Helen Woodward Animal Center

I discovered the Helen Woodward Animal Center when I was researching an article for the Home 4 The Holidays pet adoption event. Home4 The Holidays is just one the many programs that HWAC is involved with to benefit animals and people. Although the center isn't located in Florida, I felt this unique facility would interest all animal lovers.

Helen Woodward founded HWAC in 1972 with a group of friends. Sitting on 12 acres in Rancho Sante Fe, California, it's a non profit organization that relies entirely on donations. The facility includes a No Kill adoption shelter, an equine hospital, therapeutic riding program, and an education center.

HVAC has a wide range of services tailored to helping creatures and the people who love them. At their adoption facility, they offer free spaying of the mothers of dog and cat litters that are surrendered to the shelter through the Spay, Don't Litter program. Since 1984, Animeals has provided free petfood to the elderly and disabled population of San Diego County with the help of Meals on Wheels and other agencies. HVAC's equine center serves people who face mental and physical challenges through their therapeutic riding program. Pet Encounter Therapy benefits people in hospitals, psychiatric facilities, children's shelters and senior centers through interaction with animals. They travel with dogs, rabbits, birds and guinea pigs to facilities, helping to enrich lives and heal through animal touch.

Education is a major focus at HVAC. They provide classes to children, nurturing the bond between animals and humans and encouraging compassion for all in the next generation. They also offer free 3 day workshops titled Animal Center Education Services. The seminar strives to teach more effective ways to find families for homeless pets and put an end to euthanasia. Animal shelter workers travel to HWAC from places like Singapore, Iran and Ireland to learn how to increase adoptions, improve fund raising, better manage volunteers, and promote through public relations and marketing. In 2007, ACES traveled to Canada to present the "Business of Saving Lives" conference to 250 animal welfare leaders.

Helen Woodward was a woman with a passion for not just helping animals, but for nurturing the relationship between animals and humans. HVAC is a shining example of what can grow from the vision of one person.