Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change
the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.
– Margaret Mead
Our Tale
The Rescue Train is a unique, 501(c)3 nonprofit, no-kill, animal-welfare organization based in Los Angeles, California. We are a small but mighty group of animal advocates, dedicated to making the world a kinder place for pets and the people who love them.
Since our inception in 2004, we have been recognized for our hard work: we labor in the trenches of our city and county shelters, find solutions to pet overpopulation and fight for the rights of animals. Thanks to our dedicated volunteers, we have saved thousands of animals from suffering and euthanasia.
What Makes Us Different
We are more than just an animal rescue group: we are problem solvers who think outside the box to relieve animal suffering and make sure animals have a loving and safe place in this world. We’ve been at the forefront in applying innovative ideas to animal welfare, implementing programs such as mobile spay/neuter clinics, shelter intervention and a pet pantry. We collaborate with and support other animal-welfare organizations to achieve our common goals.
In 2005 we created an annual fundraiser at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena called Race For The Rescues. This lifesaving event is a fundraising platform for Southern California nonprofit animal-welfare organizations and a mobile adoption event for shelter animals. Many grassroots rescue groups depend on Race For The Rescues to keep their doors open to animals in need.
We Believe
- We believe animals are sentient beings that do not have a voice. It is our duty to speak for them and prevent them from suffering.
- We believe every time we save an animal, there is the possibility that it can make a profound impact on a person’s life.
- We believe when an animal comes onto The Rescue Train, we must ensure that it has a good quality of life after it leaves our care.
Meet the Pack
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Lisa Young
Executive Director & Co-founder
As a child, I never said, “When I grow up, I want to run an animal-welfare organization.” So how did I end up dedicating my adult life to being a voice for animals? It started in 2000, when I visited a Los Angeles city animal shelter. A shelter worker informed me that a large number of adoptable dogs and cats were euthanized every week because they had too many animals and not enough homes. I remember standing in the loud, overcrowded kennel, looking into all the cats’ and dogs’ scared eyes, and my heart just broke. Their faces haunted me, and I made a promise that day to never turn my back on them.
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Delilah Loud
Secretary & Co-founder
I was raised with animals, and they have always been an important part of my life. In 2002 I found two stray dogs living on the streets of Los Angeles, and I was desperate to find them loving homes. Through that journey, I met Lisa Young, rescue partner and friend for life. My day job in television enabled me to bring my production and marketing skills to The Rescue Train and fulfill my dream of helping animals and giving back to our community.
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Jami Rudofsky
Treasurer
Over 16 years ago my puppy Ella befriended another pup named Jack. That friendship led to a lifelong bond between myself and Lisa Young and ultimately to The Rescue Train. Being a part of The Rescue Train has given me a greater purpose outside my life as a Casting Director. It has given me a family filled with amazing lifelong friends all working towards the goal of helping these precious animals to find safety and love in their forever home. It also led me to fostering and ultimately adopting the most beautiful 2 legged little boy in the world. At 2 1/2 years old he already has the same compassion I have for animals, Like mother, Like son.
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Lorraine Alderette
Board Member
Since I was a little girl I would rescue animals from the streets, whether it was a dog, cat, bird or any other creature. Working in the construction industry as an adult, I became involved in renovating shelters for abused women & children, foster kids, families and the homeless. My love for animals never changed over the years which led me to volunteer at The Rescue Train’s Race for the Rescues annual fundraiser where I oversee sponsor participation and support. Being part of The Rescue Train has fulfilled one of my greatest passions: helping animals, and as fate would have it, helping people too.
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The Rescue Train Volunteers AKA Animal Angels
Rescue Train volunteers are the reason this Train rolls. A rare breed of animal lovers, our dedicated, passionate creative volunteers are the backbone of this organization. Volunteer participation comes in many areas including fostering, mobile adoption events, fundraising and event production, social media sharing and community out-reach projects. One of the favorite things about our volunteer program is to witness all the meaningful friendships that are made, two legged and four! So what are you WOOFING for? Visit our volunteer page and we will give you a ticket to get on board!