that’s not fishy that’s actually very common. Charities do that to lower our costs. Sometimes we work out of our homes. Best $5.00 I ever spent.

I would like to know where people that are trashing this organization get their information. It is imperative that you state where you get your information from to be credible.

I saw a female dog last night by Harris Ranch, I texted Paws emergency number, I emailed them, I called them this morning. Nothing happened! I could tell that female dog was breastfeeding and her puppies were somewhere close. I have been donating for Hope for Paws for years and I will stop it immediately. What a scam! I am very worried about that dog because she was going back and forth and crossing the busy highway filled with big trucks. No more donation to this organization! They are fake.

This is a trustworthy nonprofit that is rescuing hundreds and providing necessary medical care, which helps place animals in homes and avoid euthanasia. The videos they share on YouTube and Facebook help inspire individuals to action, whether it's calling in about an animal in danger, making a donation, or adopting a pet. If you visit ProPublica, you can find the 990s for Hope for Paws to understand their finances. And if you visit GuideStar, you can see that they have shared enough information to earn the gold seal. This is a small team with a very large impact.

I noticed several reviews stating that Hope for Paws did not send receipts for monthly donations. I make a monthly donation through Pay Pal and have always received a receipt through my email.

Their tax form for 2016 available here https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/full_text/201733199349315978/IRS990

Hope For Paws pulls animals -- mainly dogs -- off the streets, pays for their vet bills and general rehab out of the donations they are given, and then releases the dogs to other rescue organizations who then foster the dogs and take care of the business of finding them forever homes. It's a small organization that's received worldwide attention because of the expert videographer skills of its founder, Eldad Hagar. I see nothing wrong with his method of rescuing the dogs in this way and handing them off to other organizations. Those organizations agree to accept the animals and they get a plug in the credit page on his YouTube videos, which are seen by millions of avid fans.

As a regular donor, I am beginning to feel a little concern for the lack of transparency about how the funds he collects are being used. He has a website, but no financial information of any kind is posted on it. As a 501c3 I don't think he is required to post anything, but at this point his organization has surely collected millions and enjoys a steady income from the thousands of fans who are set up for regular monthly contributions. I would just like to see a pie chart, showing the amount of money that goes to veterinary care, administrative, personal salaries and so on. I would like to know who receives salary from Hope For Paws. I have seen nearly all the videos and as time has gone on, Eldad is taking less of an active role in the rescues. Many times, he is the one hanging back and videotaping everything and his lovely blond assistants are doing all the work. I would like some reassurance that Loreta and the other rescuers who work with him are not just donating their time and effort for free.

It is a good thing they are doing. Their video work calls attention to the plight of homeless animals in a way that few rescue organizations can match. Eldad and his team frequently venture into risky situations -- in landfills and garbage dumps, under freeways, in abandoned buildings -- where many rescue organizations do not go. They are brave, persistent and compassionate. A little -- a very little -- financial transparency would go a long way towards easing lingering doubts about their sincerity.

They found my dog and got it back to me. I thought he was dead and missing. They found him
When he was sick and paid for his health and found me. I almost fainted. They are a blessing for me and my family.

They are the best organization. Selfless people saving animals round the clock!! They have helped so many animals find better lives.

I do my research carefully and and am very impressed with this group.

I contacted Eldad from Hope For Paws when I was trying to rescue a dog who had been abandoned and was difficult to get to because he was scared of people. Eldad was willing to drive 40 miles outside L.A. at 1:00am to rescue this dog. I couldn't get help at that time of night from anyone but Hope For Paws. From everything I've seen, they are truly dedicated.

I made a monthly recurring donation of $50 after seeing some of the very emotional Hope for Paws videos. I became suspicious when I never received any acknowledgment of my donation though they are a 501(c) charity. I started to do some research and was left with very troubling questions, particularly about what happens to the dogs they rescue and the money they generate. Two months ago I tried to stop my monthly donation. Paypal said I had to contact them directly. I called several times and emailed (as directed by their voicemail). No one ever called back or responded by email. I was about to close my paypal account when they (paypal) finally stopped the donation. I contacted Hope for Paws and wrote I wanted that last $50 refunded since, for two months, I had tried to cancel the donation. Finally got an email saying there was nothing they could do about it.

All this has left me with a very bitter taste in my mouth and the belief this group uses the dogs to profit personally while hiding their income from the IRS. Give to your local rescue organization. I really believe they are crooks.

I SEE THEM RESCUE A LOT OF GREAT ANIMALS IN NEED ON THE INTERNET, THEY ARE AWESOME FOR WHAT THEY DO BY MAKING A BIG DIFFERENCE TO SAVE ANIMALS THAT ARE HOMELESS.

Eldad and his wonderful group of angels are the most patient of rescuers i have ever seen. and the fact that they also follow through with the animals long after their rescue speaks volumes about their characters,
anyone who can help these angels please volunteer some time to them. they also have a wish list on Amazon you can donate to.

