Larissa Wohl Makes It Her Mission to Find Forever Homes

As the pet rescue expert on Hallmark Channel’s Home & Family show, Larissa Wohl makes no bones about the fact that she is all about animals. The SoCal native started rescuing pets as a little girl, inspired by her mother.

“My mom taught that when we go to shelters don’t get the kitty or puppy that everyone is going to adopt—instead go for the ones that are the neediest,” she shares. “That has always made my soul so happy.”

Over the last three years, with her regular on-air Home & Family segment, Larissa says she has helped place more than 2,000 dogs with owners. The weekly segment features two animals who need homes, but the message is more far-reaching.

“We want to highlight the fact that that no matter where you live, there are animals in your city or hometown that need you,” says Larissa.

Also on Hallmark Channel, Larissa hosts Tails of Joy, which goes behind the scenes as animals go from homeless to rescue-ready.

“My mom taught that when we go to shelters don’t get the kitty or puppy that everyone is going to adopt—instead go for the ones that are the neediest.”

“We showcase all of the steps it takes to get a dog or a cat ready for adoption. There are vet visits, teeth cleaning, behavior assessment, fostering and other steps that make the rescue the best pet it can be,” she explains.

While she advocates for animals, Larissa admits she has to be careful about taking on temporary shelter cases. Every time she brings a needy dog to her Calabasas home, it never leaves.

“I currently have three ‘foster failures,’ Muppet, Maple and Piggly,” admits the vivacious pet lover.

Larissa says she is thrilled that adoptions have increased during the pandemic, with people spending so much time at home. But she cautions wannabe owners to really think about it before they make a move.

“I do like to remind everyone that life to some degree will eventually go back to normal. So you really have to make sure that having an animal makes sense for the long term. It’s a full-time commitment.” And no one knows that better than Larissa. “With all my fur babies, I can never take off on a whim. I’m the one who’s always on a leash!”