Malibu City Council honors Sherman Baylin for decades of animal rescue service

By Hayley Mattson · Fri Aug 14 2026

Owner of Sherman’s Place recognized for coordinating animal evacuations, disaster rescues and lifesaving support for Malibu’s animals

The Malibu City Council honored longtime animal advocate and rescue volunteer Sherman Baylin, owner of Sherman’s Place, during its meeting Monday night, Aug. 10, recognizing her decades of service protecting animals in Malibu and beyond.

Councilmember Haylynn Conrad read the commendation honoring Baylin, who has quietly built a reputation as one of Malibu’s most dedicated animal rescuers, helping horses, livestock, household pets and wildlife escape fires and other emergencies.

“Sherman is Malibu’s animal rescue angel,” Conrad said. “She has devoted her life to Malibu and our animals.”

Over the years, Baylin has helped rescue horses, donkeys, chickens, pigs, cows, squirrels, and hundreds of dogs and cats. Her rescues have sometimes included animals with extraordinary needs, including a blind rat she helped save during the November 2018 Woolsey Fire.

More than 20 years ago, Baylin established an informal volunteer network of horse trailer owners, creating a rapid-response system that could mobilize during wildfires to evacuate horses and other livestock before conditions became too dangerous.

That network has allowed Baylin and other volunteers to work alongside firefighters, Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies, veterinarians, animal control officers, and other first responders during emergencies.

Her efforts have been particularly important during some of Southern California’s largest wildfires. The council commendation highlighted Baylin’s rescue work during the Sand Fire, Thomas Fire, Woolsey Fire, and other emergencies, when she helped coordinate evacuations, transport animals to safety and arrange food, temporary shelter, and veterinary care.

During the Woolsey Fire, Baylin continued rescuing animals even as she suffered significant personal losses, including much of the search-and-rescue equipment she relied upon for her work.

Baylin’s commitment has also taken her far beyond Malibu. Following Hurricane Harvey in 2017, she traveled to Texas to assist with the rescue and care of animals stranded by the devastating storm and flooding.

Her Malibu business, Sherman’s Place, has become an important gathering point for the animal rescue community, serving as a hub for collecting donated supplies, feed, halters, and other equipment while helping coordinate volunteers when emergencies strike.

Throughout her years of rescue work, Baylin has emphasized one message to animal owners: evacuate early.

Rather than waiting until mandatory evacuation orders are issued, she has repeatedly encouraged residents with horses, livestock, and other animals to move them to safety as soon as conditions begin to deteriorate. City officials credited that philosophy with helping protect animals and the people attempting to rescue them.

Baylin has largely carried out her work without seeking recognition, instead focusing on building relationships, and systems that can respond quickly when Malibu faces another emergency.

“Sherman Baylin has quietly served as one of Malibu’s most dedicated and humble animal activists for decades,” Conrad read from the commendation.

The City Council formally commended Baylin for her decades of service, leadership and commitment to animal welfare.

“Sherman Baylin’s work has made Malibu a more compassionate and resilient place,” Conrad said.