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Mutt Scouts

EIN 20-8674546 · San Diego, CA

Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthGood75 out of 100GovernanceWeak27 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

Southern California dog rescue. Any breed, any need, dedicated to helping homeless, abused and abandoned dogs from Mexico and high kill shelters throughout California.

Income
$618,657
Spending
$564,545
Spent on programs
92%
Reserves
2.1 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 74%
Employees
0
Volunteers
10

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Good: 75 out of 100. Higher than 41% of charities in its peer group (animals, $250k to $1m).

  • Reserves

    10 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 2.1 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 0% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 9% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 26% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    92% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 0 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Weak: 27 out of 100. Higher than 6% of charities in its peer group (animals, $250k to $1m).

  • Independent board

    5 of 25

    0 of 3 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    0 of 15

    Reports no written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    0 of 8

    Reports no written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    0 of 7

    Reports no written policy on keeping and destroying records.

  • Board minutes

    5 of 5

    Keeps minutes of board meetings.

  • Board sees the tax return

    0 of 10

    Did not give the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • Independent check of accounts

    6 of 15

    Its accounts were not audited or reviewed by an independent accountant.

  • No reported misuse

    10 of 10

    Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Impact evidence

Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.

Programs described in its return (2)
  1. $521,784 spent. ORGANIZED GROUPS TO RESUCE ANIMALS THROUGHOUT CALIFORNIA LOCATING RESCUES THAT HAVE BEEN NEGLECTED AND ABANDONED. EDUCATING PUBLIC OF THE PLIGHT OF HOMELESS ANIMALS VIA FACEBOOK AND OTHER SOCIAL MEDIAS ENCOURAGING ADOPTION. SUCCESS IN LOCATING AND PLACING ANIMALS IN FOREVER HOMES
  2. In August 2024, we got a heartbreaking call from a rescuer in Mexico about a backyard breeding operation that had spiraled completely out of control. A man was breeding and selling dogs purely for profit, with no concern for their well-being. What rescuers found was devastating: exhausted mama dogs who had been bred over and over, some barely out of puppyhood themselves and more than 30 dogs in total who were desperate for help. They were living in filthy, overcrowded kennels. Many were malnourished, some suffering from untreated genetic conditions, and all were terrified. We knew we couldnt turn our backs. So, we said yes. Yes to all 30+ dogs, and immediately began the long road to healing. aking in that many dogs at once was overwhelming both emotionally and financially. We spent over $20,000 on vet care, treatments, and the slow, patient work of helping each dog learn to trust again. Every single one had their own story of survival and one by one, they started to bloom. Today, every one of those dogs has found a forever home across Southern California. Seeing their photos... running free, curled up on soft beds, loved beyond measure... brings tears to our eyes every time.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Legitimacy checks

  1. Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.

    Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.

  2. Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Worth knowing.

    Status was revoked on May 15, 2023 for not filing returns for three years, and reinstated on May 15, 2023.

    Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 30, 2026.

  3. Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.

    On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.

    Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 10, 2026.

  4. Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.

    Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2024.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since October 2024.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.

  6. Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.

    Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.

    Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 7, 2026.

Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.