Hats off to u guys dat ur helping out these poor dogs and giving encouragement to people like me to do the same.I'm from India.I'm an IT professional.yesterday I saw a dog hit by a bike and was lyin on the pavement suffering from pain. Her spinal was totally damaged.we didn't realise dat then. We wanted to help out dat dog becoz we couldn't leave her dere to die.so we searched out for a pet clinic where she could be diagnosed. Bt in India we don have such facilities in every place. Finally we took her to a petclinic where she was given first aid.but d doctor said she has oly 35% chance of survival since her spinal was totally damaged n bleeding from inside.her veins were burstin and dat she was in her last stage.but if we had d facility she could survive.we also informed blue cross about dis but they refused to come n take the injured dog.even if dey take her.they vil let her die.people like me r totally helpless even if we want to help injured dogs.please is there a solution to this.I would be a very happy person if this rescue organisation is set up in India in my state especially.

I emailed them saying I would like to volunteer. They sent me a message saying they don't need anymore volunteers. I have also reached out to them regarding abandoned dogs and never got a response.

I give to several animal rescue/ rehabilitation groups ranging from Center for Biological Diversity (U.S.) to Animal Aid (India) to IAR (International Animal Rescue based in U.K. but right now strongest presence is in Indonesia doing incredible work helping rescue orphaned Orangutans). I used to try to assess if a charity was "donation worthy" based on ratings given out by organizations such as Charity Navigator and Charity Watch. However, the reality is that some groups simply do not meet the matrix that these watchdogs groups require to be rated (or more likely the rating systems used are so incredibly narrow and concentrate on very rigid criteria as is perfectly illustrated in peer review Stanford Social Innovation Review, "The Ratings Game," Summer of 2005, that many really great charities look terrible on paper and thus do not volunteer). As such, I go back to relying on what many people relied on for hundreds of years before charity watchdog groups existed; Worth of mouth.

Hope for Paws receives so much attention, almost all very very positive, that I find it very hard to believe that Eldad Hagar is running some kind of sham. The ONLY negative feedback that I have seen about the organization seems to be the repetition of the SAME "observation"(that is a very generous use of the word within the context of what they said about Mr. Hagar). The initial "report" came from a Facebook in 2013 page titled The Good, The Bad, and The Unforgivable of Animal Cruelty.

Then later that same year FreeNewsPos "reported" about "Many rumors have surrounded Eldad Hagar and his Hope for Paws rescue for the last few years now," which was just a regurgitation of the Facebook page The Good, The Bad, and The Unforgivable of Animal Cruelty which talked about "rumors" of Eldad receiving $15,000 in donations to rescue 100 dogs which it purport that were life "to die." The "news article" offers absolutely no support for its allegations making one of the first sentences about "many rumors" an accurate description of its own "article."

The only evidence offered was a reference to a court case July 7, 2010, in a lawsuit for nonpayment to Top Dog Resort for boarding fees, Hope for Paws lost. After researching this further I found out that that the complaint originates in what is known as the Palmdale Arizona Dogs. In 2010 Mr. Hagar and his former partner Sharon Gold discovered the gruesome site of over 100 dogs on a property in the desert where they were dying of hunger, of thirst, neglect...Hagar and Gold stepped up to help all of the dogs. A monumental task for such a fledgling organization (they had only been formed since the very end of 2008 according to Charity Navigator profile). They likely took on more than they could financially and logistically handle, thus the inability to pay Top Dog Resort for some of the rescued dogs brought to them. This "article" also report that Ms. Gold has since gone to jail for "embezzlement." I scoured everything I could about Ms. Gold but was not able to find the legal case. I was able to see, however, that whatever happened with Ms. Gold she is no longer involved with Hope for Paws and apparently has not been for some time. She may very well have embezzled money, I do not know as I could not find the court case or the ruling.

The opinion pieces written about the Palmdale Arizona Dogs and Ms. Gold would have kept me from donating had I not researched the issue further. The allegations of calling the founder of Hope for Paws a "fraud" all seem to be based upon that initial Facebook page that "reported" its impression of the Palmdale Arizona Dogs. The whole "article" is an opinion piece. What became more disturbing is when I dug even a little deeper and decided I should research the entity behind the strident attacks against Hope for Paws and found that the individual who has made some of the loudest attacks against Hope for Paws is herself under investigation for animal hoarding and cruelty. I had heard that there is an underbelly in the world of animal rescue and that rather than working together groups can find themselves at each others throats because they are in such desperate need of donations that some get to the point of feeling like the only way to survive another day is to undermine its "competition," and often times the groups struggling to survive will band together, so to speak in an attempt to take down a group, or groups , that are doing exceptionally well. I never ever believed that anyone involved with helping animals COULD EVER behave in such a way. I was so wrong.

