One Mission. Infinite Wags.
We rescue abandoned, abused, and at-risk animals and place them in foster homes until they find the right family. No animal too old, too sick, or too overlooked to be worth saving.
A Foster-Based Rescue
WAGS is a 100% foster-based rescue, meaning we don't operate out of a shelter or facility. Every animal we save goes to a foster home where they can settle in, heal, and learn to trust again.
That also means a hard limit: we can only rescue as many animals as we have fosters for. Every new foster home is one more life we can save.
21
States dogs saved from
16
sanctuary dogs
1000+
DOGS SUPPORTED
(adopted, rehomed or resources provided)
How It All Started
For as long as she can remember, Sue dreamed of starting an animal rescue once she retired. In 2017, that dream started to take shape when she attended the International Expo Conference hosted by the Humane Society of the United States. Inspired by the incredible work of the animal welfare community—and deeply moved by the overwhelming need for more support—Sue began sketching out the idea for Waiting Animals Getting Support (WAGS) on the plane ride home.
Later that year, with the help of a grant from a local law school, Sue officially established WAGS as a nonprofit organization. By December 2017, WAGS received its 501(c)(3) status—and the mission to rescue, heal, and rehome animals in need was set in motion.
As they say, the rest is history (and a lot of wagging tails).
Board of Directors
Sue Furtado, Founder and President
Josie Rezek, Chief Animal Officer
Theresa Brasile, Chief Operating Officer
Kathy Kangiser, Chief Financial Officer
Donna Fernandes, Chief Administrative Officer