A dog rescue organization embraced by celebrities including Ellen DeGeneres, Kris Jenner, Chrissy Teigen and Jennifer Aniston is facing allegations that it sold commercially bred puppies while presenting them as rescued animals. A new legal complaint claims the operation deceived animal lovers, collected thousands of dollars in adoption fees and put vulnerable dogs at risk.

According to the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office, Melissa Bacelar, founder of Wagmor, allegedly orchestrated a “puppy laundering” scheme that involved purchasing hundreds of purebred and designer puppies from commercial breeders across the country and transporting them to California for resale under the appearance of legitimate adoptions.

The allegations raise questions about an organization that cultivated a high-profile reputation by promoting the adoption of supposedly rescued pets.

Celebrities including Aniston, DeGeneres, Teigen and Jenner publicly promoted adopting animals through Wagmor, helping the organization gain visibility among fans and prospective pet owners.

But prosecutors now allege that behind the rescue operation’s polished public image was a business model that misled customers about where their puppies came from.

Wagmor Puppy Laundering Allegations Center on Adoption Fees

According to a complaint filed Oct. 22, customers paid adoption fees ranging from $650 to $1,500 because they believed they were giving homes to animals in need.

Prosecutors allege that the payments instead helped finance Wagmor’s commercial breeding operations, turning what customers believed was an act of compassion into a transaction built on alleged deception.

The complaint claims Bacelar acquired puppies from commercial breeders and marketed them as rescued animals. If proven, the allegations could undermine the trust that rescue organizations depend on when asking families to adopt pets and contribute money.

Los Angeles City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto said families seeking to help animals deserved transparency rather than misleading claims.

“Families who open their homes to rescue animals deserve honesty, not deception,” Feldstein Soto said. She added that prosecutors alleged the defendants exploited Angelenos’ compassion for financial gain while putting vulnerable animals at risk.

Prosecutors Allege Misleading Fundraising and Tax Claims

The complaint also accuses Bacelar of soliciting public donations through deceptive tactics, including claims designed to create a sense of urgency.

According to prosecutors, Wagmor allegedly told potential donors that breeders would kill dogs, including by shooting them, unless the organization raised enough money within a short period.

Such claims, the complaint alleges, encouraged people to contribute by suggesting that animals faced immediate danger and that donations were necessary to save them.

The legal filing further alleges that Wagmor continued presenting itself as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit and telling donors that contributions were tax-deductible even after its tax-exempt status had been revoked.

Prosecutors said both the Internal Revenue Service and the California Franchise Tax Board revoked the organization's tax-exempt status in May 2025.

The allegations could carry particular significance for donors who believed their contributions supported a qualifying charitable organization and could be deducted from their taxes.

Additional Allegations Involve Animal Safety and Operating Permits

Beyond the claims surrounding puppy sourcing and fundraising, the complaint accuses Bacelar and Wagmor employees of violating rules governing veterinary care and animal-related businesses.

Alleged Rabies Vaccine Violations

Prosecutors allege that Bacelar and her employees administered rabies vaccines to animals without the required supervision of a licensed veterinarian or registered veterinary technician.

The allegation raises concerns about whether the organization followed the rules intended to ensure animals receive appropriate veterinary care and vaccinations.

Studio City Facility and Puppy Parties

Wagmor and Bacelar are also accused of operating their Studio City facility without the required pet shop and dog kennel permits.

The complaint further alleges that the organization conducted commercial “puppy parties” without obtaining the permit required for animal acts or exhibitions.

Together, the allegations describe a range of alleged violations extending beyond how the organization obtained and marketed puppies to how it handled animals and operated its facility.

The case places Wagmor’s public image as a celebrity-favored rescue organization under scrutiny. However, the claims remain allegations contained in a legal complaint and have not, based on the information provided, been established as proven facts.

For prospective adopters and donors, the dispute highlights the importance of verifying an animal rescue’s background, tax status and operating credentials before handing over money or welcoming a pet into their home.