What is nice to see though is that Hope for Paws has survived these attacks, at least so far they have. They continue to focus on their work. When I watch these videos I do not feel manipulated. This guy obviously loves these creatures. I read some posts where people state that they feel quality of the video and the music proves the point that Hope for Paws' focus is on getting money by enticing people through high quality video. Really? He takes video that are pretty darn close in "production value" to what I am able to capture on my phone. Then he attaches music to it before uploading to his site. So, let's get honest about THAT. I don't know of any 13 year old who cannot do the exact same thing with his or her smartphone and a desktop. The fact is that it is NOT how he captures these rescues on video it is HOW HE RESCUES these abandoned creatures that nobody else wants, that everyone else has ignored for weeks, months, years, that nobody else wants to crawl around in sewers or garbage dumps for, and that some people did not really have a problem with Mr. Hagar doing until his videos started to become popular.

The first wave of negative commenting came at the end of 2013. All of the commenting was based on opinions about Mr. Hagar and the Palmdale Arizona dogs rescue in 2010. People (other "rescue groups" maybe?) did not make public grievances against Hope for Paws until 3 years after the "problem." What seems most significant is that Hope for Paws did not begin receiving this criticism until after mainstream media began writing positive stories the organization and Mr. Hagar .


As far as donations are concerned, from what I have read Hope for Paws is a solid charity. It seems to have a built a really good network of fosters and rescues (which oddly its critics think is a bad thing. Perhaps they are not update with newer models that show that the traditional stand-alone brick and mortar "shelter" is not necessarily the best way. The most successful groups out there are networks of volunteers). What I also like is that Hope for Paws takes on the grooming and MEDICAL costs of the animals that it rescues, and if the handful of videos I have watched of the many sickly dogs living in deplorable conditions is any indication, those initial medical costs must seem overwhelming. Indeed, I did read an interview with Mr. Hagar and his wife and they had acknowledged that the medical costs are "astronomical." It does not seem quite fair to criticize Hope for Paws for not being a full service rescue group as they have never identified themselves as such. They are the first stage in the rescue process a stage that is often times the most expensive for dogs that are coming in physically ill.

I feel confident about donations I have given them. The one thing that I would not mind seeing would be a more specific breakdown of how much it spends on those initial emergency grooming and medical bills. I think showing those numbers would be very worthwhile and would be helpful in curbing the effects of what really is seeming more and more like baseless attacks and Mr. Hagar and his charity.

I signed up to give a monthly donation after seeing many videos of their rescues. I live in the UK, where the worlds biggest, most profitable animal charity, the RSPCA is based. The work hope for paws does puts them to absolute shame, their officers very rarely go out of their way to help injured and suffering animals and most would never spend time gaining an animals trust in order to rescue it. They'd just deem it dangerous and put it down. We have major problems with abandoned horses over here and the mo, and they're being left to starve as the worlds richest charity claims it has no funds to rescue them and house them. Ordinary people are what makes a difference and if you're not happy or convinced re hope for paws then get off your backsides and do something meaningful yourselves.

Animal rescues is a very heartbreaking, dirty and in a lot times can seem thankless. But the animals are always thankful and that's what really matters. Unfortunately, in order to continue with rescues the people who run Hope for Paws and all the rest have to rely on donations from "people". That's were everyone runs into trouble. There are always some people who are not happy unless they have something to complain about.
I have been reading other reviews and I find some of them to be of a selfish nature. But the one by Sally Hansen in July 2014 that was so negative, heck she wasn't even reviewing the right charity. She is complaining about an organization called Hope for Life not Hope for Paws. If you are going to give a negative review, do you think you could take the time to get it on the correct site. It showed you have negatively influenced a number of people against the Wrong organization. You have stolen money away from Hope for Paws and the animals they rescue because of your whining that they were rude to you. Again let me say you are complaining about the wrong organization. Well maybe the people at Hope for LIfe had reason not fawn all over you. I believe you said you were court ordered, so you weren't even there cause you cared about the animals. Get over yourself and quit being selfish. It is about helping animals, not about you. If you have to see and deal with the kind of suffering these people do day in and day out, you have to release it through humour that outsiders do not understand. Doctors, nurses, firefighters etc. all share this type of "humour" or they would go nuts.
The people wanting personal Thank Yous should stop & think. Consider the fact that these people are to busy to sit down & send out little thank you notes because they are to busy taking care of these poor animals. You contributed to Hope For Paws because you saw a video/videos that impressed you. So you can still be impressed because they are still out there helping animals not sitting in some office sending out little thank you notes.

This organization does a great service by rescuing strays AND showing their work on youtube so people are inspired to get involved with animal welfare wherever they live.

