As a game-changer in the rescue community, Tama Lundquist has contributed over 15 years of service toward alleviating suffering and solving the problem of animal homelessness in the city of Houston. Born in Washington D.C. and raised in rural Minnesota with her identical twin Tena and a younger brother Luke, Tama’s parents instilled in them a desire and responsibility to “give back.”
Tama began her career in animal advocacy in 2007 when she joined the Houston PetSet Board of Directors and in 2008 when she co-founded The Highland Village Adoption Center. Since then, she has continued to direct her lifelong passion and dedication for animals to the stray dogs and cats of Houston, serving as a founding member of Houston’s BARC Foundation, and currently acting as a Co-President of Houston PetSet alongside her sister, Tena.
Tama is a board member of Magpies and Peacocks, a member of Crime Stoppers Leading Women for Public Safety, and a founding member of the Harris County Animal Cruelty Task Force.
Tama is actively involved in working with troubled youth, currently mentoring kids through 8 Million Stories. She also served as a mentor at Allie’s House in Dallas/Fort Worth, where she worked with single mothers.
Tama has received a multitude of honors for her charitable work. She was a Co-Recipient of the Liev Platou Award, and she was honored by Interfaith Ministries, Representative Sarah Davis, the City of Houston Mayors Turner and Parker, The Humane Society, and she was a co-recipient of the Spirit of Texas Award by Cadillac. She, along with sister Tena, was recognized with the 2021 Humanitarian of the Year Melcher Award from Citizens for Animal Protection. Most recently, Tama was awarded Houston Woman’s Magazine’s “Houston’s Most Influential Woman” in 2021, the Houston Business Journal’s “Women Who Mean Business” for 2022, and the 8 Million Stores Youth Advocacy Award.
When Tama isn’t working, she enjoys spending time with her beloved son Harrison “Cole” Owen, whom she adores more than anything. Her fur kids include grand-dog Sparky, the recent addition Vinny, and her pride and joy, Sonny Corleone.