Feral Change, a nonprofit dedicated to helping the Oakland community control and manage its feral…read moreand homeless cat population, is a great resource for information and assistance if you are struggling with how to manage community cats in your neighborhood. About a year ago, I noticed what looked like a litter of kittens hanging around outside near my home at all hours and in all weather conditions. I quickly developed the habit of looking for those kitties every time I passed by the trash cans where they often congregated. After some months, I posted an inquiry on NextDoor to see if the kittens had a caretaker. No one claimed the animals. Eventually, I crossed paths with one of the feeders of the cats who explained that they were free-roaming animals that neighbors put food out for and that one, in particular, had a serious tail injury. Concerned about the animals' health and their probable rapid reproduction, I submitted an online request for assistance to Feral Change and attended a trap-neuter-return (TNR) training session. After a few months, a Feral Change volunteer contacted me and arranged for a free spay / neuter appointment, if we caught and transported the cats. Trapping night was a nail-biter, but, ultimately, all three cats received spay / neuter and veterinary services, including a much-needed tail amputation. Things to know: If you submit an online request for assistance, it may take some time to hear back since the organization is run by volunteers. Feral Change will lend out traps, but you will need to capture and transport the animals yourself. If you cannot make one of the free TNR training sessions, instructional videos are also available on YouTube. If you make an appointment and change your mind at the last minute or are a no show without communicating with the organization, they will likely not offer you another free appointment since demand is so high and they are often not able to refill a slot without adequate notice.

Great organization! They really care about the urban abandoned and feral cat population and do all…read morethat they can to help trap, spay/neuter, socialize for adoption, provide vaccinations etc. Reach out to them and they will do all that they can to help.

My sister and I tried fostering a cat through Jake's Place, and failed. LOL. We kept the kitty!…read moreJake's Place is one of the nicest rescue organizations I've come across. If you're looking to foster or adopt a cat in Marin, this is your go to. The founder has dedicated herself to rescuing all types of cats in need of rehoming - kittens, adults, and most touching (IMHO), seniors. I'm a cat lover (my boyfriend might say cat lady) and have always made a point of seeking out the kitties that need the most love (old, special needs, etc.). Seems Jake's Place feels the same way and that's why I naturally gravitated to them. Deb is a total sweetheart and set us up with special food for Louie (he had crystals in his urethra when he was younger and eats S/O as a preventive measure) and prepared us with a starter kit (litter box, scratching post, toys). All we needed to add was the TLC. Sometimes I head over to Petco now just to ogle the sweet cats and chat up the volunteers. They are there every Sunday. And, kitten season is just winding down, so I still get my cuddle time in with the lil' ones before they are snapped up. But the sweeties that are 2, 3, 5, 7 years old even are just so darn appreciative of the love. They get me every time. Thanks Deb and team. Keep up the great work!

Jake's Cat Rescue recently helped me find a new home for my cat. I joined the Peace Corps and was…read moresad and desperate to find a new family, the right family, for my cat. I had called around to many many cat organizations from Marin County all the way to Sacramento and, really, hands down this is the best rescue organization I've run across. The three women who run this organization are all experienced professionals and it shows in the way they conduct their work - just take a look at how well thought-out their website is. They pay attention to doing the best job in every detail of their organization, and I as a professional can appreciate that. Most of all, I felt like they really cared about finding the perfect home for my cat, MeiMei, and not just give him to anyone to get him out of their hands. As a matter of fact, the first thing Debbie said to me was 'don't give your cat away to the first person who holds out their hand' and she told me not to worry that we will take the time to find the right home even if it means getting a foster home in the meantime. What I love best about them is that they insist on taking back their animals at anytime if it doesn't work out (with a refund). However, they also go to great lengths to place the kitties into the right homes in the first place so that the chance of it not working out in a new home is minimized. They call it 'forever homes' - it's really cute ;). Becasue I'm going off to a differenty country, it really puts my mind at ease that should anything go wrong with the new family, that MeiMei is in good hands. I can't thank them enough. I'm hopeful that everything will work out just fine with MeiMei and his new family and that will love him like crazy for a long long time!

Woman was VERY VERY rude, I submitted an application to adopt a cat and she decided to lecture me…read moreon my dogs, because of them is not spayed YET. She did not even tell me from the beginning that the cat was going to get adopted the next day. She also said "Please educate your parents" as if they don't know what they are doing. We have done extensive research before we decided to get pets and give them the best care we can. This was like a slap to the face, I would give 0 stars if possible.

I have nothing but good things to say about Marin Cat Connection. I was in a difficult position…read moretrying to find homes for cats that for no fault of their own were in need of new forever homes and there was little time to accomplish this, kitten season was just around the corner. I researched many no kill shelters in two counties and they all had friendly, well meaning staff. Then I found, Marin Cat Connection. Ms. Allen was an absolute God send. She went well beyond what anyone would ever expect from a rescue in trying to help me. I looked at reviews on Yelp, and yes, saw some that weren't as positive as others but what those reviews were showing me was this is someone who has very high standards, like I do. I knew she was the person I wanted to contact. She literally bent over backward trying to find first a foster for the remaining cat, then finally a magnificent, permanent home. It didn't happen overnight but she diligently kept at it, until a fantastic home was found. Ann has a very strong love for cats, that's clear to see, shes been doing rescue and adoption for over 30 years I believe, and I for one went with her organization over all the others because of her high standards. She puts the cats first, over anything else, even at the risk of possibly offending people sometimes, (I know not intentionally), which is what I wanted in a cat rescue. I'm not thin skinned and don't easily get offended especially when I know someone is willing to work their butt off to find cats safe and happy homes. Finding good homes for animals isn't easy folks, I know I used to do it. I would say to those who thought her rude just realize she's looking out for the cats and wants what's best for them, and please don't take things too personally, what she's doing is damn hard work. I think the world of Ann Allen and this organization, she helped me tremendously and is an extremely devoted animal (cat) person. I was very lucky to find her and I think Marin county is very lucky to have her too.

