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    Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA

    3.7 (303 reviews)
    Open 11:00 am - 6:00 pm

    Services - Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA

    Animal shelters

    Pet adoption

    Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA Photos

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    Available cat
    Amy W.

    We had the best time today for their Pawliday event! There were 6 stations to make toys for the shelter animals and 2 therpy support dogs. Afterwards we went into the main area where there were adoptable dogs on the first floor, small animals on the second floor and cats on the 3rd floor. Please consider making a donation while there as there are many animals they care for or shop off their wishlist. Worth it for us to spend a rainy day there and then leave a donation.

    Our new boy, ROCKET!
    Dave L.

    Awesome staff and a really nice set up. We got our new family member there and couldn't be happier with the process. It took a few weeks of stopping by once or twice a week but it worked out. They weee always nice and accommodating. We found a perfect match.

    Doggo fountain
    Hanyu T.

    Big shelter with a variety of animals and great volunteer programs. I did not adopt with them but I have been to their facility in Millbrae a couple of times. Their indoor playground has the large dog fountain which is very fun to see. I like their souvenir store, which has pretty good selection of clothing and fun stuff. The price is relatively high but since the profit goes to the shelter I'm happy to buy from them

    Michelle L.

    This review is 5 YEARS overdue... PHS helped me find my soul mate, Buddy. Long story short, my partner and I were searching for an "older dog" but it didn't work out. An associate recommended Buddy who was 6 months old at the time. I was hesitant at first because I thought we weren't ready for a puppy/younger dog. I do not regret this decision. He is by definition, the perfect dog. The adoption process was so easy and the facility was well kept and very clean. They even have a little shop inside with a lot of items you can choose from for your new addition to the family. I always recommend PHS and always think of them and donate what I can because I really do appreciate them and all their hard work.

    Kitty and Coco
    Caroline J.

    I love coming to this location staff is so friendly from my experience and this location makes me feel so much better there not in tiny cages and you can watch the kittens play or sleep mostly, I've gotten 3 cats and 1 dog from here overall 18 years I've been coming to SPCA, my last was coco our new addition to be a buddy for our blind 11 year old kitty just to be a snuggle buddy. When coming here once you grab the papers I love that they let you see more than one at a time to see them interact if not I don't think I would have seen cocos personality, she's the best kitten and new addition, I do forget the lady that helped me but thanks to her she helped me with cocoa adoption process and every adoption has gone great

    Brand new location
    John G.

    I love my dogs. I have a female Yellow Lab and a Bichon Frise. My lab, Maxie, is now 8 years old and is your typical lab. She's friendly, curious, happy, energetic and always hungry; which always gets her into trouble. She has a penchant for escaping, too. We have a big backyard and we let her out there to conduct her business. Problem is we have an In-Law neighbor that lives in our garage and sometimes they leave the front gate open, which Maxie uses to escape. Even though there's a four foot fence that we placed in-between the front gate, she'll just jump over that fence. She's probably managed to escape more than a dozen time and either she always return or we find her wandering in the neighborhood. She does have a collar and tag, but in one particular night, I let her out to do her business as usual and went upstairs to brush my teeth. I went to bed assuming that she was back inside. When Wifey asked me her location, I had a sinking feeling that she had escaped again. Sure enough, our In-Law neighbors downstairs had visitors and they probably left the gate open. This time was different as we were looking for her until close to 2:00 in the morning. I put on my hiking boots complete with flashlight and hiking sticks to search our hilly and wooded backyard to no avail. We grabbed separate cars going into different directions and nothing. I drove further down from neighborhood and went from street to street with my flashlight until I spotted (or he spotted me) a Broadmoor Police Car. He immediately asked if I was looking for a dog. Apparently, he had come across a lab earlier and all he did was opened his back door and she went right in. I followed him to the Police Station and sure enough, she was just chilling in the backseat of the squad car without a care in the world. What a relief that was. The Officer asked if she had a chip and I replied that we had been planning on it. If he hadn't seen me, the next step was to transfer her to the SPCA for pickup since there was no way to identify her. We decided right there and then to attach a chip unto her. AND...to remind our In-Law neighbors to keep the front gate closed. The next day, we took Maxie here for her chip implant. This is a new location and it's a brand new facility. With the help of former Congressman Tom Lantos and generous donations from Larry Ellison and other Silicon Valley Entrepreneurs and Millionaires, this is one state-of-the-art facility. The staff is friendly with and endless stream of friendly volunteers, it seems. They were informative, caring and efficient. They took Maxie in the back and was done within seconds. It's good to know that there are so many services and resources at our fingertips that are easily accessible for us animal lovers. I can't thank them enough.

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    18 days ago

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    Lisa V.

    Thank you for adopting, Lakisha! And thanks for the review.

