Hi, I’m Iva.

I grew up helping animals find homes.

I grew up on a piece of land in Pensacola, Florida, with a mom who rescued animals. Dogs, cats, horses, birds—we cared for them and helped them find homes.

I’m Iva Mesure, founder of Stray Girls Club in San Diego. I help people and local businesses find their place in helping animals.

Iva resting her cheek against Dexter, her chestnut horse — Dexter & me.

By the time I had social media, I was already posting photos and videos of dogs who needed a family. Finding the right Facebook group, sharing a listing, and talking to people about an animal looking for a home became familiar long before I thought of any of it as a skill.

The rule was “no more rescues.”

When we moved into an apartment, my mom said we couldn’t bring home any more animals. I kept bringing home dogs who needed somewhere to go—and helping them find a home.

Apollo with his adoptive family in the rescue’s Apollo is home announcement — Apollo, with his new family.

It came with me to San Diego.

I moved to San Diego with my sister in 2021. We’ve taken in dogs, kittens, and other animals who needed somewhere to stay. I’ve also fostered kittens through San Diego Humane Society.

5 years volunteering with San Diego Humane Society.

Bottle-feeding one of my foster kittens through San Diego Humane Society.

Grew up with horses.

I’ve cared for horses across several stables since childhood, including feeding and mucking out. Growing up, I also helped start young horses and teach basic commands.

A family photo of Iva as a young child riding a white pony — From the family album.

Dexter, and what comes next.

We lost our horse, Dexter, in the summer of 2026. Losing him has made me want to spend more of my time helping animals again.

Iva holding Dexter’s raised front leg in an outdoor riding arena

I want to connect the people caring for animals with the wider San Diego community: someone curious about fostering, a café with a local following, or a business that could fund useful work. I’m starting with a fostering guide and conversations about what people can offer and what rescues need.

Outside animals: the experience I bring with me

Stray GirlsClub.

I run Stray Girls Club, a San Diego community connecting people and local businesses with ways to help animals.

Find your next outing on the San Diego animal community calendar or explore the fostering guide.

Why I started the club

Let’s talk

What could we do together?

Tell me what you have in mind: time to give, a business you run, an animal you’re fostering, or work you’d like to support. We can figure out a useful next step together.

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