- 🐾 Skilled Pet Services
Compassionate care for the pets you love most
Whether you’re heading out of town, working long hours, or simply need an extra hand, Lorena at To The Rescue provides reliable, personalized pet care and peace of mind for you. Proudly serving Dignowity Hill and surrounding neighborhoods in San Antonio’s urban core.
- Since 2020
Trusted Care
Every single time
- About the Owner
Meet Lorena Havill, PhD
Experienced care rooted in more than 13 years of animal rescue.
Lorena has spent more than 13 years rescuing and caring for street dogs on San Antonio’s East Side. She and her husband have fostered hundreds of dogs, helped many find loving homes, and share their own home with a pack of seven rescue dogs.
In 2016, Lorena founded the Dignowity Hill Rescue Group, which has grown into a community of more than 500 members and volunteers. Together, they work to improve animal welfare, support local pet owners, and make the near East Side safer for pets and the people who care for them.
Lorena is now building the Eastside Rescue Alliance, a nonprofit that will expand this work and provide even more support to animals and families throughout the community. Her years of hands on rescue experience shape the patient, thoughtful, and compassionate care she provides to every pet.
🐶 Dogs
Walks & sitting
🐱 Cats
At home care
🦜 Birds & Chickens
Gentle handling
🐷 Pet Pigs & More
Specialized care
- Why Choose Us
Why pet owners choose To The Rescue
Compassion first
Reliable & trustworthy
Personalized care
Multiple species
Dogs, cats, birds, pigs, chickens, & fish.
- Services
What we offer
Comprehensive pet care services designed around your pet’s needs
Pet sitting & daily care
Comfort at home
Drop-in visits
Quick or extended visits
Dog walks
Short or extended walks
Overnight stays
Maintain normal routine
Specialized care
Expert support
Medical appointments
Transport & support
Pet transportation
Safe transport
Dog Training & Practice Sessions
Coming Feb 2027 - Reach out for more info
Enrichment & activity
Fun & engagement
Play sessions
One-on-one playtime
Outings
Individual adventures
Play dates
Social play with Lorena's dog
- Gallery
Life at To The Rescue
Happy pets, adventures, walks, cuddles, and everyday moments.
- FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Why is your business called To The Rescue?
For more than 13 years, I’ve been involved in animal rescue throughout San Antonio. That experience has taught me how to care for pets with a wide range of personalities, medical needs, and behavioral challenges. My goal is to provide every pet with the same compassionate, knowledgeable care I’d want for my own animals.
What if I have multiple pets with different needs?
Every household is different. Whether one dog needs a quick potty break while another enjoys a longer walk, I’ll tailor each visit to meet your pets’ individual needs.
Are you insured?
Yes! To The Rescue is fully insured and bonded, giving you complete peace of mind while you’re away. Your home and pets are protected.
How far in advance can I book pet care services?
I accept booking requests up to six months in advance. If your travel plans are further out than that, I’d be happy to discuss your needs, but I’ll schedule your reservation once it falls within my six month booking window. This helps me provide accurate availability and ensure the best care for all of my clients.
How much notice do you need for a booking?
Whenever possible, I ask that booking requests be made at least 48 hours in advance. This allows me to plan my schedule and provide the highest level of care for every pet. If you have a last minute request, feel free to reach out. If I have availability, I’ll do my best to accommodate you.
What happens if I need to cancel?
I understand plans change! For overnight stays, a 50% deposit is required at booking to reserve your dates. Cancellations made within 21 days of the scheduled stay are nonrefundable. Other visits and services cancelled at the last minute are also nonrefundable. If I am able to rebook any cancelled nights, visits, or services, I will refund 90% of the amount I am able to rebook, so please let me know about any changes as soon as possible. If severe weather or unsafe conditions prevent me from safely reaching your home, your payment may be credited toward a future service.
Can I leave my indoor cameras on?
For privacy reasons, indoor cameras must be disabled during visits. I am happy to turn the indoor cameras back on after my visit. Exterior and doorbell cameras are welcome.
Do you provide cleaning services?
- Testimonials
Kind words from pet owners
“We highly recommend Lorena-To-The-Rescue to care for your pets. In the past, we’ve used her services several times to watch our Miniature Pinscher, Duke, while on vacation, administering his insulin shots and prescription dogfood. To-the-Rescue puts our minds at ease and allows us to relax knowing there’s someone we trust caring for our loved ones.”
Duke
Michael C. & Alex P.
“Lorena has pet sat for our four rescue dogs (60-80 lbs each, with personalities as big as their size) multiple times, and we trust her completely. Our dogs aren’t just pets, they’re family, and Lorena treats them that way, honoring their structured routines and picking up on the small details that matter. She handles their quirks and big energy with real skill, patience, and genuine affection. If you want a sitter who treats your dogs like family and has the experience to back it up, Lorena is it!”
Coco
Wendy W. & Brian N.
“I’ve known Lorena as an animal rescuer for several years. When she started pet-sitting, I finally had someone consistent to watch my animals when I travel. She keeps in touch with me daily if that is what I want. She can also handle things so I can totally disconnect, if it is that kind of trip. She’s capable and responsible. When she takes over I know that my dogs — a couple of which are very weary of strangers — and even my pig, are happy and safe. I can go over complicated instructions one time and she’s got it. She even researched safe pig snacks before the first stay. I do not worry about anything when she is there.”
Pigita
Mark G.
“Lorena has been such an amazing pet sitter for our cat Echo. Echo has special needs and is prone to stress so having someone who can come visit him when we are away has been so great. She is able to do the necessary maintenance of having a cat and also provides specialized care. She is flexible and timely and Echo is always happy to see her. She provides updates and we trust our pet is in good hands when she is around. She is also very involved with providing support to local animals in need and we would recommend her to anyone seeking a trusted professional to look after their pets and home.”
Echo
Marylin & Jason B.
“Lorena Havill is knowledgeable, caring, and dependable. She has cared for my cat, and 2 dogs . She has walked and played with a newly rescued, reactive dog, and compassionately cared for my senior dog. She has walked, fed, handled their multiple medications and stayed overnight at the house. They are always glad to see her. She is simply an awesome dog sitter as well as an advocate for animal welfare in our Dignowity Hill community.”
Oliver
Erlyn M.
Alley Cat
Monica S. And Mark K.
- Contact
Ready to get in touch?
210-275-6856 (text is preferred)
lorena@totherescuepetservices.com
Based in Dignowity Hill on San Antonio’s East Side
Dignowity Hill, Denver Heights, Alamo Gardens, Government Hill, Harvard Place Eastlawn, Jefferson Heights, Highland Park, Downtown, King William, Southtown, Lavaca, Tobin Hill, River Road, Monte Vista, and Five Points. Other areas please reach out to inquire.