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    7 months ago

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    6 months ago

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    6 months ago

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    Lisa V.

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    2 years ago

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    Lisa V.

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    4 months ago

    It's easy to make appt ! It's has great services ! The staff are friendly . The environment was clean ! Perfect for any pets !

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    Lisa V.

    Thank you for your review, CC!

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    10 months ago

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    Lisa V.

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    1 year ago

    All who works here are some of the kindest people I know.very helpful and really care for are animals

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    Lisa V.

    Thank you, Marian!

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    1 year ago

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    Lisa V.

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    7 months ago

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    9 months ago

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    Lisa V.

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    2 years ago

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    Lisa V.

    Thank you, Tiffany!

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    4 years ago

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    Lisa V.

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    1 year ago

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    3 years ago

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    Lisa V.

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    5 years ago

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    Lisa V.

    Thank you so much for your kind words and for giving a home to Buddy.

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    6 years ago

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    Lisa V.

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    4 years ago

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    Lisa V.

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    3 years ago

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    Lisa V.

    Thank you for adopting, RW, and thank you for your review.

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    6 years ago

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    13 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    Lisa V.

    Thank you, Tiffany! I'm sorry for the loss of your cat.

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    15 years ago

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    11 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    Lisa V.

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    4 years ago

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    Lisa V.

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    14 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    Lisa V.

    Thank you for your comments, Jalen, and thanks for adopting!

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    4 years ago

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    Lisa V.

    Thank you for adopting, Suki, and thanks for such a kind review.

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    7 years ago

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    Lisa V.

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    4 years ago

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    Lisa V.

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    4 years ago

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    Lisa V.

    Thank you, Nancy!

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    3 years ago

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    Lisa V.

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    6 years ago

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    Lisa V.

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    3 years ago

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    Lisa V.

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    4 years ago

    Got our 11 month old dog spayed here. Very friendly staff, process was simple without issue

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    Lisa V.

    Thank you, Greg!

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    7 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    Lisa V.

    Thank you, Julie!

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    Page 1 of 8

    Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA

    Do you pick up stray or lost cats?

    I recently adopted a pup who is 46% American Staffordshire Terrier, 20% American Pit bull terrier, 9% Siberian husky, 8% Miniature pincher, 6% chihuahua mix. How are the trainers in this facility?

    Hi Nerissa, our trainers are great! You can learn more here https://phs-spca.org/behavior/ .

    Can we drop off blankets and canned foods at your facility?

    Yes, we can always use towels and blankets (as long as there is no stuffing in them) and any unopened food and treats. Thank you!

    Can I walk-in with my kids to visit at this time? I want them to understand the concept of animals needing to be adopted.

    Hi Eva, yes, you can visit our adoption center in Burlingame Monday - Friday 11am - 6pm and Saturday - Sunday 11am - 5pm. If planning to adopt please arrive at least an hour before closing or feel free to make an appointment 650-340-7022. Please… Read more

    Do you have puppy training classes?

    Yes, you can learn more about our classes here:… Read more

    Is this place still open for adoption during corona virus?

    We are taking appointments for adoptions. Please call 650-340-7022 for more information and to make an appointment. Also, visit our website https://phs-spca.org/ Thanks for adopting!

    Can i come here just to visit dogs and cats?

    Yes! I do all the time.

    View All 13 Questions

    Review Highlights - Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA

    They guided me through the adoption process and taught me important pet care steps that I had not heard before.

    Mentioned in 17 reviews

    Read more highlights

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    Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA - Waiting for Lilly

    Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA

    (127 reviews)

    These guys are severely understaffed, which they tell you via signage. The process for seeing…read morepeople should be a little more streamlined while being understaffed. They tell you it's a long, wait but unable to give an estimate. There is one person doing the majority of the check ins/answering questions. Maybe the other staff can be cross trained to not only do adoptions. I waited an hour to be told more in detail what I needed to do, when i told them what I needed from them when I walked in. If I had known that, I probably wouldn't have waited as long. After waiting an additional 30 minutes. I was helped and out of there in less than 5 minutes. Maybe break up the types of situations, knock out the "quick" patrons with the less trained people and the longer, more in-depth situations with the staff who is senior? They have to deal with a lot but from the looks of it, they are I need of help from upper management to step in. The staff is very helpful but they need assistance.

    My sister found several nestlings strew across her patio last night in the rain after their…read morebirdhouse was apparently knocked over by an animal. She cared for them overnight and headed to Wildcare in San Rafael to drop them off in the morning. Even though Peninsula was way closer, they didn't open to 11am l, while Wildlife opened at 9am. After dropping them off, she got a call from some dude at Peninsula berating her for going to Wildcare instead of their facility. When she explained how she found them -- cold, drenched from a heavy rainstorm, and that two of them had already died, he replied "Well, sometimes birds die." Complete jerk. Don't risk taking rescued wildlife here.

