Umbrella of Hope: A Heroic Heart for Special Needs Animals

Umbrella of Hope isn’t your typical animal rescue. Based in East Contra Costa County, California, this volunteer-run nonprofit is dedicated to saving senior animals, pets with medical challenges, and those at risk of euthanasia in shelters.

For their outstanding work, they were selected as one of five national winners of PetPlace’s Heroic Hearts Collective, an initiative designed to recognize animal rescues making an extraordinary difference in their communities.

The Heroic Hearts Collective was created to highlight the groups doing the difficult, behind-the-scenes work of saving lives – often with little recognition or support. Winners receive funding, supplies, and national exposure to help them continue their mission. Umbrella of Hope stood out for its tireless efforts to care for pets with the greatest needs and fewest options.

Operating across East Contra Costa County, the rescue is powered by a dedicated team of volunteers and fosters. Together, they offer hope to animals that others might overlook.

How Umbrella of Hope Got Started

Umbrella of Hope began with one simple but powerful idea: animals with medical or age-related challenges still deserve a chance. The rescue was founded after seeing how often these animals were overlooked in shelters. This wasn’t because they couldn’t be saved, but due to limited resources and high demand.

What started as a local response to that need grew into a full-fledged operation focused on the most vulnerable pets. Today, the organization continues to fill a vital gap in the animal rescue world by taking in pets that might otherwise be out of options.

The Mission That Keeps Them Going

From the beginning, Umbrella of Hope has been focused on saving animals most at risk of being euthanized – especially seniors, animals with disabilities, and those requiring ongoing medical care. Their work centers on placing these pets in foster homes, providing them with the care they need, and preparing them for adoption whenever possible.

Beyond rescue, the organization is deeply committed to public education. They advocate for spay and neuter practices, responsible pet ownership, and adoption as the best way to bring a new companion into your life. Their mission is driven by the belief that every pet, no matter their condition, is capable of giving and receiving love.

Each day, they work to challenge the idea that these animals are “less adoptable.” Instead, they show just how much these pets still have to offer.

The Impact of Their Work

Umbrella of Hope provides every rescued animal with comprehensive veterinary care, including spay or neuter surgery, vaccinations, microchipping, and treatment for any medical conditions. Their adoption program also offers discounts for seniors, bonded pairs, and veterans, helping ensure more animals find loving homes.

One rescue story that captures the spirit of their work involves a four-month-old puppy with severe facial burns. A Good Samaritan found him and brought him to a local shelter, where Umbrella of Hope stepped in immediately. Their vet believed the injuries were caused by exposure to a flame or heat source. The puppy received months of treatment, including care from a veterinary ophthalmologist to assess his vision.

After four months of healing, the puppy was adopted by a retired veteran and now serves as an emotional support companion. His transformation is a perfect example of the rescue’s commitment to second chances.

The Role of Community in Their Success

As a nonprofit organization, Umbrella of Hope knows firsthand how essential community support is. However, since the onset of COVID-19, donations have dropped by more than 30%, making that support more vital than ever.

One turning point came when they participated in Maddie’s Fund, a community-focused pet adoption event that led to a dramatic rise in adoptions, donations, and available foster homes.

That surge in interest showed what was possible when the public got involved. It also highlighted how valuable it is to be part of a larger network of animal lovers, donors, and volunteers working toward the same goal.

Even now, the organization continues to rely on that kind of support. Volunteers, adopters, and donors all play a role in helping animals heal and move on to loving homes.

How You Can Help Umbrella of Hope Today

Umbrella of Hope always needs more people to join their mission. Foster homes are critical, as the rescue operates entirely through foster-based care. Volunteers are also needed to help with transport, events, and day-to-day operations.

Financial donations help cover the ever-growing cost of medical care, supplies, and food. And for those who can’t give time or money, simply sharing their social media posts can make a difference by helping animals reach potential adopters or supporters.

With the right care and support, animals once seen as unadoptable can go on to live full, joyful lives – something Umbrella of Hope demonstrates every day. Their Heroic Hearts recognition celebrates their determination, compassion, and unwavering dedication to the pets that need them the most.

To learn more about ways to get involved, visit beourpet.org.