Mutt Scouts was founded in 2005 by a lifelong animal lover, Nikki Audet. After moving to Los Angeles in 2000, she began volunteering at the South LA Animal Shelter, photographing dogs to help them get seen at a time when digital rescue was still in its infancy. She formed bonds with the dogs she photographed, only to be heartbroken watching them be led away for euthanasia. Determined to do more, she began fostering with a local organization, often taking in the dogs no one else would.

In 2005, Nikki decided it was time to start her own rescue, and Mutt Scouts was born. She moved from LA to San Diego in 2015, and her work expanded beyond shelter dogs to include street dogs. She witnessed firsthand the conditions animals faced just miles away across the border in Mexico. There wasn’t even a system to fail them; these animals had no one.

Nikki has dedicated her life to helping those who need it most. She has brought dogs back from death’s door, guiding them through unimaginable trauma. Thousands of dogs, and the people who adopt them, have had their lives changed because of her. We’re honored to have her as our founder and to learn from her experience.