Meet Vanessa Barber | President & Founder
We had the good fortune of connecting with Vanessa Barber and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Vanessa, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
💛 Soulmate Animal Rescue’s impact on the community
Soulmate Animal Rescue plays a meaningful role in animal welfare across the San Diego area and surrounding communities by saving dogs in need and helping them find loving forever homes. Their work affects both animals and people in several important ways:
🐶 Life-saving rescues & rehabilitation
They rescue dogs from kill shelters, the streets, and underserved areas, providing critical medical care, behavioral support, and rehabilitation to give animals a second chance at a healthy life. Their efforts help reduce suffering and prevent unnecessary euthanasia.
🏡 Forever homes & adoption support
By focusing on finding the right match for each dog, they help dozens of animals transition from uncertainty or danger into stable homes where they are loved and valued. Each adoption not only improves an animal’s life but enriches the lives of adopters.
🤝 Community engagement & education
Through outreach, events, and fundraisers, they raise awareness about responsible pet ownership and spay/neuter initiatives — helping to reduce pet overpopulation and educate the public on compassionate care.
🌟 Volunteer empowerment
Operating entirely on volunteer support, Soulmate creates opportunities for local residents to get involved — from fostering and volunteering to event participation — strengthening community bonds around shared compassion for animals.
🌍 Broader regional impact
Their work doesn’t stop locally: they also extend support to vulnerable animals in remote areas and across borders, helping dogs who otherwise might not have access to care or adoption opportunities.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I co-founded Soulmate Animal Rescue because I wanted to make a tangible difference in the lives of animals and the people who love them. Our mission is simple: save dogs in need and find them loving, lifelong homes, while educating and engaging our community around responsible pet ownership.
What sets us apart is our foster-based, 100% nonprofit approach. We don’t have a physical shelter, and no one on our team is paid—every dollar goes directly to spay/neuter initiatives, medical care, and rescue efforts. I’m most proud of the countless dogs we’ve rescued and placed in safe, loving homes, and of the network of fosters, volunteers, and adopters who make it all possible.
Getting here wasn’t always easy. Rescue work is emotional, demanding, and full of unexpected challenges—from medical emergencies to finding the right homes for every dog. We’ve overcome these obstacles through resilience, collaboration, and a focus on each dog’s well-being. Every challenge has reinforced that patience, compassion, and community are at the heart of meaningful change.
The biggest lessons I’ve learned:
Every life matters, and every act of care creates ripple effects in the community.
Building a strong, supportive network is just as important as the rescue work itself.
Even the smallest contributions—time, foster space, a share on social media—can save lives.
What I want the world to know is this: Soulmate Animal Rescue is more than a rescue—it’s a community built on compassion, dedication, and the belief that every dog deserves a second chance. I’m proud to be part of this journey and grateful to everyone who joins us in giving these animals the homes and lives they deserve.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
1️⃣ La Jolla Shores / Kellogg Park
Wide sandy beach, plenty of space for leash walks
Calm, shallow water perfect for pups who like to splash
Great for morning walks with sunrise views
2️⃣ Fiesta Island Off-Leash Dog Park
Huge, open space where dogs can run freely
Trails, sandy beach areas, and bay access
Perfect for socializing pups and letting them burn energy
3️⃣ Kate Sessions Park
Large grassy areas with amazing city and ocean views
Leash-friendly trails ideal for a scenic stroll
Picnic-ready if you want to hang out with your pup afterward
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
✨ Co-Founder Shout-Out: Maria Kounnas, PhD ✨
As a co-founder, I can say with complete confidence that Soulmate Animal Rescue would not be what it is today without Maria. Her leadership, expertise, and unwavering commitment to our mission are foundational to everything we do.
From strategy to execution, Maria shows up with heart, integrity, and a level of dedication that makes real, lasting impact—for the dogs we save and the community we serve. I am endlessly grateful to build this alongside you and truly could not do this without you.
Thank you for being such an essential part of Soulmate Animal Rescue. 🤍🐾
Website: https://www.soulmateanimalrescue.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soulmaterescue/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soulmateanimalrescue/
Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/soulmate-animal-rescue-escondido
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@soulmaterescue
Image Credits
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Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSoCal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