It's frustrating that some REVIEWS are for OTHER ORGANIZATIONS with similar names! Examples:
- October 23, 2014, 1-star review talks about a bad experience with "shelter staff" and the "cat house." Hope for Paws in California, run by Eldad Hagar, rescues stray dogs and does not have a shelter or cat house.
- July 28, 2014, 1-star review describes experiences volunteering for "Paws for Life" in Pueblo - clearly not the same organization!
Guidestar and GreatNonprofits: does your system have a way to prevent and/or remove misplaced reviews??

As someone who's worked with nonprofits on management and fundraising matters, I'll add this:
Hope for Paws has grown a lot over the past year in terms of donations and visibility. It's a relatively young organization and a small organization (very few staff). It appears they have independent accounting professionals preparing their financials/IRS filings, and they're doing the right things by expanding their board to include some outside people.

While I can understand the August 28, 2014, comment about not receiving a thank-you note for a generous gift, I can also appreciate that Hope for Paws has grown so dramatically that they probably haven't set up systems to process the volume of donations they're now receiving (donations nearly quadrupled when you compare 2012 and 2013 IRS filings - the most recent available). Small nonprofits with virtually no staff often struggle with things like donor relations when they need to scale up quickly. I hope Hope for Paws keeps its grassroots spirit while making the adjustments that come with increased donations and visibility.

The reviewers who are giving anything less than a four or five star are you sure your review is for "Hope for Paws Animal Rescue" run by Eldad Hagar? I am a monthly donor and I could not be more in awe of what that man and his assistants do. I do not expect a special thank you, my thank you is watching the videos of him saving the animals. I thank him for what he does.

I don't know this group other then through their videos. IF they are fake then they will be caught. Scammers generally don't like lots of publicity. These people take the general public into their facilities, unlike some of the big name animal charities that do TV commercials but never show the doctors or people involved. The complaints I see are generally people who complain that they were not thanked enough for their donation. I guess they are the type who only donate for their own gratification and don't really care about the cause. For those treated suspiciously when trying to adopt, I guess that you are too stupid to realize that gang members and dog fighters often try to adopt dogs for their own evil purposes. Do you really want this group to NOT be careful and hand over these rescued dogs to just anyone? As for the guy that complained about their inappropriate humor among themselves: People who have to deal daily with the results of human cruelty often use that type of humor to blow off steam. I have seen it with cops and prison guards. IF that is what they have to do in order to avoid internalizing it and then taking it out violently on the first person they see mistreating an animal, so be it. Get over it.
Personally, I came here looking for evidence of funds mishandling before I donate. All I found was a bunch of self involved whiners who don't have the guts to get out there and do the hard work these people do. I also found a lot (most of the reviews) of good people who want to help an organization that has taken on a thankless task.

We have donated to Hope for Paws for several years. I don't understand the person who wrote her grandson did not get a "thank you". I just sent in a donation on line and had a receipt from PayPal within moments, followed by a "thank you" email from Hope for Paws. Like others on this site we don't care if Eldan sends a more personal thank you...the online one is fine. We'd rather he and his wife spend their time and money rescuing dogs in need. Thank you, Hope for Paws, for all you do for these poor, abused animals. I only wish you would move up to the San Francisco Bay Area...we need you here, too.

I would have given this shelter 0 stars but the one star is for the cat house. I had a horrible experience at PAWS. I felt profiled and discriminated against by the shelter staff when we went to look at adopting a dog. I recomend to never contribute money to this shelter if they continue to treat people so bad.

Happy to see positive reviews for Hope for Paws.

The "1 Star" review by the grandparents of a boy who donated his birthday money & didn't receive a "thank you" bothered me, though. By giving, the boy knows he did a wonderful thing. If it is from the heart he doesn't need a written thank you.

It would be nice, but if those "thanks" don't come from the PEOPLE running the organization (they might be VERY busy!) why are you hurting the ANIMALS who benefit from these donations? The grandson sounds very mature & generous....not so much the grandparents.

I paid with PayPal and received a receipt within minutes via email. I'm not a man of faith. There has to be pressing circumstances that require me to go down that path. I doubt these people are complete scammers. In fact, I think there is a chance that these are extremely compassionate people, and considering what's at stake with these poor animals, I think it's worth the risk to invest in them. I don't care whether they acknowledge me or not. They probably receive thousands of donations every month. Imagine how much time running this show takes out of their lives.

Hope For Paws is my number one organization to donate to. I have so much respect and admiration for Eldad Hagar and the people that join with him in rescues and make it possible for animals to get a new start in life.

I don't care if I ever meet a famous political figure or movie star. I would however, love to meet Eldad and shake his hand. He is an inspiration to us all.

If I could change anything it would be that I lived close enough to join him in his efforts. I'd arrive with a big box of cheeseburgers, warm blankets and extra boxes in case puppies were involved!

I have learned a great deal about rescuing animals by watching his videos.

