Adopted 2 kittens there. The staff is friendly ad professional. Kittens are doing great.read more

Better Than Before, Still Hard on the Heart…read more Yesterday, I stopped by the City of San Jose Animal Shelter to donate a few dog items we no longer needed -- and honestly, I almost didn't go. My last visit left a lasting impression: dirty kennels, empty bowls, and dogs who seemed to be crying out for more than food or water. They wanted love. They wanted home. It stayed with me. This visit was different in some important ways. The kennels were clean, the dogs were clean, and everyone had full food and water bowls. Credit where it's due -- there's been clear improvement, and that matters. While I didn't personally interact with staff this time, I did notice they were attentive, kind, and actively helping visitors connect with their potential next furever friend. That said, walking past kennel after kennel of beautiful dogs -- many of them puppies -- wagging tails, pressing up against the doors, desperate for affection, was still gut-wrenching. None of them want to be there. They want couches, walks, bedtime routines, and families like the spoiled life our dogs Rey and Finn get at home. I truly wished I could take them all. This place is doing better, and that's important. But temporary shelter is still temporary. What these dogs really need are homes. If you're even thinking about adopting, this might just be where your next best friend is waiting.

I am writing this on my dog's 17th birthday. We got her 12 years ago from SBPR…read more In that time, my mother also adopted a dog from this organization, and my husband and I adopted a second dog from them last year. To say the least, we love and fully support this organization as it has brought THREE wonderful dogs into our lives. Every person we have talked to at SBPR is friendly, knowledgeable, and has the best interest of the animals at heart. Our first dog was our very first, but we put in the time and research to demonstrate that we were ready for a pet. Though we were newbies and fully disclosed this, SBPR saw that she was a good fit for us as a "first dog," and we have been smitten with her ever since. She is even "bosom buddies" with my mom's dog from SBPR (who is 14 going on 15). With our recent second dog, also from SBPR, we were unsure how our current dog and new dog would get along, both being older and set in their ways. The foster mom allowed us to have a meet-and-greet, and even a trial weekend to see how they would live together. She saw that we were committed to what was best for both dogs, and the potential for a loving home with another SBPR "alum". We are so happy it was a successful transition. These dogs have brought so much love and light into our lives. SBPR cares about dogs and finding loving forever homes, and we are so lucky no-kill orgs like this one exist in our area. We treat our dogs like family, and this organization is to credit for these 3 little beings in our life. Eternally grateful to them for the great work that they do!

I was so fortunate to work with SBPR. Together, we short and…read morelong range, permanent that is, adopted a Cane Corso. Dogs life is great and now so is mine. Excellent folks with good hearts doing their best with next to zero resources. Adopting a dog can be problematic. Especially if you have zero pet experience. It is a commitment. It is worth it. So embrace the dog and show compassion for all involved. Adopting doesn't mean free dog for your pleasure. It's welcoming a living creature into your life. Like SBPR, DO YOUR BEST WITH WHAT YOU HAVE. MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD.

We had such a great experience adopting from AFFR. They were professional and friendly. We got…read moregreat information about our pup before meeting her, and had a lot of time to spend with her before making a decision. Once we decided to adopt, the process was easy, and they had all of the vaccine information we needed. Our dog is perfectly healthy, friendly, and amazing! Plus, Elena is awesome and checked in long after our adoption to make sure our pup was adjusting and doing well. She is so thoughtful and caring, and Angel's Furry Friends is a great organization to adopt from.

We went in looking for a different dog but ended up meeting our new dog Samantha at the meet-up. We…read moreplayed around with the other dogs before making the decision and left that day with her. Overall it was a great experience and we are very happy with our new dog.

Update: Barkley gave us 12.5 wonderful years and losing him was tough. Sonny just turned 12, but…read morethis resilient senior pup is still as energetic as ever despite losing his brother. We are so incredibly thankful for this organization for giving us such wonderful pups. They have made our house a home for over 10+ years and we never had any issues with health or behavior until their older age (11+)

I saw my little Rosie (Yorkshire Terrier) listed on Petfinder a couple weeks ago and I sent an…read moreemail, then called to follow up. They asked some questions, I came in to meet her and talk with them... and just a few days later I was able to pick her up! She is beautiful, healthy and full of energy. I am also happy to say that the process to adopt her was so quick, easy and smooth!!! (I've tried working with some other organizations that did not seem organized to say the least) Loree and Lanae were the ones I worked with and I just want to say thank you so much!!!

We have adopted two kittens from the HSSV located at the Petco in Saratoga. Both experiences were…read moreexcellent. This time a woman working there named Cat helped us pick out our kitten and answer all our questions. She was very sweet and knowledgeable. Wouldn't have got my baby if she had not been there to help. Thank you! Also a volunteer named Florence was great help too!

