No-Kill Animal Rescue in Orange County
Looking for no-kill animal rescue in Orange County? Healing Hearts Sanctuary SoCal is a foster-based no-kill 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving Orange County and Los Angeles County. Animals live in foster homes today. Our permanent sanctuary is a future plan, not a physical shelter you can visit.
How does a foster-based rescue work?
A foster-based rescue cares for dogs and cats in people's homes rather than housing them in a walk-in shelter. A foster home gives a rescued animal a safe place to rest while a permanent home is found. Healing Hearts Sanctuary SoCal supplies food, supplies, veterinary and medical care, and a foster coordinator available 24/7. The caregiver provides the home and daily care, with support rather than having to work everything out alone.
Adults 18 and older can begin with the dog or cat foster questionnaire, available in English and Spanish. The adoption questionnaire is a separate starting point for people who want to offer a permanent home. After an adoption application is reviewed, a meet-and-greet takes place at the animal's foster home or a local event.
Is Healing Hearts Sanctuary SoCal a no-kill rescue?
Yes. Healing Hearts Sanctuary SoCal is a no-kill 501(c)(3) nonprofit, EIN 39-2801580. No animal in our care is euthanized for space, time or treatable conditions. That commitment describes how we care for animals today, not only what we hope to build. Being foster-based does not change the no-kill promise: the animals are cared for in homes while we work toward a permanent sanctuary.
The sanctuary is a future goal, not an existing place to visit. Raising funds for land, permits, housing and medical care supports that plan alongside the needs of animals in foster care now. Gifts are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Our mailing address is for correspondence only and is not a place to bring an animal.
Which parts of Orange County and Los Angeles County do you serve?
Our service area is Orange County and Los Angeles County. Because care takes place in foster homes, there is no public shelter entrance or walk-in location. If you want to adopt or foster a dog or cat, start with the relevant questionnaire rather than planning a shelter visit. It helps the team learn about your home before discussing an animal and arranging the next step.
There are also ways to take part without bringing an animal home. Volunteers help with transport, photography, events and fundraising. Our community cat program explains Trap-Neuter-Return and humane care for community cats. Bee education shares guidance on leaving swarms undisturbed and contacting a qualified local beekeeper or bee-rescue professional. These education pages sit alongside our dog and cat rescue work and the longer-term sanctuary goal.
How you can help animals
You can adopt a dog or cat by starting with a questionnaire so we can learn about your home.
You can foster a rescued animal while we provide food, supplies and veterinary care.
Our volunteer opportunities include transport, photography, events and other ways to support rescue work.
You can support the rescue with a gift toward care today and the future sanctuary.
Our wish list shares supplies that help foster homes care for animals.
Read what no-kill means to understand the approach behind our mission.
Our community cat programs explain Trap-Neuter-Return and humane care for community cats.
Questions about our rescue
Is Healing Hearts Sanctuary SoCal a no-kill shelter in Orange County?
Healing Hearts Sanctuary SoCal is a no-kill, foster-based rescue for dogs and cats, not a walk-in shelter. Animals live in foster homes today while we work toward a permanent sanctuary.
Which counties does the rescue serve?
Healing Hearts Sanctuary SoCal serves Orange County and Los Angeles County.
How can I apply to adopt or foster?
Complete the dog or cat questionnaire on the Adopt or Foster page. Applicants must be 18 or older.
What is the mailing address?
Our mailing address is PO Box 1473, Costa Mesa, CA 92628. It is not an animal shelter or visitor location.