Wagmor Pets, a Southern California dog rescue organization favored by celebrities, is facing accusations of operating a "puppy laundering" scheme, according to a lawsuit filed by the LA City Attorney's Office. The organization and its founder, Melissa Bacelar, are accused of purchasing puppies from commercial breeders and re-selling them as adopted rescues.
High-profile clients, including Jennifer Aniston, Ellen DeGeneres, Chrissy Teigen, and Kris Jenner, have publicly supported Wagmor, often sharing posts about adopting "rescued" pets from the organization. Prosecutors allege that these clients, and others, paid between $650 and $1,500 in "adoption fees" under the belief that they were helping animals in need. However, the complaint claims these funds directly financed Wagmor's commercial breeding operations.
LA City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto stated, "Families who open their homes to rescue animals deserve honesty, not deception. We allege that the defendants exploited the compassion of many Angelenos for financial gain, while putting the welfare of vulnerable animals at risk."
The lawsuit further claims that Bacelar used deceptive tactics to solicit public donations, including fabricating claims of urgency and stating that breeders would kill puppies if funds were not raised quickly. These solicitations continued even after the IRS and California Franchise Tax Board revoked Wagmor's tax-exempt status in May 2025.
Additionally, Wagmor and Bacelar are accused of illegally administering rabies vaccinations without veterinary supervision. The organization also allegedly operated without necessary permits for its pet shop and dog kennel facilities in Studio City and conducted "puppy parties" without an animal acts or exhibitions permit.
City prosecutors are requesting that individuals who purchased a dog from Wagmor or have information about the organization contact them at [email protected].