Our story
In 2009, Pedro Pet Pals began with a simple but heartfelt mission: to bring comfort and care to homeless animals in our community. Inspired by the needs of the City of Los Angeles Harbor Animal Shelter and the SPCA, Theresa Sardisco and a group of dedicated supporters came together to make a difference.
How Community Kindness Built Our Mission
It all started with a plan to install a misting system at the Harbor Shelter to keep dogs cool during the sweltering summer months. Donations poured in from compassionate community members eager to help. But when the City stepped in to fund the system, something incredible happened—those donors chose to redirect their generosity to address other urgent needs for local animals.
Our Purpose: Building a Better Future for Animals
That moment of collective determination and care sparked the creation of Pedro Pet Pals, a grassroots organization dedicated to improving the lives of wayward animals in Los Angeles. What began as a single project blossomed into an enduring commitment to support shelters, enhance animal welfare, and build a community where every pet has a chance at a better life.
Empowering Shelters with Resources They Need
At Pedro Pet Pals, we believe every animal deserves comfort, care, and a chance at a better life. Powered by a passionate team of volunteers, we work tirelessly to support our local shelters by funding essential supplies, lifesaving medical equipment, and other critical resources that go beyond the shelter’s budget.
Transforming Lives Through Education and Outreach
But we don’t stop there. Pedro Pet Pals is deeply rooted in our community, offering spay/neuter programs to reduce pet overpopulation and hosting educational outreach for pet owners. Together, we’re creating a more compassionate future for animals in San Pedro, the South Bay, and beyond.
Celebrating 15+ Years of Compassion
In our 10th year, we celebrated a major milestone thanks to a generous grant from the Hyla Marrow Trust. This incredible support allowed us to purchase a dedicated building for our operations—a space where our mission to support and care for local animals continues to thrive. We’re now 15 years into our mission thanks to the generous support of friends and neighbors like you.
Meet our amazing board.
Our Board of Directors is a dedicated team of animal advocates driving our mission to support local shelters and care for wayward pets.
Theresa Sardisco
Chair
Clint Patterson
Co Chair
Cathy Cerami
Board Member
Irene Howard
Board Member
Richard Boos
Board Member
Stephanie Crawford
Board Member
Kat Lockwood Hansen
Board Member
Meet our Amazing Advisory Committee
Patty Naegely
Fred DiBernardo
Tim McOsker
William Hadley
John Donato
Rachel Granados
Albert Demers
Paige Hadley
Timothy Gaull
Marcella Quinonez
Pamela Crane
