How it all began…

The Minoli Foundation Animal Refuge was founded in direct response to the devastating 2025 Southern California wildfires, which intensified the region's ongoing crisis of inadequate resources, limited shelter space, and insufficient veterinary care for the growing population of stray, surrendered, and rescue dogs.

That same year, shelters across the area faced an unprecedented surge in abandoned and displaced animals, fueled by the lingering economic aftershocks of previous years. With inflation and housing instability forcing many families to make heartbreaking decisions, local shelters—already stretched thin—were pushed past their limits.

The Minoli Foundation recognizes this as a critical moment, where we must step in to provide compassionate care, safe refuge, and a much-needed expansion of support services for vulnerable dogs in desperate need in Los Angeles and Ventura counties.

The Bones of Who We Are

  • Every Dog is Treated like Family.

    Every dog that comes through our doors becomes part of the Minoli Foundation family. We love, protect, and advocate for each one as if they were our own—because to us, they are. 

  • Once in the Pack, Always in the Pack.

    Our responsibility doesn't end once dogs are adopted. We are dedicated to ensuring lifelong well-being for every animal we rescue and make a commitment to providing guidance and support to adopters on every step of the journey with their new family member. 

  • The Minoli Pack.

    Community engagement is at the heart of everything we do. We actively partner with shelters, adopters, volunteers, and local organizations to build a compassionate network that comes together over a shared passion for and commitment to dogs and those who love them. From hosting local adoption events and educational workshops to partnering with schools and senior centers, we believe that saving dogs starts with connecting people. 

  • Excellence in Every Tail Wag.

    We are unwavering in our commitment to the physical and emotional well-being of every dog in our care. From proper medical treatment and nutrition to enrichment, socialization, and training, we uphold the highest standards of care. Every decision we make centers on what’s best for the dogs—always

Meet the Founders

A smiling young man with short dark hair, wearing a black tank top and a circular pendant necklace, stands outdoors in front of a large bush with purple flowers and green leaves.

  • CEO

    Luca has been devoted to animals for as long as anyone can remember—even before he could walk or talk. His journey began in Bologna, Italy, where, at just 11 years old, he started volunteering at a local animal shelter. From walking dogs to spending quiet moments offering affection and comfort, Luca quickly discovered a deep sense ofpurpose in caring for animals in need. During his high school years in Boston, his dedication only grew—he spent nearly every weekend volunteering 7 to 8 hours at the MSPCA. At just 17, he completed an internship at the University of Bologna Veterinary Hospital, where his passion for animal care deepened into something even more profound.

    Surrounded by dedicated professionals and a steady flow of animals in need, he gained not only hands-on experience in veterinary medicine but also a deeper understanding of the compassion, urgency, and resilience that define the field. It was a formative chapter that solidified his desire to turn his love for animals into a lifelong mission. Following a move to Southern California at 21, Luca worked as a veterinary assistant at a 24-hour emergency animal hospital, where his commitment went far beyond his job description. Using his own resources, he rescued two dogs from euthanasia: a parvo-stricken puppy who made a full recovery, and a severely injured, reactive young dog whose leg had to be amputated due to prior neglect. For Luca, animal rescue isn’t just a passion—it’s a lifelong calling, one he’s proud to carry forward through the founding of Minoli Foundation Animal Refuge and his unwavering commitment to its growth and mission.

A smiling man with glasses, a chain necklace, and a sleeveless black top standing outdoors in front of purple flowers and green foliage.

  • CFO & Secretary

    Jai’s journey into the world of dog rescue began the very night he met his husband, Luca. What started as a simple introduction to Luca’s puppy quickly sparked a lifelong passion. Just three weeks later, Jai led the pair to adopt their first dog together, and within eight months, his vision of building a true “pack” led them to welcome a third rescue into their family. With every rescue, his belief in the transformative power of second chances deepened. Together, Jai and Luca once spent three hours in the middle of the night guiding a lost Doberman through the streets of North Hollywood until he was safe. For Jai, moments like these reflect a simple truth: dogs deserve for us to give our all to ensure their safety and happiness. Before dedicating himself to animal rescue, Jai built a career in the entertainment industry, where he honed his skills in business, management, and creative storytelling. Ultimately, he chose to pivot his professional path to align with his deepest passions: family, community, and creating a better life for dogs.

Ready to join the cause?

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