VARS - Volunteer Animal Retrieval Specialists

09/08/2025

First, we want to thank everyone who has supported our two recent campaigns: Fuel for Felines and Essential Tools for V.A.R.S.. Because of your generosity, we were able to keep our retrieval missions running and build up the tools we need to climb safely and bring animals home.

To make things easier going forward, we are closing both of those GoFundMe campaigns and opening one consolidated campaign. This new GoFundMe will stay open for the foreseeable future and will cover all of our needs, from fuel for retrievals, to gear, community outreach, and everything in between.

https://gofund.me/8e955f550

This way, no matter when you choose to support us, you’ll know your donation is going straight into the mission of helping animals in need.

Thank you for believing in us, sharing our mission, and helping us continue to say:
Any animal, any tree, if they go up, so do we.

— The V.A.R.S. Team

We are V.A.R.S. - Volunteer Animal Retrieval Specialists, a Native-owned and … Dauki Willburn needs your support for Help VARS Keep Retrieving Animals in Need

09/07/2025

What we thought was two days turned out to be four long days that this 7-month-old kitten was stuck in the tree. She’s finally down, safe, and now resting indoors with her family.

After everything she’s been through, she’ll be recovering inside until she’s ready to go back to her outdoor adventures. For now, she’s warm, cared for, and most importantly, safe.

Thank you all for following along and supporting VARS. Every like, share, and kind word helps us keep showing up for animals who can’t get down on their own.

09/07/2025

Today VARS is heading out in Modesto to help a 7-month-old cat who’s been stuck in a tree for two long days. This little one does have a home and a family that loves them, but as an outdoor kitty, adventures sometimes turn into misadventures.

Even when they’re used to roaming free, no cat is meant to be trapped and scared so high above the ground. We’re here to give this brave explorer a safe way back down, and to bring peace of mind to their family waiting below.

09/04/2025

We’re so happy to say Dutch is safe tonight! Rescuing him from the palm took extra time and equipment, but determination and patience got us there. This is why we do what we do, every animal deserves a chance to come home. Thank you to everyone who supported us through this, your encouragement and kindness keep us climbing.

09/03/2025

Hey friends, we’re headed to Lodi, CA to retrieve a kitty named Dutch, who was scared up a palm and has been stuck since Sunday. Lodi has experienced a heatwave recently and temperatures have hit over 100 so we’re hoping to get him down soon and return him to his family. Updates will follow as soon as they are available!

08/31/2025

Hey folks, yesterday, the calico cat stuck in a tree at Wesson Ranch Park was brought down safe and sound. She was checked by a vet and did not have a chip. If you feel this may be your cat, please reach out. In the event no one reaches out, the individual that brought us out for the retrieval will be taking the cat in. Thank you all for your continued support!

-V.A.R.S.
“Any animal, from any tree, if they go up, so do we.”

08/30/2025

Hey folks, we’ve been alerted to an adult calico cat that has been stuck about 20 feet up in a tree at Wesson Ranch Park (Wesson Ranch Rd, Modesto) since last night.

At this time, it’s unknown if the cat has an owner. If this is your cat, please let us know right away.

V.A.R.S. has received permission to climb the tree, and we are on our way to attempt a safe rescue.

Please share this post so we can help reunite this cat with its family if it has one. Updates will follow as soon as we are able.

— Volunteer Animal Retrieval Specialists
“Any animal, from any tree, if they go up, so do we.”

08/18/2025

Hey friends! Here is a delayed update from our Tiktok channel. We hope to be posting here more often as to keep our Facebook friends in the loop.

Anyone who donates to our go fund me campaign Fuel for Felines will get their first name and last initial put on our Fuel for Felines t-shirt which is going to be available at cost through our apparel site. We are so exited to let you know we are almost to our goal of covering the travel costs for the next TEN rescues.

If you would like to donate and get your name on our t-shirt here is the link:

https://gofund.me/10b691d9

Not everyone may be able to donate but anyone can share this post, thank you for your support friends. Have a happy Monday!

08/14/2025

Big News! Every single Fuel for Felines donor is getting their name featured on our new T-shirt! Thank you for literally becoming part of the mission and keeping our rescues rolling!

https://www.tiktok.com//video/7538509137454419230

Check out VARS_CA’s video.

08/13/2025

The V.A.R.S. Supporter Merchandise Shop is officially open.

Every piece in our store proudly says “Supporter” because when you wear it, you’re doing more than showing off our name. You’re directly funding our mission to rescue animals from trees, and other dangerous places, always free of charge.

Thirty percent of every sale comes back to V.A.R.S. from Printful. That means your hoodie, hat, or shirt is more than apparel it’s a direct donation that helps us cover the costs of fuel, gear, and other essentials to keep saying “yes” when animals need us most.

Browse the shop, choose your favorite gear, and join the growing group of people wearing their support proudly.

Shop now: https://vars.printful.me/

08/12/2025

VARS - Volunteer Animal Retrieval Specialists is a nonprofit dedicated to retrieving animals from dangerous heights at no charge to the owner. Whether it’s a frightened kitten stuck high in a tree or a pet stranded in an impossible place, we respond with skill, safety, and compassion.

In the past, we have tried to raise funds the same day. To make sure we can respond faster and without hesitation in the future, we are now raising funds ahead of time to cover fuel expenses for upcoming rescues.

Every dollar raised will go directly toward fuel, allowing us to respond to calls anywhere in California without delay.

Your support helps us keep saying yes to the calls others turn away.

Donate today to help us be ready for the next animal in need.

Any animal, from any tree, if they go up, so do we.

VARS - Volunteer Animal Retrieval Specialists is a nonprofit dedicated to ret… Dauki Willburn needs your support for Fuel for Felines: Support VARS Retrievals

08/12/2025

Hey folks! Here is an update to the live stream regarding the kitten stuck in a tree in Mariposa, CA.

https://www.tiktok.com//video/7537495730823482655

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