On Saturday, November 15th, The Rescue Train proudly presents the 20th Annual Race for the Rescues at the historic Rose Bowl in Pasadena. What began in 2005 as a grassroots effort has grown into one of Southern California’s most impactful animal welfare fundraisers, raising more than $6.5 million to date and giving thousands of homeless dogs, cats and horses another chance.

This year is more than just a race—it’s a celebration of 20 years of lifesaving impact. With shelters across the region facing critical overcrowding, Race for the Rescues continues to unite the community at a moment when support is needed most.

Event Details

WHO: Families, animal lovers, rescue advocates, and supporters of all ages

WHAT: A milestone 20th-anniversary celebration featuring:

• 5K Run/Walk 
• 1K Dog Walk
• Virtual “Couch Potato” race for at-home supporters
• Adoption fair, vendor marketplace, kids’ activities, and live entertainment
  

WHEN: Saturday, November 15, 2025
Registration opens at 7:00 a.m. | The race begins at 8:30 a.m.

WHERE: The Rose Bowl, Area H
1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena, CA 91103

Why This Year Matters

“For 20 years, Race for the Rescues has been a lifeline for animals in need,” says Lisa Young, Executive Director of The Rescue Train. “This milestone year is a tribute to the countless lives saved and the community that has made it possible. Every runner, walker, donor, and volunteer has helped us create a legacy of compassion—and together, we’re building the future of animal welfare.”

2025 Highlights

• Celebrate the 20th anniversary of Race for the Rescues
• Official race t-shirt, anniversary finisher medal, and fundraising prizes
• Adoptable pets featured in the Rockin’ Adoption Show
• Vendor expo with unique products and rescue-focused partners
• Awards for top fundraisers and fastest racers
• Hosted by Matt Nelson from WeRateDogs & 15/10 Foundation
• Appearance by the Lakers Girls
• Family-friendly entertainment, music, and more
  

2025 Benefiting Partners

• Animal Guardians Horse Rescue, The Animal Relief Fund, Angel City Pit Bulls, Better Together Forever, FurEver Companions Cat Rescue Inc., German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County, Hollywood Rescue Grooming, K9 Youth Alliance, One Dane At A Time, Pup Culture Rescue, Santé D’Or, Southern California Labrador Retriever Rescue, The Cat Posse, The Rescue Train, and Queen’s Best Stumpy Dog Rescue.

Sponsors

• 15/10 Foundation, ACCESS – Specialty Animals Hospital, Cuddly, Cure, Dogtopia, Fera Pets, Full Moon, Hollywood Grooming, Iron Method, Jax & Bones, Michelson Found Animals, Noho Orthodontics, Off The Leash, Pawsitive MGMT, Smooth Movers, Squeeze Massage, Tatone Group, The Rescue Train, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, and US Bank.

Register or Donate Today

Be a part of this historic milestone and help make a difference for our furry friends in need. Register, donate, or learn more at racefortherescues.org. You can also follow us on socials, @racefortherescues!

About The Rescue Train

Founded in Los Angeles in 2005, The Rescue Train is a no-kill animal welfare organization whose top priority is providing mobile spay/neuter services to the most vulnerable animals in Los Angeles. Through its mobile spay/neuter clinic—as well as its Rescue & Rehome program, Keep Your Pet Project shelter intervention program, pet food pantry, and community partnerships—it is dedicated to ending animal suffering and reducing pet overpopulation in innovative and impactful ways. Over the last 20 years, The Rescue Train has become a leader in lifesaving efforts, building a legacy of compassion and hope for Southern California’s animals. 

Credit: The Rescue Train.

Trick or treat, and here’s a sweet treat for you! Their names are Gustavo, an orange tabby, and his twin sister, Margarita, a silver tabby. They were sick when they came in, and the staff and volunteers worked their magic and transformed them into wonderful, healthy kittens. Gustavo is the spokesperson for the pair—he purrs no matter who’s handling him and plays. He makes sure that his quiet, reserved sister joins in the fun. It would be a horror movie to separate this bonded pair, so to adopt or foster them, email PetAdopt@longbeach.gov to speed the process, or call (562) 570-7387. Better yet, pay a personal visit to our shelter, 7700 E. Spring St., Long Beach (at entrance to El Dorado Park, no parking fee for shelter guests). Say, “Trick or treat! Fill a cat carrier with someone sweet—Margarita (ID#A741511) and Gustavo (ID#A741512)!”

No matter how good a shelter is, it’s no place for a dog, especially a big and bighearted one like Peanut.Peanut, an American pit bull terrier, came to Long Beach Animal Care Services (LBACS) over a year ago, which makes him one of the shelter’s longest-stay residents. When he first came, he was overwhelmed by the noise and strange smells and was terribly shy. But the staff and volunteers were determined to get Peanut out of his shell! They taught him commands like sit and stay, motivated him with treats, and took him on a recent photo shoot to Dogma Portraits. You can see his inner goo’ boi in the photo! Peanut also took a Fido Field Trip in a car driven by his friend volunteer Ellen — he had a wonderful time rolling in the grass and reveled in the quiet of an actual backyard! Life in a shelter kennel, said volunteer Nici, can make even the best dogs feel invisible, and Peanut has been overlooked too many times. It’s starting to weigh on his spirit. Please come in and meet Peanut—you’ll find that he’s not at all a tough nut to crack! The shelter’s way over capacity with dogs, so speed the process to adopt or foster Peanut or any of our other pets by emailing PetAdopt@longbeach.gov or petfoster@longbeach.gov. You can also call (562) 570-4925. Our shelter hours are Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 7700 E. Spring St. at the entrance to El Dorado Park (no parking fee for shelter visitors. Ask for ID#A728674).

Hey, how’s the Webber out there? To be perfectly honest, not so good. This beautiful chow/terrier mix is great in the outdoors where he has something to do and can play with his human budds. But Webber’s playful nature gives way to anxiety in the kennels. This fella has to be where it’s natural for a 5-year-old doggie to be—in a home with humans who’ll love him. Can you adopt him or foster him for a while? We need to see a change in the Webber! The shelter’s way over capacity with dogs, so speed the process to adopt or foster Webber or any of our other pets by emailing PetAdopt@longbeach.gov or petfoster@longbeach.gov. You can also call (562) 570-4925. Our shelter hours are Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 7700 E. Spring St. at the entrance to El Dorado Park (no parking fee for shelter visitors. Ask for ID#A741540.