I came to the Berkeley Humane Society after being told they were providing a free health clinic on…read moreSaturday and Sunday, December 6 and 7. This included free spay and neuter services with advanced sign-up. The staff and volunteers were absolutely amazing--so kind, organized, and genuinely helpful throughout the entire experience. One of the sponsors was Tony LaRussa and LaRussa Rescue, along with other rescue organizations. Tony and his wife were there during our visit, taking time to chat with people and personally thanking everyone for coming, which was incredibly touching. I've been wanting to visit this shelter for a long time, and I'm so glad I finally had the opportunity. The dedication and compassion of everyone here truly shows. An amazing place filled with amazing people.

Phenomenal Shelter!!!…read more My partner and I started off fostering dogs and ultimately foster failed. We worked closely with Ian who was phenomenal, supportive and so responsive. They gave us all the supplies (food, toys, advice, leashes, etc.) we needed to give our foster pooches what they needed. We fostered a sweet girl for nearly 4 months until she found her forever home, which was difficult for us but so rewarding to be a part of her journey to a home and family who could give her everything she needed. We fostered a bit more and ultimately foster-failed and have had our boy Rickey (formerly Kona) for nearly a year! Rickey has been the most perfect pooch we could've asked for. I am so appreciative of Berkeley Humane, Ian, and the whole team. Cannot recommend this shelter enough! Foster and/or adopt from Berkeley!!

Heartbreaking Lack of Transparency:…read more My wife and I found a gentle, adoptable young German Shepherd during a storm in the Berkeley Hills. We brought him to the shelter to be scanned for a chip, told them multiple times we cared about him, and even emailed to say we would foster him so he wouldn't be euthanized. For several days, he appeared only on the "lost dog" page, then suddenly disappeared. He was never listed for adoption. When we called, we were told he was "being evaluated." Only after pushing did it become clear euthanasia was on the table. The next day, with a confirmed foster ready to pick him up immediately, we called again -- and learned he was already being euthanized at that very moment. We begged them to stop, but it was too late. This was a healthy, loving, adoptable dog with people ready to help. What was missing was clear communication, transparency, and a chance to intervene. The staff I spoke to were polite, but the system urgently needs: - Clear timelines and notice before euthanasia - Public listing of adoptable and at-risk dogs - A functioning foster program I hope no one else goes through this. Berkeley can and should do better. PS: Attaching the picture of Max. We loved him dearly.

I'm pretty sure this local spot is doing Great work for animals, however each time I come in here,…read moreit's disorganized and chaotic. Today, I learned that the donation set up is just that, people can walk in and just grab whatever they need, and you can drop off things too, without screening. however if you need to interact with staff or have a question, be sure to bring your patience because there's no quick solution. you just have to get in line!

I've been going to this place for years and when my cat died I decided to enrol for adoption. No…read moreone got back to me. I sent numerous emails. If you want to provide this service, at least have the decency to respond!

I did not have a positive experience w/ HAL. I did not receive answers to direct questions I asked,…read morewhich felt like a strange power/control dynamic. I completed the home assessment and did not hear back. When I reached out for an update, excited to adopt, I was talked down to and ultimately denied a kitten because I have plants and an outdoor (enclosed) patio. Unfortunately, it wasn't much of a discussion and presented as a final decision that I wouldn't be able to keep a kitten from munching on my plants or escaping out the door. I'm a responsible pet owner of many years, and I even have a spare room to keep my plants and and would have kept the kitty inside. Very disappointing. I wouldn't work with them again.

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.

JOYBOUND'S DENTAL SERVICES I have nothing but praise for…read moreJoybound's new dental services.  The application process was easy and done entirely online.  My feline Buddy had one pre-surgery appointment for a checkup and blood work.  Surgery day (including extractions) went smoothly.  We were sent home with good instructions and pain medication; Dr. Bellmund checked in with me a few days later. Besides their expertise and efficiency, Dr. Bellmund and her team were kind and compassionate--just what I needed at a time when I was worried and concerned. All that and--the pricing is significantly lower than a recent estimate I received from a local private-practice veterinarian clinic. Buddy is now a happier cat.  I'm seeing a positive change in his personality.  Thank you, Joybound, for all you do for pets and pet parents.  I am grateful.

About a month ago, I went to Joybound People & Pets to adopt a kitten, and I had such a wonderful…read moreexperience. Everyone was so kind, welcoming, and helpful throughout the whole process. I was looking for a baby kitten, and thankfully I found exactly the little cat I was hoping for. The adoption process was easy and smooth, and you can really tell how much the staff cares about the animals. The cats are very well treated, and the conditions they are kept in are excellent. Everything was clean, organized, and the animals looked healthy, happy, and loved. Thank you to everyone at Joybound People & Pets for all the care and dedication you give to these animals. I truly recommend this adoption center!

