OUR STORY
Est. 2000
Our mission is to give neglected and abused domestic and farm animals a second chance at life—offering them love, lifelong care, and a forever home where they can thrive.
​
At Hearts Set Free (HSF), we believe every animal deserves compassion and safety. Our vision is to step in where help is needed most, providing rescue, essential care, and loving placement for animals in need. Through education, access to pet care resources, and dedicated relocation services, we’re working to prevent maltreatment and create a brighter future for animals everywhere.
​
As a 509 nonprofit organization, we are committed to making a real difference—one rescued heart at a time.
WHY WE DO IT
With rising costs and limited resources, many families, farmers, and individuals struggle to care for their animals. Sadly, animal abuse and neglect are at an all-time high. Petpedia reports that over 10 million animals die from abuse in the U.S. each year, with dogs and farm animals being the most affected. Every 60 seconds, another animal suffers.
Financial hardship often forces pet owners to make heartbreaking choices, leaving animals without proper care. Many pets are also given as gifts without long-term commitment, leading to abandonment.
​
Rescues like HSF play a vital role in protecting animals and strengthening communities. Animals provide emotional support, aid in therapy, contribute to agriculture, and help maintain ecological balance. By stepping in where help is needed, we can give animals the love and care they deserve.
Meet Jan
Our Founder
From a young age, I’ve felt an unbreakable bond with animals. Growing up in a home marked by domestic violence, alcoholism, and the turbulence of my parents’ divorce, animals became my sanctuary. They offered me a sense of comfort and unconditional love, providing a peace that no human could offer at that time. As a child, I instinctively cared for every animal that crossed my path, and as I grew, so did my passion to give back to them. This unyielding devotion to help animals has blossomed into a vision to establish a nonprofit dedicated to providing forever homes for those suffering from abuse and neglect, where they can finally experience peace, safety, and love.The core of my mission is to break the cycle of pain that many animals endure. I believe that every animal has a soul, capable of feeling love, joy, sadness, grief, and a desire for happiness.
​
These creatures deserve to be treated with kindness and respect, just as we expect to be treated. My goal is not just to provide shelter, but to offer a place of healing where they can find solace and reclaim their trust in humans. Educating others about the emotional lives of animals is a fundamental part of my vision—showing the world that cruelty has no place in our relationship with the creatures we share this planet with.In the same way that God created animals for mankind’s use (Genesis 1:28; 9:3), He also gave us the responsibility to care for and respect them, not to abuse or neglect them. Solomon's wisdom in Proverbs 12:10 echoes this idea, stating, “The righteous care for the needs of their animals, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.” This profound truth motivates me daily, and it aligns with my mission to provide a safe haven where animals are treated with dignity and love.The words of wisdom from figures like the Dalai Lama and Albert Einstein resonate deeply with me and fuel my determination. As the Dalai Lama said, “Life is as dear to a mute creature as it is to a man,” and I carry that truth with me every day. Animals, like humans, have a deep desire for happiness and a fear of pain. My mission is to create a world where animals can live free from suffering, knowing that their lives are as precious as our own. It’s a cause that goes beyond just caring for them; it’s about honoring their rights to live with dignity, peace, and love. Through education, compassion, and action, I believe we can make this vision a reality.