Healing Hearts Sanctuary SoCal — No-Kill Animal Rescue, Foster & Adoption in Southern California Skip to content
No-kill · Foster-based · 501(c)(3)

When we heal them,
they heal us.

Healing Hearts Sanctuary SoCal rescues, rehabilitates and rehomes dogs and cats across Southern California — and we're building a permanent sanctuary where animals and people heal together.

0
animals euthanized for space. Ever.
24/7
support for every foster family
Founder Anita St Lewis hugging a rescued shepherd mix dog in golden light
Now officially a foster-based rescue. Saving lives today while the sanctuary is built.

Four ways in

Pick the way you'll help. Every one saves a life.

A tabby kitten and a senior dog asleep together on a sage blanket in a foster home

Why we exist

A rescued animal doesn't care about your past — only that you showed up.

They'll celebrate your victories, sit with you in hard times, be your comic relief and remind you that unconditional love is real. As you give them safety, comfort and a future, you discover the truth behind our philosophy: when we heal them, they heal us.

Shelter overcrowding in Southern California still ends lives that could have been saved. We exist to change that — one foster home, one adoption, one heart at a time.

Fosters needed now

Your spare room is the sanctuary — until we build one.

We're a foster-based rescue by design. Every foster home creates space to pull another animal running out of time.

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Knowledge is power.

Short, plain-language guides on the ideas behind our work.

Quick answers

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About us

Honoring animals with the safety, dignity, respect and love they deserve.

Getting to know our founder

Anita St Lewis, a native Californian and lifelong animal advocate, founded Healing Hearts Sanctuary SoCal — a no-kill 501(c)(3) dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming vulnerable animals.

Animals have been part of Anita's life since childhood, teaching her compassion, trust, loyalty and unconditional love. She often says animals saved her life — now her mission is to save theirs.

After many years in corporate America, Anita pursued formal training in animal welfare, graduating from Southern Utah University and Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, where she studied how to operate a life-saving sanctuary. Driven by the urgent need to reduce euthanasia caused by shelter overcrowding, she built a place where animals can heal and thrive — and where people experience the profound connection animals provide.

"Join me in creating a world where animals and humans heal together."— Anita St Lewis, Founder
Anita St Lewis, founder, embracing a rescued shepherd mix
Founder & Visionary

Board of Directors

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Mission

Saving the lives of innocent animals and providing a safe environment for them to thrive.

Vision

More than a rescue — an environment that nurtures the healing power of animals, creating a bond that enriches both their lives and ours.

Ways to help

Join us as we transform lives.

Become part of our family today. Choose the path that fits your life — each one directly saves an animal.

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Adopt

Adopt a loving animal and save a life.

Our team matches you with an animal whose needs and personality fit your lifestyle and comfort level. You're never alone in this journey — guidance, tips, resources and 24/7 support are included, with a team cheering you on every day.

Adoptions opening soon — applications are open now
A volunteer gently holding the paw of a scruffy terrier

Start your adoption application

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Thank you for choosing to make a difference. Together, we're giving innocent animals the chance they deserve. Welcome to our family — we're honored to have you.
A teenage girl laughing as a golden puppy licks her cheek

Foster

Fosters save lives.

You're not just giving an animal a safe place to stay — you're giving them a real chance. A future filled with love, security and trust, so they feel safe enough to show their true selves. Your insight into their personality, temperament and habits is what helps us find the right forever home, faster.

Every foster home creates space for another innocent animal. It's a win-win for everyone.

What we provide. What you provide.

We cover

  • ✓ Food, supplies and a crate or carrier
  • ✓ All veterinary and medical care
  • ✓ A dedicated foster coordinator, 24/7
  • ✓ Marketing, photos and adoption events

You bring

  • ✓ A safe, calm space in your home
  • ✓ Patience, routine and gentle socialization
  • ✓ Notes on personality and habits
  • ✓ Transport to vet visits and meet-and-greets

Foster questionnaire

This helps us understand your home environment and preferences so we can match you with the right animal.

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Volunteer

Volunteers are the heartbeat of the sanctuary.

Every day, animals are counting on us — coming from unfortunate situations or simply needing a new start. Without volunteers, our work would not be possible. With you, we save lives, build trust and heal together.

Tell us about you

Pick roles above, then send this — we reply within a few days.

Thank you — welcome to the family.

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Donate

You can help save animals running out of time.

When you support Healing Hearts Sanctuary SoCal you're not just donating. You're saving lives, strengthening our community and helping build a place where animals and humans heal.

Every gift, big or small, goes directly toward our current needs: land, permits, housing, and food and medical care for animals in foster.

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Healing Hearts Sanctuary SoCal is a registered 501(c)(3). EIN 39-2801580. Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

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🔒 Secure checkoutTax-deductible receipt by email

Prefer goods over dollars?

Wish list

The everyday things that keep a rescue running.

In-kind gifts go straight to animals in foster care. Pick a category, or email us to arrange a drop-off.

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Have something not listed? Ask us first — we'll say yes to most things.

Email Anita

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Contact

We'd love to hear from you.

Questions about adopting, fostering, volunteering or partnering? Anita reads every message.

anita@healingheartssanctuary-socal.org

Serving Southern California · No-kill 501(c)(3) · EIN 39-2801580

Message received.

Thank you — we'll be in touch soon.

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