About Us

At ACS and Shepherdess, we believe that compassion creates change and humanity has a moral obligation to be stewards of the Earth—to protect the planet and prevent the needless suffering of animals everywhere. Across the globe, animals are caught in cycles of harm driven by human action and inaction. As a women-founded and led 501(c)(3) philanthropic intermediary, we are reimagining what it means to give back. We build bridges between communities, donors, and changemakers—shifting power to those on the frontlines of animal and environmental protection. We support both people and animals by offering strategic consultation, bold storytelling, and innovative solutions designed to create a long-term, sustainable impact. Our work is grounded in the belief that stewardship isn’t optional—it’s a shared duty. Through collaboration, compassion, and creativity, we advocate that every animal deserves to thrive.

 

WHO WE ARE
Established in 2024, Animal Conservation Society (ACS) was founded by Monica Watson, a licensed veterinary professional whose lifelong commitment to animals evolved into a global movement for change. ACS serves as an umbrella organization addressing the needs of animals worldwide whether wild, agricultural, companion, research, performance, and zoo animals—while uniting advocates, communities, and partners in a shared mission of protection and stewardship.

 

OUR STORY
In 2021, while traveling, Monica Watson began feeding homeless dogs, purchasing 40-pound bags of dog food and having a taxi stop wherever packs of dogs gathered. She would pour food on the ground, step back, and watch. Monica committed to finding animals in need and feeding them each time she traveled. Usually, one brave, emaciated dog would cautiously approach first then the rest would follow until the whole pack was around her eating. These moments revealed both profound need and the power of compassion.

 

Monica asked locals how they felt about the homeless dog population, the answer was always the same, it concerned them. She enlisted local partners to help feed animals, even when she returned to the United States, continued the work by funding them remotely. Through shared accountability with photos of receipts, updates, and trust—Monica learned that meaningful, ongoing impact was possible even from afar. Funding plus willing hands can save lives. Building trust and support for these overlooked animals built the heartbeat of and gave rise to the Shepherdess Project, which later merged with Animal Conservation Society—Shepherdess focusing on companion animals, and ACS expanding the mission to protect all animals. 

 

OUR VISION
We envision a world where animals are treated with dignity, ecosystems are protected, and compassion guides human stewardship. Through sanctuary, collaboration, advocacy, and action, Animal Conservation Society is committed to creating a future where no animal is forgotten and every creature counts.

 

WHAT WE DO
ACS conducts and funds animal welfare projects and campaigns that promote the preservation of life and safety for all animals. Our work includes:

 

• Global Rescue & Advocacy Network: Fostering an animal welfare network through collaboration with advocates and organizations to reach, rescue, and defend animals in need—wherever they are.

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• Ecosystem Stewardship: Reimagining domestic and international stewardship of ecosystem services to preserve and progress wildlife habitats and biodiversity.

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• Humane Safeguarding & Investigation: Strategizing and investigating humane responses and protection for wildlife, agricultural, companion, research, performance, and zoo animals.

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• Focused Care Initiatives: Providing specialized programs that address urgent needs, particularly for companion and agricultural animals.