Lost and Found: Cleo&Hooman's Mission to Reunite Pets with Families Amid LA County Wildfires
Photography by : Robiee Ziegler
At Making Waves Project, we are inspired by the individuals and organizations making a difference in our community. Recently, we had the pleasure of interviewing Louie Marte and Michael McLafferty, the founders of Cleo&Hooman, a modern pet care brand that’s doing incredible work for families impacted by the recent Los Angeles wildfires. Here’s how Cleo&Hooman is making waves and bringing hope to both humans and pets alike.
Building a Pet-Centered Community
Cleo&Hooman isn’t just a pet care brand—it’s a community. As Louie explained, their mission goes beyond offering gentle, hypoallergenic pet products for dogs with sensitive skin. They also host LA-focused, dog-friendly events like yoga and sound baths, fostering connections among pet lovers in the city.
But when the wildfires broke out, Cleo&Hooman’s dedication to pets and their families took on a new dimension. “When the fire first started, we knew that Cleo&Hooman could help,” Louie said. “We curated a database where you could post your lost and found pets. That database is currently being shared by victims as well as anybody that's able to help.”
The database, which includes all kinds of pets—from dogs and cats to bunnies, fish, and even ducks—serves as a vital tool for reuniting families with their beloved animals. “Just sharing that post makes a difference,” Louie emphasized. “We’re creating a paper trail so it becomes a little bit easier when everything settles down.”
Organizing Relief Efforts
Michael McLafferty, co-founder of Cleo&Hooman, highlighted additional efforts to support wildfire relief. “We have been organizing a variety of things here to give back to the community,” he shared. “We’ve been doing a donation drive, collecting supplies and food—everything to give back to pet parents.”
The donation drive, coupled with their database, is a lifeline for families searching for their pets or struggling to care for them during this crisis. Cleo & Hooman’s efforts are centered in areas like Pasadena and the Pacific Palisades, where many families have been displaced.
Bringing People Together
Cleo & Hooman’s community-building efforts extend beyond wildfire relief. Michael shared how their events—like monthly hikes, community walks, yoga sessions, and sound baths—help bring pet parents together. “We make waves by giving back to the community,” he said. “Our events foster better relationships between people and their pets while connecting like-minded individuals.”
A Message of Unity and Resilience
When asked what they’d like the world to know about Los Angeles, both founders painted a picture of a city that embraces everyone. “LA is a place where everyone is welcome, everyone is appreciated, everyone is valued,” Louie said. “LA is a safe haven for everyone and their animals. That’s the LA that I know and love.”
Michael echoed this sentiment, adding, “When the situation gets tough, Los Angeles as an entire city bands together and works as a whole community. The amount of people we’ve seen over the last week who have dedicated their lives to helping those affected by the fires has been incredible.”
How You Can Help
If you’re in a position to help, consider contributing to Cleo & Hooman’s wildfire relief initiatives. Whether it’s sharing posts from their database, fostering a pet, or donating to organizations like the Labelle Foundation, your support can make a difference.
Together, we can continue to make waves and rebuild stronger, one story and one connection at a time.
LOST AND FOUND : Pet Database
www.cleoandhooman.com
IG : @cleoandhooman
This post has been created by The Making Waves Project to spotlight stories of resilience in the aftermath of the wildfires. Together, we honor the strength of those impacted and amplify voices that inspire recovery and hope.
If you or someone you know has a story to tell, we’d love to hear from you. And if you’re a brand interested in partnering with us to make a greater impact, please email us at hello@makingwavesproject.com
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Photography by Robiee Ziegler
Produced by Katie Caro
With support from Andie Danesi
