Drooid Logo
About us
Back to story perspectives

Full Breakdown

Alleged Puppy-Laundering Scheme Targets Celebrity-Favored Rescue Wagmor Pets

By Drooid · · How we work

In this breakdown

01

Alleged Puppy Laundering Scheme at Wagmor Pets

City prosecutors in Los Angeles have filed a civil complaint accusing Wagmor Pets and its founder Melissa Bacelar of operating a “puppy laundering” operation. According to the complaint, the organization purchased hundreds of pure-bred and “designer” puppies from commercial breeders nationwide, transported them to California, and resold them as rescued animals. Customers were charged adoption fees ranging from $650 to $1,500 under the premise of saving dogs in need, while the funds allegedly financed the breeders’ commercial operations.

New York Post

02

Background and Reputation

Wagmor built a high-profile brand by promoting adoptions through celebrity clients such as Ellen DeGeneres, Kris Jenner, Chrissy Teigen and Jennifer Aniston, who publicly thanked the group for rescued pets. The organization continued to present itself as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and claimed tax-deductible donations even after the IRS and the California Franchise Tax Board revoked its tax-exempt status in May 2025. Prosecutors also allege that Wagmor staff administered rabies vaccinations without a licensed veterinarian or Registered Veterinary Technician, and that the Studio City facility operated without required pet-shop, kennel, or animal-act permits.

New York Post

Visual evidence

Images from the story

Prosecutors allege that customers paid steep “adoption fees” of $650 to $1,500 thinking they were rescuing dogs in need, but the money directly financed Wagmor’s commercial breeding operations. Instagram/@wagmorpets
Prosecutors allege that customers paid steep “adoption fees” of $650 to $1,500 thinking they were rescuing dogs in need, but the money directly financed Wagmor’s commercial breeding operations. Instagram/@wagmorpetsPhoto: nypost
Jennifer Aniston is seen with her adopted dog, for which she thanked Wagmor in an Instagram post. Instagram/@jenniferaniston
Jennifer Aniston is seen with her adopted dog, for which she thanked Wagmor in an Instagram post. Instagram/@jenniferanistonPhoto: nypost
Chrissy Teigen poses with her dog Peter, who was adopted from Wagmor Pets. Instagram/@chrissyteigen
Chrissy Teigen poses with her dog Peter, who was adopted from Wagmor Pets. Instagram/@chrissyteigenPhoto: nypost
A dog named Mrs. Wallis Browning, adopted by Ellen DeGeneres from Wagmor Pets, is shown. Instagram/@ellendegeneres
A dog named Mrs. Wallis Browning, adopted by Ellen DeGeneres from Wagmor Pets, is shown. Instagram/@ellendegeneresPhoto: nypost
Kris Jenner poses with her dog that she had adopted through Wagmor. Facebook/Kris Jenner
Kris Jenner poses with her dog that she had adopted through Wagmor. Facebook/Kris JennerPhoto: nypost

03

Official Statements & Responses

LA City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto, representing the prosecuting office, said, “Families who open their homes to rescue animals deserve honesty, not deception. We allege that the defendants exploited the compassion of many Angelenos for financial gain, while putting the welfare of vulnerable animals at risk.” The office is urging anyone who purchased a dog through Wagmor or possesses additional information to contact the city at att.wagmorpets@lacity.org.

New York Post

04

Verbatim Quotes

  • “Families who open their homes to rescue animals deserve honesty, not deception. We allege that the defendants exploited the compassion of many Angelenos for financial gain, while putting the welfare of vulnerable animals at risk,” — LA City Attoney Hydee
New York Post

05

What’s Next

The complaint seeks civil penalties and an injunction to halt Wagmor’s alleged illegal activities. City prosecutors have indicated that further enforcement actions may follow pending the outcome of the case and any additional evidence provided by the public.

New York Post