TO pawstogether, gilbrailey, stevenc123... let me say a few things. One, it's well known that there is ONE very unbalanced woman out there with a serious hate on for Eldad and his organization. She spreads the misinformation about the "evils" done by HFP, but if you exercised your intelligence and did some more research, you would find that there is nothing which backs up her lies and that there is more evidence against HER, including groups who are protesting that she's allowed to spread her filth unabated. She should be sued for libel. As for getting receipts or not answering calls, is that your requirement of a non-profit who deals in rescuing animals? I want to keep seeing videos of Eldad out at all hours of the morning rescuing dogs. SO what if I don't get a receipt (by the way, if you contribute online all you have to do is print your donation confirmation, et voila!). Lastly, HFP doesn't manage the adoptions. They work with other agencies which do. Every video tells you exactly who to contact if you want to adopt. So do a little work of your own, quit expecting to be catered to like a 5 year old with no skills at navigating the world. All of that said, quit picking on an agency that is doing incredible work just to vent your own narcissistic unhappiness. I gladly donate to HFP and trust that they use my money to save more dogs. And I'm a cat person! I have no interest in getting a leash or a tote bag or a t shirt for my donation. I wish I could give more.

As a retiree I have a limited amount of money available for donating to worthy causes. The tireless efforts by Hope for Paws to rescue animals have made them the top of my list. I believe this organization is the real deal and I encourage everyone who will listen to help with whatever they can afford. I make a small monthly donation and my sister in law and I have challenged all Facebook friends to do the same. I don't believe Eldad can fake the rescues shown in the videos and I absolutely love how he shares credit for rescues. I pray this group gets more TV coverage and publishes more videos to increase their resources by manyfold to support more rescues.

I "discovered" Hope for Paws a couple of years ago and periodically make small donations. I use PayPal and get receipts through that. Once I answered a plea for a small donation and the first 500 donors would receive a lucky leash! I donated then promptly forgot about the offer. A couple of weeks later I received a leash and note thanking me personally for my donation in the mail! Elgar and his wife seem very sincere in videos, email and on Facebook. Tonight I saw a very negative article on Hope for Paws with no references, unsigned, and since I didn't believe it, started searching for more info and found this site with the message from a health professional who works directly with Eldad Hagar. I believe that the rescue is genuine and will continue to send small donations which I also send to other animal charities.

There is a mentally deranged, stalker woman in the animal rescue community and although I will not post her name others know exactly who I am referring to and it is very likely this same scary individual is behind all the negative reviews for Hope For Paws.
Hope for Paws has an exemplary record and reputation and Eldad is a saint. He is constantly busy which may explain not getting responses right away.

Congratulations to wolfii001 for making the most moronic comments.
It is a common knowledge that CEO of ASPCA makes over $500K a year. So the next person considering donating to those big organizations...think about it, you just may be paying for their vacation on Bora Bora


HOPE FOR PAWS IS A GREAT ORGANIZATION TO DONATE TO.
THANKS FOR WHAT YOU DO

Stumbled upon Hope for Paws while looking up a water rescue dog story. The patience, compassion and empathy exhibited in their rescues is one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen, and I'm pushing 60 and have been around the world. I happily donated and purchased the "lucky leashes" and photo. I feel good about them and wish I could do more. I will, when I can. Meantime I received an instant tax deductible receipt, which I didn't expect. The web site is well organized and easy to navigate. For Doubting Thomas types, it is well worth a visit.

I also got an email receipt and confirmation almost immediately. I wonder if the people that did not may have put down their email incorrectly. I feel this is a good, reputable charity and would recommend them if you are considering donating.

Shouldn't you make a donation from the goodness of your heart! If you need a damn receipt don't make a donation, it's NOT the reason you should be doing it!! Wouldn't you rather they be out rescuing animals in need than sending a receipt? They are a rather small group maybe it 's far more important to save a life than to send you a piece of paper so you feel you got something for your donation!

have donated once due to their videos...tried to contact to offer them a grant through my employer but never recieved any responses...either they don't care or it is a scam. What oranisation refueses d to follow up on donations and NEVER answers the phone??

I have noticed that many people have given low ratings to HFP due to the organization not sending receipts of any kind after a donation is made. We donated in October of 2013 and received a letter and thank you note for our donation shortly after the beginning of the year. It was not a large donations of any means, just a few hundred dollars. I am sure the delay is due to tax season when they go through donations with a fine toothed comb. If you pay online through paypal, a receipt is always sent shortly after a donation is made. This organization does great things for the LA community and giving them a low rating based on how quickly they send a receipt is unfair. I hope the reviewers that did not receive a prompt receipt can look past this and look more towards the amazing work they do for homeless forgotten animals.

Not everyone wants to donate online these days and you'd think they could send some kind of receipt when you provide them with a self-addressed stamped envelope... but nope, someone sending in a couple hundred bucks isn't worth their time apparently.

