About Us

Our Mission Statement

Our goal is to make sure no animal in our city is forgotten. We rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome pets in need, and we created this digital space to connect those animals with the people who will love them.

Founded in 2002, MetroPets started with a simple but powerful vision: to ensure that no animal in the city is left without care or compassion. What began as a small group of dedicated volunteers rescuing stray and abandoned pets quickly grew into a trusted community organization.

Over time, MetroPets expanded its services to include medical rehabilitation, adoption programs, and public education initiatives. Today, it continues to evolve by embracing digital tools to connect animals with loving homes, while staying true to its mission of giving every pet a second chance.

Compassion For All Animals: We believe every animal deserves kindness, respect, and proper care. This value guides everything we do, from daily shelter operations to how we interact with the community.

Commitment to Rescue & Rehabilitation: Our goal is to provide immediate safety and long-term recovery for animals in need. We focus on both physical healing and emotional well-being to give each pet the best chance at adoption.

Responsible Pet Ownership: We aim to educate the public on proper animal care, including training, health, and long-term commitment. By promoting responsibility, we help reduce neglect and abandonment.

Community Connection: We strive to build strong relationships between people and pets. Through outreach programs and our digital platform, we connect animals with loving homes and encourage community involvement.

2002: Founding of MetroPets.

2006: First Permanent Shelter Facility.

2009: Launch of Adoption Programs.

2013: Veterinary Care Expansion.

2018: Community Outreach & Education Initiatives.

2021: Digital Platform Launch.

Lucie Hunter - Shelter Director

Lucie has led the shelter for over a decade, transforming it from a small local operation into a nationally recognized rescue center. With a background in nonprofit management and a lifelong passion for animal welfare, she focuses on expanding adoption programs and building partnerships with veterinary clinics. Outside of work, Lucie fosters senior dogs that are often overlooked.

Dr. Xiaoming (Marcus) Zhong - Veterinarian

Dr. Zhong joined the shelter after several years in private practice, seeking more meaningful, community-focused work. He specializes in emergency care and rehabilitation for injured animals brought in by animal control. Known for his calm demeanor, Xiaoming has helped save hundreds of animals and regularly trains staff in basic medical care.

Annie Luo - Adoption Coordinator

Annie is the friendly face many adopters first meet. With a degree in psychology, she has a knack for matching families with the right pets based on lifestyle and personality. Annie also runs adoption events and has successfully placed over 1,000 animals into loving homes.

Berry Xie - Animal Care Technician

Berry ensures the animals are clean, fed, and comfortable every day. Starting as a volunteer in high school, Berry quickly turned her passion into a full-time career. She is especially skilled at working with anxious or traumatized animals, helping them feel safe and ready for adoption.

Karen (Zhixi) Liang - Volunteer Coordinator

Karen manages a team of over 150 volunteers. With a background in human resources, she excels at training and organizing people from all walks of life. Karen developed a mentorship program that pairs new volunteers with experienced ones, improving retention and overall animal care quality.

Natalie Cheung - Fundraising Manager

Natalie is the creative force behind the shelter’s funding efforts. From organizing charity galas to running viral social media campaigns, Natalie has doubled the shelter’s annual donations in just three years. She believes storytelling is key and often shares heartwarming rescue stories to engage the community.

Dr. Rosie Luu - Behavior Specialist

Dr. Luu is an animal behaviorist who works with pets that have experienced trauma or behavioral challenges. With a PhD in animal behavior, she designs rehabilitation plans that improve adoptability. Her work has helped many “unadoptable” animals find homes, including several formerly aggressive dogs.