    A Better Chance Rescue

    A Better Chance Rescue

    (143 reviews)

    Joy found us through A Better Chance Rescue--and we're so grateful she did…read more From the start, ABC's team was thoughtful and thorough about fit, answering questions quickly and keeping us updated. Joy had been living with an amazing foster family in Taiwan who clearly invested time and love. She arrived knowing sit and stay, comfortable with people, children, and ready to bond. That foundation made our first weeks smooth and joyful (pun intended). As a parent, I appreciate how Tina knew what's best for the dog and the family. The foster model and careful matching really show. Joy is gentle, eager to learn, and an instant best friend for our household. My daughter Olivia was asked to add her own words: "We found a perfect dog because of ABC. The fosters taught Joy so well with sit and stay! If someone is looking for a forever dog I definitely recommend ABC!! They put the dog in a foster family so they can know what it's like to have a family. The fosters teach regular English commands like sit & stay (they are awesome at that!). ABC is awesome!!" Thank you, Tina @ ABC, for the love and structure you pour into rescue. You didn't just place a dog; you helped build a family. -- Matthew & Olivia (and Joy!)

    Can't say enough good things about ABC Animal Rescue. My family and I recently brought home our…read morewonderful dog Hachi, and every step felt right. The folks there really know their stuff--they asked us all about our home life to ensure it'd be perfect for him. Hachi arrived healthy, vaccinated, and ready to roll. He took to our home instantly, plays fetch like a pro, and settles down without a fuss at night. They're not just rescuing dogs; they're carefully matching them with loving families like ours. Big thanks--you've changed our lives for the better and literally saved our new pup's life!

    Scout's House - Walking on all fours again!

    Scout's House

    (34 reviews)

    There are loads of other 5-star reviews and I agree with everything in them. Scout's House is…read moreobviously a labor of love that just happens to be a business. The individualized attention to your pet is truly unbelievable. Detailed personalized reports, video tutorials for your pet and starring your pet, thorough pre-briefing and de-briefing with every session. I want to add creativity and determination. Lots of people think they have a stubborn dog, but Andrea let me know my dog truly was a grand prize winner. Elfie went on strike multiple times during every session, but she met her match in Andrea who never gave up figuring out ways to get Elfie to use that right forelimb. She even put a hair scrunchie on Elfie's snout so she would instinctively bat it off to work that range of motion. And instead of being frustrated by my stubborn dog, Andrea just loved her all the more for it. In spite of Elfie's resistance, she always walked a little more each week. And now, several months after Elfie graduated from PT, she is racing around like a puppy, going on longer walks and playing with more joyfulness than before her injury and surgery ever happened. For that matter, I should mention Elfie was referred by Lenity just next door, where Dr. Carlson performed the surgery on Elfie's shoulder. It was so convenient to have that partnership between the two. Thanks so much to Scout's House for everything!

    We have had such a positive experience with Scout's House! My chihuahua just graduated from…read morephysical therapy after having double knee surgery (TPLO surgery) and has progressed so well. Each dog has a session on their own with no other animals present, and it's incredible how the staff motivate your pet to do the exercises. They send you videos explaining their techniques so you can do the exercises at home. We went once a week for 6 weeks after surgery, then did a few more sessions once every other week, with daily PT sessions at home. The entire team here were so kind and knowledgeable and they kept the surgery team (at Lenity, also fabulous) updated on my dog's progress. Sessions were $149 after an initial consultation which I believe was $249. I could not recommend them more highly!

    East Bay SPCA - Oakland

    East Bay SPCA - Oakland

    (286 reviews)

    East Oakland

    I have to admit Something!!!…read more I Love Dawgs !!! I think the Oakland SPCA does a Great job of Caring for Animals especially Dawgs !!! Every time I Visit the Dawgs they Seem Very Clean , Healthy and Happy!!!! Lately I been visiting more often!! My Sister is a Big time Dawg Person!!! She lost her Puppy to Old Age 3 Months ago!! She called me up recently and said she was coming to get me!!! We rolled to the SPCA !!! She had seen a Litter of French Bullies /Chihuahua Puppies on their Website!!! We got there before they Opened!! We were the first ones in !!! We visited the Puppies and a Merle Puppy chose my Sister and I !!! So we went to the Puppy Playroom With the Merle and had a Ball with her . The Puppy was so Cute she licked my face then fell asleep in my arms!! My Sister adopted her and named her Killua !!! This is a Baller On A Budget Approved Establishment!!! I Keep My Pimp Hand Strong!!! Number 34 of the Top 50 most Prolific Yelp Elites of 2025!!!!