Watched a video that asked me to donate five dollars. Went online to read the reviews. Took a chance. Received an immediate email receipt with confirmation number back once my paypal payment had been processed that said among other information "THIS DONATION IS TAX DEDUCTIBLE."

Ive donated for the last few months, i am suspicious now as they have never acknowledged it or receipted it at all. I will put a stop t it now.

Don't pay any attention to wolffie001 she is Michelle Lynn Shaw Wolff BELL is a fraud & convicted felon see http://www.ripoffreport.com/r/the-stinking-rose-farm/williams-arizona-863046/the-stinking-rose-farm-victoria-uszenski-scam-dead-beat-black-widow-user-fraud-liar-1093658

And has started a hate campaign against Hope for Paws along with other animal rescue orgs. The woman is a crook that attacks people because even her own animals don't like her.

Hope for Paws backers, and works speak for themselves. She is just a loser that can't get it together enough to be a real animal activist. So she thinks if she can make everyone else look bad then some light will be shined on her... Look her up. She is in hot water with a lot of people she has slandered. One woman killed herself after this woman tried to ruin her life.

For the people saying they "got no receipt", if you donated online and provided your email address... Eldad will send a same-day receipt via email. I donated today and received the receipt within a few hours.

I am saddened by the negative reviews of this organization. Unfortunately, the rescue community in Los Angeles can be a tumultuous arena. Equally as sad, there are still more than enough animals that need our help. Eldad and Audrey are thoroughly committed to the welfare of these animals. I have personally received street dogs from them that are beyond fully vetted. They do NOT cut corners at all when it comes to the medical care of these rescues I have the pages and pages of medical that is released to me with each rescue. I am also astounded that people have an aversion to non profits who are animal rescuers actually getting paid a salary. BUT, people continue to donate to the BIG NAME organizations where the salaries are astronomical. The head of the ASPCA New York, makes upwards of $511,000 per year. The small guy has NO right to make a salary it seems. Huh??? Look at the other non profits of the world. Do people really think that the Red Cross or the Salvation Army runs solely on volunteers? I find that animal rescue is the only area in the non profit world that there is controversy regarding a salary.

I just saw a video about Troy, the pit bull. I love the way the rescue was handled, in that the man was so gentle with Troy in order to earn his trust in that short time, this is my first donation to Hope for Paws and I hope it goes to the care of these unfortunate and mistreated dogs and cats, I hope to hear and see more rescue stories, so that I can and will donate again.

Eldad is amazing! His group is very deserving. Go watch his videos saving dogs. This is a very worthy organization.

I have followed this charity for years. I think they are the best. I have donated several times and I know my money is going to such a great cause. They do so much good and I am thrilled to be a member and contribute to their great works.

In general, when I make a donation, I get a recipt with a Tax ID but not with Hope for paws.
In addition, I am getting my company to match my donation, however the donation dept. told me that they are unable to contact Hope for Paws for W9 form.
I am a bit worry.
I have emailed and left VM for Eldad but no response.

Just saw them on National Geographic Channel this week. Professional, courteous-fan of the videos. One gets to see the animal transformation instead of second hand information. Really teaches people/My kids are addicted. Inspiring/ well deserved kudos. Know their stuff. Proof of how a small ngo can have more impact than a large multi million dollar nonprofit.

I love hope for paws!!! We think Eldad is a modern day hero. This organization has more attention than most non profit animal rescues and yet they are the most humble, caring,, hard working and most importantly, GET THE JOB DONE.

I have watched Eldad Hagar "the real dog whisperer" spend HOURS to save not one, not two, but FIVE terrified dogs off out of a garbage laden yard, pay for their injuries and each found a lovely home away from the disgusting street they were living by. Two were adopted together and live up my block. I am a proud donor.

I am always finding stray and abandoned animals and have called and bothered Mr. Hagar more than I care to admit and said "I know this is a longshot and even if you catch the dog, she is injured..." and he always says yes. He not only tries, he succeeds. He has a talent and a willingness to say yes when the rest don't even answer you back Who else does this? There is a reason why this group gets so much praise. They get results.

Hope for paws saved my dog's life! My poor little girl was once living in a very bad place and the neighbors called many people to save her when her other owners left her! but nobody else could do it except for amazing El-dad Hagar. She was very scared and her coat, my goodness was a mess! He was so patient with her and she trusted him and I have the photos from that first day in the car so sad. I believe she was abused and hit by cars. El-dad rushed her to his pet doctor and he paid for her surgery on her leg to be fixed. She also had many problems with her teeth and nails that had never been cut. Hope for Paws took care of my baby (before I even knew she was my Princess) Then when she was healthy and clean.The Bill Foundation was her foster parents and had her at their adoption day where I met her and the rest is history.

The Hope for paws group never asked me for ANYTHING in donations or solicited me or my husband and I did not know that they are the gang to save all the lives like the blind dog until a friend's niece sent a video on email from a news story and said "they are the ones who saved her! I knew my Princess was famous. My husband sent a check the next day. I only donate to two animal charities. Hope for Paws and The Bill Foundation. Thank you.
C.

