ABOUT US
Our Mission
Hooves & Paws Animal Rescue is a nonprofit animal rescue organization which provides a safe haven for unwanted, abused and homeless animals. Once healthy and rehabilitated at Hooves & Paws, rescued animals are available for adoption. Animals who are not adopted are guaranteed lifelong care at our sanctuary.

Hooves & Paws Animal Rescue was created to help abused, homeless and unwanted animals. Since 2002, we have been working every single day to rescue needy animals and provide them with lifelong sanctuary. When we started Hooves & Paws, we saw a need for a safe haven for dogs, cats, horses and farm animals who had nowhere else to go; and from the very first animal to come to our sanctuary, we have been filling that need. Very few organizations in the world are able to rescue the variety and number of animals we rescue and provide them with lifelong care. That is what makes the work of Hooves & Paws so unique and so important.
With a small staff of volunteers and limited resources, Hooves & Paws has saved and continues to save a remarkable number of animals. When we rescue animals and provide them care at our sanctuary, their comfort and happiness is our top priority. The animals who come to Hooves & Paws have their own stories, come from different backgrounds and find our rescue in different ways; however, they all have one thing in common – no one else wanted them and no one else would save them. Our goal is to help these animals heal both physically and psychologically from their past abuse. By providing them with time, love, care and the companionship of human and animal friends, we encourage their overall health and happiness.
In addition to saving the lives of needy animals, we work daily to spread the seeds of compassion so that the world is a better place for all. By inviting children and adults to visit our sanctuary, we are sharing our mission and the importance of our work.
Thanks to the help of our volunteers, donors and supporters, we are able to make the biggest difference in these animals lives and give them the second chance they deserve.
We hope you will join us and support our life-saving work as well. We believe that every animal deserves a home and a happy life and we work tirelessly every day to make that a reality for abused, homeless and unwanted animals. With your help, we can do so much more.
With a small staff of volunteers and limited resources, Hooves & Paws has saved and continues to save a remarkable number of animals. When we rescue animals and provide them care at our sanctuary, their comfort and happiness is our top priority. The animals who come to Hooves & Paws have their own stories, come from different backgrounds and find our rescue in different ways; however, they all have one thing in common – no one else wanted them and no one else would save them. Our goal is to help these animals heal both physically and psychologically from their past abuse. By providing them with time, love, care and the companionship of human and animal friends, we encourage their overall health and happiness.
In addition to saving the lives of needy animals, we work daily to spread the seeds of compassion so that the world is a better place for all. By inviting children and adults to visit our sanctuary, we are sharing our mission and the importance of our work.
Thanks to the help of our volunteers, donors and supporters, we are able to make the biggest difference in these animals lives and give them the second chance they deserve.
We hope you will join us and support our life-saving work as well. We believe that every animal deserves a home and a happy life and we work tirelessly every day to make that a reality for abused, homeless and unwanted animals. With your help, we can do so much more.
Our Facility
Where rescued animals start over
The Hooves & Paws Animal Adoption & Rescue Center Facility is currently home to about 150 animals, including dogs, horses and farm animals.
Our animals are rescued from a variety of situations. Many of our animals are saved from death row at city and county animal rescue centers or from owners who can no longer care for them. Most of the animals at our animal adoption & rescue center are here because they were suffering from severe abuse and neglect or because they are facing certain death by euthanasia or slaughter.
Our animals are rescued from a variety of situations. Many of our animals are saved from death row at city and county animal rescue centers or from owners who can no longer care for them. Most of the animals at our animal adoption & rescue center are here because they were suffering from severe abuse and neglect or because they are facing certain death by euthanasia or slaughter.

Upon arriving at our animal adoption & rescue center, all of our rescued animals are examined by veterinarians from local animal clinics and are provided with the recommended veterinary treatments. Alleviating pain is of utmost importance. Animals who are ill or injured are provided with round the clock care. Many of the animals we rescue completely recover from their past abuse and are great candidates for adoption into new permanent homes. However, some of our animals are not ready for adoption because they will require special care for the rest of their lives so they will continue to live at our sanctuary. These animals may be of advanced age or have disabilities or deformities. These animals usually require special medication and have special dietary needs. While at our sanctuary, all of our animals receive quality feed and soft bedding. They also receive daily exercise, affection and plenty of treats. Animal comfort and happiness is our daily priority.
Our Staff and Volunteers

Hooves & Paws animal rescue is a volunteer based animal sanctuary in Littlerock, California. Our animals are cared for on a daily basis by a very dedicated group of volunteers. Our volunteers are available 24 hours a day to provide the animals with round the clock care when sick or injured. All animal caregivers are carefully trained to provide the best care and treatment for all our rescued dogs and other animals.

Michele Padilla- President and C0-founder
Michele Padilla has extensive experience with animals. Since an early age she has had an affinity for animals and pets. Michele has earned a B.S. in Animal Science and Management from the University of California at Davis. While at UC Davis, she participated in a number of internships at the campus veterinary hospital as well as at campus horse and farm animal facilities. Following graduation, Michele volunteered with and worked for a number of Los Angeles area animal rescue organizations and veterinary hospitals. She has dedicated her life to helping animals and to promoting a more compassionate world for all.
Michele Padilla has extensive experience with animals. Since an early age she has had an affinity for animals and pets. Michele has earned a B.S. in Animal Science and Management from the University of California at Davis. While at UC Davis, she participated in a number of internships at the campus veterinary hospital as well as at campus horse and farm animal facilities. Following graduation, Michele volunteered with and worked for a number of Los Angeles area animal rescue organizations and veterinary hospitals. She has dedicated her life to helping animals and to promoting a more compassionate world for all.

Joey Travers – Vice President and Co-founder
Joey Travers’ love of animals was nurtured from a young age. His earliest memories were of his father rescuing and caring for injured animals. Joey has carried that love and nurturing for animals into his adult life as a founding member of Hooves & Paws. Joey’s work experience has revolved around artistic endeavors and he has extensive experience as a musician, carpenter and tattoo artist. But, Joey’s passion for animals is displayed every day in his devotion to Hooves & Paws as he uses his carpentry skills to build our shelter facilities and he uses his creativity to provide our animals with enriched and happy lives.
Joey Travers’ love of animals was nurtured from a young age. His earliest memories were of his father rescuing and caring for injured animals. Joey has carried that love and nurturing for animals into his adult life as a founding member of Hooves & Paws. Joey’s work experience has revolved around artistic endeavors and he has extensive experience as a musician, carpenter and tattoo artist. But, Joey’s passion for animals is displayed every day in his devotion to Hooves & Paws as he uses his carpentry skills to build our shelter facilities and he uses his creativity to provide our animals with enriched and happy lives.
We cannot do our lifesaving work without the help of our partners.
We work with a wonderful network of veterinary clinics, rescue groups, and corporations that help us make a difference for animals in need. |