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.

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.

I was just admire all the work on the road. They were so deep in this hole…read more It was just a pretty cool sight to see. Near the SPCA. I love Oakland SPCA. My daughter and I used to volunteer all the time. We will have to go visit soon.

My best friend lost her mom to cancer a few weeks ago. My friend lives out of state- so I have been…read moreassisting her locally. Her mom adopted the sweetest chihuahua from Arf back in 2021, the fur baby went blind about a year ago. So we were really concerned about how she would settle in a new environment, and we're trying to rehome the dog I went to Joybound a few weeks ago to ask if there was any chance they take back their animals in these circumstances. The woman at the welcome desk was so helpful explaining yes they do. She walked me thru the process to fill out the forms online They got back to my friend promptly to setup an appointment for a behavior assessment and vet evaluation. We had our appointment yesterday at 2. We arrived a half hour early so we wouldn't be rushed , and to help Lily stay as calm as possible. Everyone we encountered was delightful and so kind. No judgements- Lily came alive with tail wags and enthusiasm to be back at such a supportive rescue group. She was just basking in the attention and love. She passed her behavior test with flying colors. We were told she most likely will be going to a foster home first for a few weeks before she's available for adoption. We were told we can follow her online with her name, and see when she becomes available and she won't be on the website anymore once she finds her next loving home. Thank you Joybound for standing behind your animals and supporting families We also did not have to pay a surrender fee. We were encouraged to take our time and enjoy complementary coffee or tea, also offered a box of tissues We were already pulling out of the parking lot before our scheduled appointment time Can't think you enough for your kindness all around this hard experience

I had multiple excellent experiences with Joybound in several different atmospheres. I first…read morediscovered them when they held a pet vaccination clinic in Antioch. I had two new kittens that I took in as a foster, but of course my family and I fell in love with them and kept them. At this event I got both of their first kitten shots, rabies shot, microchips, flea medicines and some cat food all for free!! Everyone was so nice and although there was a lot of people there taking advantage of the free services, they communicated effectively and everything was organized and not chaotic. I joined their mailing list and found out about their next event in Richmond. The kittens and I went down there to get their second kitten shots and cat food, for free! I got on the waiting list for low cost spay and neuter clinic. Friendly staff, nicely organized. I was suprised when I got the call from them for the neutering appts quicker than expected! Brought both kittens down, everything went well, again for free!! Today my husband, our daughter and I went down to their free pets stocking decorating event. Met with smiles, super cute room filled with stockings and puff paint pens on the tables. They had cookies and hot apple cider. All for free. We decorated stockings for the kittens and our other cat, it was a lot of fun and they had a good turnout! While our stockings dried, we walked around a bit and found they had a boutique! We made Christmas donations for both cat and dog items that they matched! And we got our large dog some Christmas Jammie's on clearance for $5. Boutique was well priced, my husband got a Joybound hat! So onto the animas they had there! First we passed the cats. All of them cuddling in super nice beds, they had nice toys, scratch pads, colorful wallpaper in their individual rooms, information sheets on each door for each pet. The dogs had the same, nice fuzzy beds, toys, little slots to give them treats down this tube. So cute!! I typically can't look at shelter pets because I feel so bad for them. These animas all looked happy and very well taken care of! There was staff walking around regularly checking in on people since they had adoption available. I asked a few questions they were able to answer no problem! They seemed very caring and committed to the animals and putting their best foot forward in helping the get homes. Building super clean, staff super nice, animas all cozy. Overall, we have a great opinion of Joybound with all these diverse experiences we've had with them. The people are so nice and welcoming. We're so grateful for them and the help they provided my kittens, saved us a ton of money!!! And for all they do, thank you!!!!!!

After losing my heart-cat 5 years ago, I am ready to consider a new companion. Cat Town's staff was…read morefriendly and informative. It's obvious from the cats I met they are well cared for. I didn't feel pressured to take a furry friend on my first visit unlike some shelters. And, while I didn't find the right match, I will return and hopefully will meet a new friend. Thanks for your warmth and compassion!

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.

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.

Stopped by to pick up some goodies for my dogs 2nd birthday. This place is full of goodies & high…read morequality treats/food. The young ladies at the front desk were welcoming & friendly. We got a few treats, my dog goes nuts for any fish treats so these chews were the perfect gift. We also got a glow in the dark ball & a red bow for the birthday boy. I'll definitely be back when I'm in the area.

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.

Really disappointing experience. Took my dog in for a 1pm appointment on a Sunday. He sat in a…read morekennel for over 1.5 hours as he waited for the single groomer to be ready. Whole appointment took over 3 hours. It should be noted that my dog doesn't even have doodle/poodle hair. They should not even booked me if this was going to be the case. Not looking to take my dog back here. New management had not improved the grooming experience.

Best pet adoption center super friendly and transparent also carol is the best she's super sweet…read moreand takes her time

We wanted to adopt a cat as we had just lost a very old and dear cat and when we were told about…read morethe Milo Foundation we decided to give them a try. Except for the barking dogs as they have both dogs and cats, the whole process of choosing and adopting the new additions to our family was a wonderful experience. If your looking for a cat or a dog I would give them a try,

Animal Fix Clinic is simply the best. I have three cats, and I brought all of them here to be…read morespayed/neutered. Every experience has been smooth, professional, and reassuring. The staff is incredibly caring and truly takes the time to make sure both pets and owners feel comfortable. What really stands out is the level of compassion and dedication they show. I've also volunteered here, and seeing firsthand how gently and attentively they care for every animal only confirmed how special this place is. They go above and beyond, not just in medical care but in how they treat people, too. Their services are affordable and provide tremendous value, especially considering the quality of care you receive. It's rare to find a clinic that combines professionalism, heart, and accessibility so well. I highly recommend Animal Fix Clinic -- and if you're able to, consider donating to support the amazing work they do for our community's animals.

Excellent place to get your cat spayed or neutered. You pay based on income level. Our vet quoted…read more$1,200, we pay $400 including putting in a chip. The surgery went well without complications. It's hard to get appointments so plan ahead. Check website when appointments open up for that month. It goes pretty quickly.