    Super impressed with the vet clinic at the EAST BAY SPCA. Last week saw a Great doctor/dentist who…read moregave thorough explanation of her diagnosis. Vet tech also great at keeping me informed as to progress, details, and expedited blood test, too. Today, i Just dropped off fec. sample to reception and Marina not only expedited, but remembered my name and my cat Onyx's name, too!! Sheesh, I can't remember what I had for breakfast! And she must see dozens of people per day. She also explained exactly when test results come back, costs for services VERY CLEARLY all while managing batch of others in waiting area. Altogether a very well-run clinic with top notch professionals in all departments.

    San Mateo County Animal Control

    San Mateo County Animal Control

    (6 reviews)

    In the last several weeks, there has been a neighborhood stray that has been terrorizing our cat…read more He started out just mostly intimidating our cat but recently, he has actually followed our cat through the pet door and into our home. This feral cat likes to watch me sleep at night -- no joke -- I have woken up to his glowing eyes within 5 feet of my bed! Last night, he did the ultimate invasion by helping himself to my cat's food bowl!! So I trapped the furry bugger in a room and called Animal Control in the morning. After nearly 4 hours of waiting, a guy finally comes and says, "Oh we don't usually deal w/strays if it's not stuck in any way. You can rent a trap if you want to catch it." He tried to see if he could get it in the cage -- but he had no gloves or leash or equipment... so of course he was unsuccessful... instead, he chased it out the window... @#$% I COULD'VE DONE THAT MYSELF!!! Thanks for letting that furry bugger loose around the neighborhood again. Now I have to sleep with one eye open!

    On Saturday, July 11, 2015, for reasons unknown to me, my dog Riley leapt from the window of my 3rd…read morestory apartment. Hearing the commotion, my neighbor ran downstairs to investigate and found my poor dog lying on the ground. Unable to reach me by cell, she called the San Mateo County Animal Control team to see what the best alternative option would be. When I finally had my phone, there was a voicemail message from a very nice officer, whom I frantically called back. She was so reassuring, and said Riley was going to be ok, though she might have a broken leg (Riley actually had two broken legs, but I'm glad the officer didn't say that). SMCAC transported Riley to the emergency vet in San Mateo, so that she could get the help and veterinary care that she needed. I wish I'd had the mental capacity to remember to note the name of the animal control officer who picked Riley up; she was so sweet and calm while I panicked on the phone, and she got Riley to the emergency vet in time for her to get the care she needed. Thanks to an awesome care team, Riley is recovering well and is 8 weeks out of surgery!

    Homeless Cat Network - Belachandra, the cat who loves to eat. Taken 11/3/22

    Homeless Cat Network

    (29 reviews)

    As a volunteer, I'm extremely happy with HCN. After loosing a cat, I needed a way to fill that void…read morein my life. Checked around at various shelters, where many required certain amount of hours to dedicate. Being that I still work, I couldn't accommodate that. Found Homeless Cat Network based on the work they do. It's a multi-volunteer organization. There is a trail along the SF Bay, where people have dumped their cats, and has become a feral cat community. During my walks along the trail, I saw signs posted explaining the status of those cat. They are fed by volunteers and captured spayed/neutered and released back. I decided to contact HCN and ask if I could volunteer once a month? They said yes, and if I could work in the socialization center? This is where the feral cats who've become too social are at risk and have the potential of being adopted to their fur-ever homes. I've meet so many kind hearts that just love cats and doing the right thing. Made friends out of the shelter. Fallen in love with MANY cats. It's heartwarming to find out someone wants to adopt them. The other part of HCN is the kitten camp. There is another group of volunteers that help raise kittens in their home or at the shelter. Right now they are all at homes. After reading some reviews about HCN, I read some unhappy potential adoption stories. I'm very sorry you had an unpleasant experience. It is true, our organization used to be very strict for some reason? Don't ask me why? I'm not part of the decision making. It has changed tremendously this past year. We used to have 18 cats at the shelter, in the past few months, we are now down to 7 cats! Shelter-in-place opened the door for so many adoptions. What makes our kitties different is, they weren't house cats, they used to live in the wild. They do have a lot of love and some become very spoiled pillow cats. They grow to love the pampered life. Not all the cats on the website are listed, because we are still working on their socialization skills. Please inquire and see what'll happen? All my favorite kitties that I bonded with, tend to get adopted. I miss them, then another new cat comes along and steals my heart. It's great.

    Every member is voluntary only and no one is paid for their service. They provide medical as well…read moreas spay/ neuter for homeless cats. They also provide food for volunteers to feed the homeless cats. If cats appear sociable, they continue to socialize the cats and find forever home for them.

    Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA - animalshelters - Updated July 2026

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