our Story
The Rescue House exists to provide a safe haven for injured, orphaned, and displaced wildlife. Every animal that arrives at our Hill Country facility receives individualized care designed to heal, strengthen, and prepare them for release back into the wild where they belong.
With a team of dedicated volunteers and a founder whose passion spans decades, The Rescue House stands as a sanctuary of healing, hope, and renewal—guided by the belief that every life matters.
Meet Our Founder, Nel
Nel’s passion for wildlife began in South Africa, where her childhood home bordered a cheetah and crocodile sanctuary. By the age of seven, she was spending weekends among cheetahs and servals, often returning home with small, injured animals to nurse back to health.
Years later, after moving to the United States and raising her twin daughters, Nel returned to her lifelong calling. She worked tirelessly to become a licensed wildlife rehabilitator in Texas and turned her dream into reality with the creation of The Rescue House.
Today, she leads with the same determination and compassion she showed as a child—ensuring that every animal is given a second chance and every release back to the wild carries a story of hope.
your generosity
Fuels Our Mission
The Rescue House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, operating entirely on donations and community support. We receive no local, state, or federal government funding to help us:
- Provide individualized care protocols for every animal
- Maintain meticulous daily records to support recovery
- Empower volunteers with training and purpose
- Work toward the ultimate goal: release animals back into the wild
Every rescue, every rehabilitation, and every release is made possible by people like you. Together, we can give injured and orphaned wildlife the second chance they deserve.