A Disneyland for cat lovers and cats. A beautiful space with the best volunteers and workers one…read morecould imagine. Only warning is you might fall in love - I know I did. You are important. Yes, you the reader of this right now. You are important to the successful operation of this cat cafe. An important part of this cafe is to socialize the cats with visitors so they become more friendly. Friendly cats get adopted. I found a friendly cat. He came right to the door to sniff me. Then as I entered from one door he was guided to his little stool - very obedient - so well trained I was in awe. His more shy brother always in the background - he would protect him and check me out first to make sure I was ok. The little guy had only interest in my - none of his toys. I gently got closer with some affectionate love pats and scratches. It is a love story of him and his brother and what landed them here. I fell in love with how they were so bonded and took care of each other. My heart melted as they snuggled up together in their little box as I left. If you are curious they are two brothers by the name of some sweet frozen desserts. A cute bonded pair that I spent all my time with there. There are so many other great ones here. I was blown away with the variety of colors and good movie star looks they had. I will be back.

I recently lost my cat after 15 years and have been considering adoption. I found this awesome…read moreplace and decided to check it out. Cat Town's Mission "At Cat Town, our mission is cats. Together, we save the lives of at-risk cats, find them loving homes, and advocate for a future where every cat is valued." The site has a lot of good information about the program, It's history and adoption and foster processes. You can visit the cat Café for 50 minutes with a small entry fee by reserving a space online as well. Lindsey went over the do's and don'ts before taking us inside. The set up is really nice with plenty of toys, food/water bowls and litter boxes. There is a separate area with cats in studios. The color coded signs let you know if you can walk in and visit, if you need to ask a team member or if it's just not a good time for a visit. I enjoyed my time here and met some cute furry friends. Belle answered all of my questions and all staff was super pleasant, I'll be filling out an adoption inquiry soon. The way to enter Cat town is through the souvenir Café next-door. You can grab a coffee, tea or other beverage and a pastry to enjoy before entering the Cat play area or after as there are tables and chairs.

After the Mission Bay branch sadly closed, I now make the morning trek to bring my 80-lb Siberian…read moreHusky to this location. They do an amazing job with washing, conditioning, and deshedding. He always smells great for a couple of weeks--even with all the mud rolling he loves to do. Most importantly, the groomers take such a gentle approach. My dog was unfortunately traumatized by two other groomers in SF, but he's never had any anxiety coming here for a bath. That says a lot. I'd like to thank the team for their great service. While it's not the cheapest option, they provide excellent value and flexibility for the price.

I just had my two dogs, a toy poodle and a mini doodle groomed by Carlos at Healthy Spot for the…read morefirst time. SUPER impressed! Carlos asked good questions when he met the dogs and really listened to how I wanted them cut. So great to have this service in the neighborhood. Online booking was super easy, too!

When I agreed to board 2 small parrots for their owner who was traveling abroad I never dreamed…read morethey would still be with me 2 1/2 years later. When their owner decided not to return to the US I contacted Miguel at BAR who was very responsive and helpful with the situation. He agreed to give the pair a home until he could find a permanent situation for them. He was very professional and I trust the birds will continue to have correct and appropriate care. Thanks Miguel!

I love shopping at Healthy Spot. Staff are welcoming, knowledgeable in what they do, and have all…read morethe goods in stock. Can't recommend this shop enough for all your fur babies needs.

I dropped in as a new customer as I just moved to the neighborhood recently. So many treats and…read morequality toys, supplies and food! Love that I was able to do a drop in nail trim for my old girl and it was super quick. The staff and groomers are so friendly and helpful, they know their stuff. So glad to have a local shop that is close by and decently priced for grooming needs AND snackies! Will absolutely be back!

Milo foundation is truly Amazing. We rescued a dog and they helped take him in.. They got him all…read morethe vet care needed. I was so Happy to hear about his Adoption. The milo foundation deserves 5 stars on Everything. Thank you soo much for helping me save zumi. Go support this Amazing foundation and adopt your forever Friend.

I personally observed multiple cats with ongoing medical concerns at Willits branch over many…read moremonths, please notice dates on top of pictures- including persistent respiratory symptoms and severe eye discharge. These concerns were reported to management by many employees, but we didn't see supportive or medical care provided. The white and orange cat with mucus would let us pet it, often coming up to us. We were told there wasn't anything they could do because its condition comes and goes. All the cats at Milo are free roaming in a yard that has a house, surrounded by fencing. It's not 2-4 cats in separate condos, the best way to describe it is like a backwoods hoarding situation. Professional shelters that are dedicated to the health and safety of their animals don't house animals in this way. The only thing done in 2025 was clavamox being added to food, towards the end of the year, but once supplies were low that stopped. Keeping cats in kennels makes managing medical concerns and supportive care possible. The condition I initially reported in one cat continued to escalate over time, and he ultimately did not survive after months of suffering. These experiences left me with serious concerns about the level of medical care and safety provided to the animals. The cathouses position alone causes the cats constant stress, as they're surrounded by barking dogs. Cats don't have the option to be adopted out and are able to escape the cat yard. They have climbed into dog kennels, ultimately leading to loss of life and dogs that have now killed cats. They don't have the capacity or adequate housing to care for the animals in their shelter, and the animals suffer for it. Those aware of the situation have reported it to proper authorities. We encourage anyone with similar experiences to come forward, whether you've seen neglect in the past or see it in the future.