L1005971.jpg

Every soul needs someone who cares and loves them.

The Hilaroo Foundation was formed by Hilary Swank to bring together youth who have been given up on, with animals who have been abandoned, to help heal one another through Rescue, Rehabilitation and Responsibility Training.

Learn More
L1006684.jpg

From Our Founder

“Through Hilaroo, at-risk youth and orphaned dogs are given hope. Our programs give youth who have been given up on, and animals who have been abandoned life training exercises to prepare them both for better lives.”

-Hilary Swank

See Our Impact For Yourself

DSCF1517.jpg

Our Programs

The Hilaroo Foundation will rescue animals who have been abandoned and rehabilitate them both physically and emotionally. We will also have youth who, whether by choice or circumstance, have been given up on by society and pair them with animals to help in that rehabilitation endeavor. The two souls will set out on a journey, together, to find healing. Through their time at the foundation, youth will be given responsibility training so they may go out into this world to make it a better place for themselves.

Learn More

Hear what our program

participants and families have to say about

The Hilaroo Foundation:

DSCF1757.jpg

“As foster parents, we often have children come through our homes who we love, but they don’t know what is going to happen to them just like they don’t know what is going to happen to their dogs, and, that helps them to be able to manage that feeling”

-Foster Parents participating in our programs

DSCF1637.jpg

“I think he likes to treat people the way that she didn’t get treated at first”

-Naleen, Camp Participant

The Challenge

For many children, the foster care system can lead to severe behavioral, emotional and learning aptitude problems.

 

Hilaroo’s Contribution to the Solution 

BASED ON RESULTS OF HILAROO foundation CAMPS AND INDEPENDENT RESEARCH, CHILDREN WORKING WITH DOGS EXPERIENCE A RANGE OF BENEFITS INCLUDING: 

  • Positive impact on a range of emotional, behavioral, and physical characteristics

  • Increase in motivation and aptitude skills

  • Enhanced expression of feelings and willingness to enter into more trusting relationships

  • Increased capacity to work through challenges in their lives

  • Decrease in stress and anxiety

 

Get Involved

You can support The Hilaroo Foundation through a variety of ways.

 

Volunteer opportunities

Volunteer are our camps throughout the year.

Make a Donation

Support our camps and our goal of having a permanent place to host year-round programs and provide at-risk youth and dogs facing being euthanized with a place to come and feel safe.