Better Life for Animals 042: Rescuing the Forgotten: How Tim Woodward is Transforming Massive Animal Hoarding Cases into Hope
When the mortgage industry collapsed, Tim Woodward took a hard look at his life and realized something was missing. A volunteer role with In Defense of Animals exposed him to the hidden crisis of animal suffering across the country and set him on a path that would change everything.
Seventeen years later, Tim is the Executive Director of Animal Rescue Corps, a national organization built to serve communities with no shelters, no animal control, and no resources when cruelty strikes. ARC works directly with law enforcement, responds at no cost, and steps in whether the case involves ten animals or two hundred.
What began in abandoned barns and empty big box stores is now a permanent rescue center in Tennessee capable of housing 200 dogs, treating exotic animals, and coordinating nationwide transport. But for Tim, the real victories are quieter. It is the moment a shut down dog learns to trust again. The moment survival turns into safety.
ARC never leaves animals behind. From dogs to chickens, rabbits, horses, and even hundreds of rats in one of their largest cases, the team stays until every life is safe. Tim also speaks candidly about compassion fatigue, post-COVID challenges, and the reality of running a national rescue on limited funding.
Named a CNN Hero, Tim uses the recognition to grow ARC's impact, not his own profile. With a budget just over one million a year, every donation directly translates into animals saved.
If this story moved you, visit AnimalRescueCorps.org to donate, volunteer, or get involved. One decision can change the world for one animal today.