The work of Eldad and Audrey Hagar has had a serious impact on the Los Angeles rescue community in the most positive of ways. They have donated to countless local rescues (I confirmed this was true with each rescue), along with helping individuals rescue, vet and adopt out animals others couldn't.

The key to their success is knowing their strengths and how to best use their time. Eldad has superior skills at rescuing the hardest dogs, cats, etc and providing them with high quality medical care. He then generously donates to top notch rescues to foster and place these animals in loving homes. By doing so, he not only insures he has the time to rescue those others can't, but he builds the community by introducing his followers to other rescues that are doing great work.

He's a maven in his field and helping to pave the way for a great future for rescued animals.

If they are "living off of the donation money"...They also foster dogs in that home and that is where the rehabilitation and socializing work is done that these dogs desperately need . Sound perfectly reasonable to me....the lengths they go to rescue these dogs, that is priceless!

I have worked with this organization, and very disappointed with them. They do rescue dogs, HOWEVER only to highly publicize the rescue in order to get more money donations, of which they spend about 1/3 on the dogs, the rest goes to them to live off of.

A friend of mine in animal rescue told me there is a group called "hope for paws" who helped save the life of one of their dogs who had a broken pelvis and a broken leg. Hope for Paws payed for all of his medical bills, donated to the foster home bills -saved his life and how he has a home and a good life. They are very special people. I watched one video, then two, then I stayed up all night and I thought, " I have to meet these people. I had lunch with Eldad who explained that they don't just save animals, they pay for all of their medical bills as well as the medical bills of so many other animals of the organizations and rescuers they work with. They partner with other charities to make a difference. They believe in paying it forward. I was and am so impressed with their ability to save so many animals and see the before and afters.. I also saw in the news this WEEK that Eldad saved a dog who was about to be shot that nobody else could save for three years. I told you they were special.

Top notch organization that goes out on the streets and rescues some of the most desperate and needy animals, mostly dogs. After the rescue, they help socialize the animal, get the animal cleaned and to the vet. They work collaboratively with many highly respected rescue and adoption groups in the Los Angeles area to arrange foster and adoption for the animals. The donations support the rescue work and veterinary care. They also promote animal rescue through the distribution of rescue videos that demonstrate techniques for rescue and also demonstrate that most stray / street animals can be saved and adopted into loving homes if given a chance and loving care. I've volunteered with rescues and shelters for over 20 years -- this one provides services and a message in a way that few others are able to. Occasionally rumors surface from years ago -- I have researched the rumors and they are not true. This group has earned my respect and gratitude and recommendation for their ongoing dedication to the neediest of animals.

I am a recurring donor. Hope for Paws has saved more animals and in return made people's lives so much better in doing so. There is a reason that Anderson Cooper and Kristin Chenoweth are fans. This group has renewed faith in so many for paying for the surgeries of animals who would otherwise be killed on the streets. They work night and day to save the voiceless. Eldad is the most incredible caring man Ive ever seen.. the families who get his dogs are so grateful and the dogs and cats get a second chance of life. He and his crew are the envy of the rescue world. xoxo _SL-devoted donor, friend, and adopter of Reggie

So many reviews on the same date! WARNING! WARNING! WARNING! There's some really bad info on these people! SCAM! SCAM! SCAM! Poor dogs don't deserve people like this!

Eldad Hagar is a magician of pet rescue. He and his wonderful wife Audrey are dedicated to preventing cruelty to animals. Numerous suffering homeless animals have been saved and gone on to live happy adopted lives due to their efforts. Eldad meekly rescues dogs and cats and other non-human animals in the most difficult of circumstances. Sometimes this involves entering very dangerous territory where crime or environmental factors impact everything. He is nimble enough to simultaneously take photos and make video recordings of his rescues while he is undertaking them. He then produces brief fascinating artistic video stories online and is a genius of social media in getting these stories out to millions of people. He engages with his fans and is a model for them if they want to rescue dogs and cats and other critters as he does. Eldad and Audrey published in 2008 an exquisite "coffee table" book "Our Lives Have Gone to the Dogs" which sold out in two reprintings. Moreover they encouraged buyers of the book to donate them to children in hospitals. When brilliant rescuers are able to share heartwarming stories with others, learning takes place that helps more and more individuals respect the hugely constructive bond between humans and their pets and the rest of the natural world. Day by day, Eldad and Audrey lessen the divide between modern human society and nature. Eldad and Audrey are responsive to requests from other reputable individuals' and organizations' in regard to their animal-related endeavors. Geography is no limitation. Wherever in the USA or world Eldad happens upon animals in need, he quickly jumps in to create a solution. If he is called to help 3,000 miles away, he will get on a plane if there is a means to do so. If he needs a couple of other experts or an army to assist, he is magically able to summon them in short order. All the while, Eldad is a selfless man who sets the bar high for humility and service. As the late great animal communicator and author Ted Andrews would say, Eldad and Audrey are certainly doing their part to assist civilization.

