When the mortgage industry collapsed, Tim Woodward took a hard look at his life and realized something was missing. What began as a volunteer role at In Defense of Animals opened his eyes to the depth of animal suffering across the country. That experience not only educated him about wild horses, dolphins, and neglected companion animals, it also sparked his journey into plant based living. Seventeen years later, he stands as the Executive Director of Animal Rescue Corps, an organization he helped launch to fill the resource gap that many underserved communities face.
Building a Lifeline for Communities With No Animal Resources
Animal Rescue Corps exists for counties that have no animal control officer, no shelter, and no way to respond to cruelty cases. Tim explains how ARC began by building cases from the ground up, working hand in hand with law enforcement, and offering services at no cost. Today, many of those same agencies call ARC directly when a crisis hits. Whether it is ten dogs or two hundred, ARC becomes the resource that communities rely on.
From Makeshift Shelters to a Dedicated Rescue Center
In the early days, ARC set up entire shelters inside empty big box stores, barns, abandoned retail spaces, or fairgrounds. Everything was built from scratch each time. That changed when they secured a permanent facility in Tennessee about eight years ago. This center transformed ARC into a continuously operating rescue organization able to run multiple cases at once, house up to 200 dogs, treat exotic birds, and provide a central location for vetting and placement. Tennessee became a strategic hub for cases in the Deep South and for transport to partners in the Midwest and Northeast.
The Daily Wins That Make the Work Worth It
For Tim, the greatest rewards come from seeing animals recover. Animals who would likely be euthanized in municipal shelters get the time and focused attention they need to heal. When a dog who has endured years of neglect begins to trust, that moment, he says, is indescribable. Tim reminds us that saving one animal does not change the world, but it changes the world for that one animal and the family who will one day love them.
A Commitment to All Species, Not Just Companion Animals
ARC never leaves an animal behind. If a property includes chickens, rabbits, miniature horses, donkeys, or exotic animals, ARC coordinates with wildlife rehabilitators, farmed animal sanctuaries, or specialized partners. Tim highlights Operation Caged Hell, a case that included more than 600 rats and mice kept in deplorable conditions. Many assumed ARC would focus only on dogs, but the team stayed until every rat and mouse was safe. Volunteers who were initially hesitant grew to love the small animals they saved.
The Cases That Still Haunt the Team
There are rare moments when ARC builds a strong case but local law enforcement refuses to act, often due to personal connections or political pressure. Tim will never forget those animals. ARC stays ready to intervene when leadership changes, when new evidence emerges, or when the perpetrator becomes unable to continue the abuse. Those cases remain open in their hearts until a path forward appears.
Sanctuaries, Shelters, and Foster Networks as Vital Partners
Rescue is only the first chapter. After emergency operations conclude, ARC relies on a nationwide network of partners who match animals with homes or sanctuary placements. Large dogs, small dogs, exotic birds, guinea pigs, and the occasional farmed animal all need different environments to thrive. ARC rescues for life, meaning they take animals back if partners cannot place them or if an animal begins to decline. This two way partnership strengthens the rescue ecosystem.
Leadership, Sustainability, and the Post COVID Reality
Tim speaks candidly about the emotional weight of rescue work and the necessity of balance. Compassion fatigue is real, and leadership must encourage volunteers and staff to take care of themselves. Sustainability also means knowing when to say no. After COVID, placements became harder, spay and neuter services slowed down, and shelters reached a breaking point. ARC evaluates cases carefully to avoid overwhelming their system while still responding to urgent need.
Recognition That Fuels Impact
While personal awards feel uncomfortable to Tim, he is grateful for what national recognition brings to ARC. Being named one of America’s top animal defenders and a CNN Hero introduced the organization to new supporters and donors. That support helps ARC maintain stability, grow its operations, and build a legacy that can continue long after Tim retires.
Fundraising That Keeps the Mission Alive
Running a national rescue operation on a budget of about 1.1 to 1.2 million per year requires creativity. Each animal rescued averages five to seven hundred dollars in expenses, making small monthly donations essential. Tim highlights their annual Thanksgiving 5K, upcoming benefit concert, and the powerful impact of recurring donors. Every dollar directly translates into animals saved, volunteers trained, and cruelty cases resolved.
How Listeners Can Make a Difference Today
Tim invites anyone moved by ARC’s mission to visit AnimalRescueCorps.org. Supporters can donate, volunteer, or join regional operations when emergencies arise. Even if someone lives far from Tennessee, ARC welcomes volunteers from across the country and sometimes offers travel grants. Every person who steps forward expands their capacity to save lives.
Episode Highlights
[00:00] Introduction
[02:00] Following a calling.
[05:15] Becoming vegan was easy for Tim… and here’s why.
[08:00] The early days of Animal Rescue Corps.
[12:30] From tip to establishing animal cruelty… the process.
[17:00] Benefits of partnerships with local authorities.
[22:00] Each animal is an individual with unique needs.
[25:00] Addressing challenges for the team.
[29:45] Post COVID challenges.
[32:00] Fundraising strategies that work.
About Tim Woodward
Tim Woodward, Executive Director, is a key member of the team that launched Animal Rescue Corps in 2010. He was inspired to help start the organization after discovering how few resources existed for large scale cases of animal suffering. After eight years as ARC’s Chief Operations Officer, Tim assumed leadership in 2018 and now oversees the organization’s staff, programs, growth, and mission impact.
Tim has worked in operations and administration for more than 30 years, specializing in building companies from the ground up. His background includes integral roles at several successful financial service startup companies in the San Francisco Bay Area. In 2009, he left the for profit sector to work full time for the protection of animals and soon after became a founding member of ARC.
He values the dedicated teamwork, partnerships, and compassionate supporters that define Animal Rescue Corps and drive its success. Tim is equally comfortable conducting fieldwork, collaborating with Sheriff’s offices, or managing responsibilities at a desk.
In 2020, the Animal Legal Defense Fund recognized him as one of America’s top ten animal defenders. He lives in Virginia with his husband and their rescued animals, and he continues to champion the compassion and joy found in a plant based diet.
About Cheryl Moss
Cheryl Moss is the host of the Better Life for Animals podcast, where she shares uplifting stories from sanctuaries and highlights the work of vegan activists, ethical consumers, and animal welfare leaders. A passionate advocate for animal welfare, she is dedicated to ending factory farming and is working to raise $100,000 for Mercy For Animals to support underrepresented sanctuaries.
Beyond podcasting, Cheryl is a banking professional and an accomplished children’s author. A graduate of Main Street Vegan Academy, she promotes plant-based living through her books, Gabriel, Cluck, and Pickle the Pig, which inspire young readers to embrace kindness, sustainability, and compassion for animals.
When not advocating, she enjoys Pilates, and spending time with her rescue dogs and grandchildren. Through her work, writing, and activism, Cheryl continues to inspire positive 
change for animals and the planet.
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