Who We Are
Northbound Rescue is a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting primarily independent rescuers in rural Mississippi. With many of these communities battling overpopulation, low local adoption rates and climbing medical bills, Northbound Rescue forms a partnership with these rescuers to assist them with medical care, fundraising, transport and rescue efforts in the Northeast.
Our Story
Our co-founders, Tonia and Shelby, met in the dog rescue world back in 2017 while volunteering with a local organization. The two got paired up working with the same shelter group in Mississippi where they formed a strong bond with the affiliate fosters, staff and volunteers. While Tonia and Shelby loved the organization they were originally volunteering for, they quickly found that the shelter they were working with needed extra help with day to day operations and wanted to focus on filling that need.
Our Vision
Our vision is to help our partners get their animals proper medical care and transport them to rescues and adoptive homes in the Northeast. These efforts help our partners foster and save more animals. Northbound rescue also assists independent rescuers with the administrative duties required to transport dogs to rescues, allowing them more time to focus on caring for their fosters.
Meet the Team
Shelby Knowlton
Shelby was first introduced to dog rescue when she adopted her first dog, Zoey in 2013. Two additional rescue dogs later, Shelby decided to help other dogs find their forever families by volunteering to be an adoption coordinator where she met Tonia and formed a relationship with her Southern rescue friends.
Tonia Cloutier
Tonia was first introduced to dog rescue when she adopted her first hound from Texarkana, TX and a spark was ignited. Tonia decided to volunteer as an adoption coordinator to help dogs find their forever home. She met Shelby and a bond was formed. Two more rescue dogs later and the relationship with Southern rescues was solidified.
Michael Sullivan
Michael was introduced to the rescue world from his crazy dog mom, Tonia! Michael is a graduate from Southern Connecticut State University with a Bachelor’s in Finance & Business Administration. He currently plays rugby for the town of New Haven, and was a captain at SCSU. Michael is pictured with his baby girl, Savannah.
How Can You Help?
Donate to help us continue our mission!