Amazing organization of loving people that really care about and understand these dogs. The woman…read morewho was fostering the dog I adopted had many German Shepherds of her own over the years, and had fostered somewhere around 200 dogs in her life. She really knew what she was talking about. The organization does have a really solid vetting and interview process before you can even meet the dogs. They really do their best to not only find good people, but to inform and educate and to match the right dog with the right adopter. What's even more amazing is the follow up and team support you get after adoption. I'm o happy I found this rescue.

Endlessly wonderful things can be said about Bay Area German Shepherd Dog Rescue. They care deeply…read moreabout their animals, clearly work hard to ensure that fosters are well equipped, thoughtfully screen potential adopters, and have great dogs. We are so grateful for our little Maela, who was one of 6 puppies (plus mama!) found behind a church.

Adopted a young dog here. They delivered him and did a home visit. I really appreciate the effort…read moreto rescue dogs and pair them up with humans!

These folks are great. The ranch is sprawling, clean, well attended and the staff is nothing but…read morefantastic. So many animals need homes. Our experience with the staff was top notch and we hope to someday be able to return to adopt one or two dogs. "Azaya Ranch Sanctuary is a non-profit animal sanctuary in the San Francisco Bay Area, California. What started out over twenty years ago as one woman's passion, has now grown into a full-fledged rescue and sanctuary that exists to save animals from euthanasia and find them loving, forever homes." Quote taken from their website.

I wanted to take a moment to share my experience with Michele from the Feral Cat Foundation,…read morebecause I've seen some negativity that honestly doesn't reflect what I've experienced. She rescued a dog from an abusive situation and ensured it was safely rehomed. Even 2 years later, she continued to support with food, toys, and supplies. That kind of follow-through is rare and truly shows how much she cares beyond just the initial rescue. She also took the time to guide me through caring for bottle baby kittens, which is no easy task. She didn't just give advice, she provided hands-on support and supplies, making sure the kittens had the best chance possible. From everything I've seen, Michele operates with genuine compassion, and an incredible level of dedication. The amount she takes on is no small feat, yet she continues to show up for animals and the community every single day. I understand that not every experience may be the same, but from what I've seen, her intentions and actions have consistently come from a place of care and compassion. She has made a meaningful difference in my life and for the animals she's helped. Thank you for everything you do!

I had a very disappointing experience working with Michele through this organization. Communication…read morewas extremely difficult--messages were often ignored, and when I did receive a response, it felt like I had to repeatedly explain the same information without it being acknowledged. When I was finally able to secure a vet appointment through her, I was told by the veterinary office that payment would be handled at the time of pickup. However, Michele later called me and spoke in a raised, confrontational tone, insisting that this was not how she operates and that I could simply pick up my cat and "forget it." The interaction felt unprofessional and unnecessarily hostile. When I did in fact pay through Venmo she gave me attitude and said how I had told her it would be through Zelle followed by the very professional response of, "whatever." I understand that volunteers may be dealing with personal challenges, and Michele mentioned that her cat was very ill. While that is truly unfortunate and deserving of empathy, it does not justify speaking to others in a disrespectful or aggressive manner--especially when they are reaching out in good faith to help care for a feral cat family. Organizations like this do important work, and clear, respectful communication is essential. Unfortunately, this experience left me feeling discouraged and unsupported. I hope the organization takes steps to ensure that volunteers representing them maintain a basic level of professionalism and courtesy.

I am so thankful to now know more about Pets Lifeline. I've just volunteered for an event in the…read morepast, attended a couple of fundraisers for them. The one that stands out was the Olate Dogs a few years back. They won AGT -- America's Got Talent -- back in 2012. So my only contact was on that basis of volunteering and attending. When I rescued adorable Angelina, a two year old feline that a friend was feeding but off a very busy road, they opened their hearts to her and took her in just last week. She's already up for adoption as of today! Check her out. She's a gem of a little girl. I already have six indoor kitties of my own and was really not looking to add another but wanted to make sure that wherever I did take her, she would be safe and sound. Well, Monna made sure of that. I just made a donation for all their kindness and now the rest is just finding Angelina that indoor only forever home. I'm actually going to visit her tomorrow and learn more about becoming a volunteer with this very worthwhile organization! Thanks for such a warm welcome and helping me get this little girl on her way to her next chapter of life living in a comfortable loving home! I recommend adopting from them and saving a life to everybody! They are wonderful!

I wish there were ten stars to shower on Rebecca and her team there at Pets Lifeline. I got such…read morepersonal help--Rebecca once having driven over an hour to my house to help me with the cat introduction!--these people go beyond the measure of any rescue I have ever experienced. I just can't say enoug about their commitment, care and concern for their animals and for the people who adopt them. Eternally grateful to you all at Pets Lifeline Love abounds, Lisa and Louie (aka Loonie)

I just helped a friend adopt a dog from Family Dog Rescue, and had an excellent experience…read more Everyone I communicated with was professional and helpful. (Thank you Nicole.) Very happy with the dog! They provided documentation concerning the dog (vaccines, etc.) by email, which was good. Highly recommended.

I volunteer often down at Family Dog Rescue, along with fostering dogs for them. I love that the…read morepups are not kept in kennels all day, and instead get to be out in play yards with other dogs. It's the best situation for them, while they wait for their forever homes! The dogs are well cared for, and the team there really cares about seeing these pups get the happy life they all deserve! I'd highly recommend volunteering there, and even better, adopting a rescue pup from there!