Co-Founder of Marley’s Mutts & Pawsitive Change.
Used Dog Salesman and Proud Father.
Serving Incarcerated People and Pets.
Zach rescued Marley, a Rottweiler-Pit Bull from the Mojave Shelter in 2002 at eight weeks old. He used to carry him around in a backpack with just his head poking out.
When Zach was diagnosed with end-stage liver disease, it was Marley who helped pull him from despair and into the fight. It was his relentless love, omnipresent affection, and “today can be the best day of our life” mentality which helped Zach live again.
Zach founded Marley’s Mutts in 2009 and nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) status was granted in 2010. Growing from a nonprofit about dog rescue providing second chances and rescuing the unrescuable dogs, was the Pawsitive Change® Prison Program and Miracle Mutts® Therapy Dog Program.
“Making a pawsitive and lasting impact on communities by rehabilitating souls and creating second chances using the power of the human/animal bond.”
Creating hope and opportunity for incarcerated people and pets so both may find a path home.
Zach has incredible passion for his work in the prison system through the Pawsitive Change program, partnering with California state prisons to select incarcerated individuals and at-risk shelter dogs to create a bond that changes the lives of humans and animals alike.
CORA ROSE
Adopted shelter dog, double amputee and world renown smile giver! Teaching the meaning of “I can” and “I get to” instead of “I have to” or “I need”. She is inspirational medicine, creating a wake of smiles in her path.
ANIMAL RESCUE ABROAD
From Afghanistan to Morocco, Korea to Thailand, Lebanon to Brazil. Zach has traveled to world over creating meaningful relationships with shelters abroad and sharing best-practices from his veteran experience in the animal rescue community.
Accolades & Accomplishments
Recipient of the Red Cross Real Hero Award, Board member of CARE (America’s first national Black, Indigenous, and People of Color Animal Welfare organization), presenter of a TED Talk, Brand Ambassador of Jockey, guest appearances on many podcasts.