Role Model
Founder of Villalobos Rescue Center and star of Pit Bulls & Parolees
Early Life and Career
Tia was born on June 11, 1960, in California. Leaving home at 17 with her pets, she served in the U.S. Army and later worked as a youth gang counselor, which led her to begin working with parolees.
Villalobos Rescue Center
Founded in the 1990s in California, VRC originally rescued wolves and hybrids. After adopting a pit bull named Tatanka, the center shifted focus to pit bulls. In 2011, it moved to New Orleans. VRC now operates in multiple locations, rescuing and rehoming dozens of dogs each month.
Pit Bulls & Parolees
This Animal Planet series launched in 2009 and concluded in 2022 after 19 seasons. It showcased the day-to-day life of VRC and Tia’s mission of helping both dogs and parolees.
Family and Personal Life
Tia is married to Aren Marcus Jackson and has four children: daughters Tania and Mariah, and adopted sons Kanani and Keli'i. All are involved in rescue work.
Memoir
My Life Among the Underdogs (2019) shares stories of dogs that deeply impacted her life, offering a window into her mission and values.
Online Presence
Video Feature