Is it possible to donnate from Chile?
I would really like to help or contribute with something for this great cause...

As an animal lover and longtime supporter of animal nonprofits, I must say that the work that Hope for Paws does is truly incredible. I am continually amazed by Eldad's amazing rescue tactics and Audrey's knowledge and passion. They make great use of social media - if you haven't seen any of their rescue videos yet, they are a must watch! Great job, Hope For Paws! Thank you for all that you do.

I am always amazed at the wonderful work eldad and audrey do. They are trustworthy and they have huge hearts -always there to rescue, nurture and get medical help for so many animals. I will happily continue to donate to HOPE FOR PAWS - i am moved and impressed each time i watch eldad's posts.

I am a journalist and blogger. I have been writing about pets and wildlife for the past five years. In addition to writing for Family Circle and the NY Daily News, I write a blog called Pet News and Views. I also wrote a book called "The Everything Guide to Working with Animals" (Adams Media). So, I have met many people who work with and on behalf of animals. I have interviewed hundreds of people in the field, and when I think of those in this industry that I admire the most I always think of Audrey and Eldad Hagar. They are kind, selfless, caring individuals who spend countless hours rescuing stray and injured animals.
They are heroes.
Their nonprofit Hope For Paws has rescued hundreds of dogs and cats. They do not profit from this--only in goodwill from their many fans.
As I said, I am a journalist, and I have interviewed them, and know them. They are honest and caring. They have helped so many pets and so many people. Many of us don't think about this, but bringing pets together with people, not only helps the pets. So many people have benefited from their kindness.
And in am in awe of Eldad. He has rescued dogs from highways and some pretty scary neighborhoods.
We are a lot better off because of Hope for Paws.

I have been following their trajectory since they started, and I remain impressed not only with their hands-on work, but the way they run their organization. Great mission, lovely people.

I love hope for paws. I am a monthly donor. I am very impressed with this charity. They are hard working, trustworthy, wonderful people. There work is nothing short of miraculous. I have seen the animals they rescue both in video and in person. I have never met a charity that has had their ceo available day and night. Great people, doing God's work!

False non-profit. Founders use profits to purchase televisions and other non-mandatory items and deny that people even donated in the first place. SCAM

This organization does so much to help animals. They rescue animals before they're about to be euthanized. They rescue animals off the street and from shelters. They spread information and awareness about abuse as well as common misconceptions. They've saved so many animals' lives and continue to do so while inspiring many others to do the same.

I would like to volunteer but I live in Mississippi ...

I have donated money and worked with Eldad and Audrey for many years and I know for a fact that they are an upstanding rescue that uses all the money that is donated for medication, food, vet care and more all to help unfortunate animals. They put here heart and soul into everything they do and treat each animal they rescue with respect and humanity as should all rescue orginizations. They are heroes in my eyes!:-)

I am very suspicious of this organization. I have already paid them money, but this time after seeing one of their videos featuring Troy, I contacted them to see if I could rescue him. No reply. Also if they are spending their time rescuing dogs, where is their list of dogs that need to be rehomed? Nowhere and I have searched long and hard. If they really rescued these dogs they would be desperate for people to give them homes, but there is nothing about this, no way you can adopt a dog at all. I am furious that these people are making money out of kind hearted people who only want to help animals. Also their "website" is non-existent - they only advertise for money through Facebook. I think they are a scam.

Eldad Hagar spends all of his days and all of his nights saving animals. He is a hero.

I have volunteered with this charity for several years and they are the most wonderful people. They will go out at all hours in dangerous neigbhorhoods, to save lives and pay for not only their animals medical bills but have helped out so many other charities as well. it is a shame someone would spread lies about them-it is the unscrupulous charities who do it that have asked for money that Hope for Paws refuses to give to them because they are bad rescuers. Eldad and Hope for Paws are the rescuers' rescuers. They will help when nobody else will or can. I cannot say enough good things about them and I have volunteered with many LA based animal charities and these are the only group I have seen who are loved by the vets because they pay their bills on time and do not engage in competition like so many others.

Not what I expected. They used dogs to make a profit in May 2010 in Palmdale then again in AZ. They took in thousands of dollars in donations and Petsmart Charity grant...and NONE of the money went to the rescue of over 100 dogs they removed from the properties and then DUMPED in boarding. They just took the money, and off they went. Terrible to make money in the name of "rescue". Then they just started making videos of dogs they say they found on the streets.....and they don't even find them homes etc...they pawn them off on other groups AFTER they've asked for more donations for them. They are a false rescue group that profits and commits FRAUD!!!!