I've tried to visit twice now, both times during posted business hours (once mid-day, once evening,…read morea couple months apart) they have been closed both times. The staff at Petco knows nothing about their hours either "it says they should be open...so they should be back there" both times

We went to an adoption event they were having this weekend and we fell in love with a pair of…read morekittens filled out the adoption application so we could meet them. Spoke with the owner for about thirty minutes before even heading inside to meet them to give her the baseline of things that typically raise concerns to cat rescues. We have two dogs, live in a studio, and they would stay in the bathroom while getting acclimated to us and the dogs. We let the rescue team know both dogs grew up around cats and have never shown any issues and they know to go to the door for potty time (ensuring the back door would not be left open for the cats safety). During this conversation I heavily emphasized and talked about my Pitty mix because she is off weird with people and we won't push that but she has never shown any signs of aggression towards other animals. They were very open to our situation and told us they do a "trial" period to ensure a smooth transition for the cats and even if it doesn't work out after the three weeks we can hand them back over with no ties. We were super excited to find a rescue that seemed open and willing to work with us. I have been the pet industry for over six years so I know how finicky cat rescues can be sometimes and was super excited to thought I have found some place different. We spent 45 minutes looking at the cats and they were absolutely adorable and we wanted to go through with the adoption process. We talked to the owner she approved our application and we set up at time for Monday for her to drop off the cats to us. We were told we would be getting a text from the foster that same evening confirming drop off time and sending over some pictures of the kittens. We didn't get anything that night knowing they were running the adoption event through the weekend and they may be busy we decided to send an inquiry email Sunday at around 3:40 pm. We didn't get a message back until almost 9pm on Sunday. The rescue staff knew both of us worked Monday-Friday so meet up would have to be after than. We went to the pet store on Saturday to buy the basic cat necessities and once we got a message confirming the meeting and that we would be receiving the cats we would order the bigger things (cat tree, things for outside of the bathroom, etc.) but given we weren't texted until 9pm the night before everything had not arrived or is now arriving today (Tuesday). When the foster arrived to our home we immediately felt judgment due to the location of our home. Before entering our home the foster asked to meet the dogs we allowed for her to meet one but again with my pit mix she is ultimately nervous around people and it's not worth stressing her out and the foster let us know that was a "concern" for her but ultimately something I didn't feel comfortable stressing my dog out for. After entering the home it just felt like a very judged and invasive process. Under the impression based on the interactions with the dogs she would not be leaving the cats with us she still proceeded to take pictures of our home which we do not know if they have been deleted or not. Ultimately I do not blame the rescue or the foster as I believe they are doing what they believe is best for the cats but I do also want to warn people that the adoption process was very very invasive and left us with an overall icky feeling. They got our hopes up and seemed super welcoming and willing to work with and then completely flipped when it came to meeting at our home and we were judged for a number of reasons. We set up our home for two new additions and still have materials being delivered to our home with no use now. Ultimately we just find it very rude and distasteful.

I recently applied to adopt a kitten and reached out to her foster. I was very interested and…read moreexcited, as I have a large home I own and years of experience caring for cats throughout their entire lives. I was surprised to be told to "pursue other kitties with other rescues." I completely understand if the kitten I applied for was ultimately a better fit for a home with other cats, and I respect making placement decisions in the animal's best interest. But the way this was communicated felt dismissive and unnecessarily hurtful. This experience has put me off from working with this rescue again. I hope all their sweet cats do find wonderful homes, but I can't recommend this organization based on how adopters are treated.

Great plaza area (indoor outdoor) space. You don't have to worry about the weather. Great for dog…read moreevents.

I'm so glad this space exists and I s available for my pup. Thank you all for making this happen…read more We have enjoyed visiting.

My mom and I attended one of the events they host - cross-stitching cats led by instructor Tiffany…read moreTzeng! There were only 12 seats available to be reserved/paid for in advance on their site. The space is beautiful and cozy for the cats around. Mary, the director, briefly introduced us to the organization, the mission, and explained their careful interview process for matching cats with interested adopters, which they call "Tinder for cats" haha. The event lasted 2 hours and 45 minutes but it felt much shorter! The whole time, different cats (all available for adoption) would flop down on the long table all of us sat at and let us pet them. We had a wonderful experience socializing with the cats and the people around us and learning how to cross-stitch too! All materials were provided and we got to bring all supplies home to finish the piece.

Local cat rescue located in downtown San Jose and it's a great place to visit if you're looking to…read moreadopt or just wanting to hang out with cats. The Dancing Cat is a peaceful place where they have approx 6-12 cats that live in the space, just depends on how many get adopted and other factors. I came by during my birthday because I love cats and it was so nice seeing them so at peace and comfortable. Some cats prefer peace and quiet while others are actively seeking out play and treats! Would recommend people to check this place out. Love their mission and what they aim to do.

After my Siamese Sarabi died from FIP (got her free from a "breeder", wanted to rescue her!) my…read moreheart was broken. We'd only had Sarabi for 18 months but they were loved filled. I was looking for another Siamese and happened upon a picture of a sweet grey tabby but didn't think much of it. While my husband and I were out in San Jose one day we stopped at the local pet store for some cat food for our Nala. I just by chance happened into the rescue area and there was Elisa, and "Chica" the grey tabby I saw online. Mind you, I was looking for a Siamese, however when I saw the tabby I picked her up and it was over. I turned around to my hubby and he knew, she was mine. I filled out the paperwork and went to visit/pick her up a few days later from her foster home. "Chica" renamed IzzyBelle or IzzyB (or my nickname for her was Mama) wasn't quite a year we think, small and Elisa said was a "silent meower", Elisa lied! Once Izzy settled, she never stopped talking! Sadly I lost my girl yesterday, after 8+ years (she was 9 we think) she's waiting for me on the other side, she's not in pain and she's fat and sassy like she used to be. I had a wonderful vet give me and her the chances to try and then a grace filled passing, on my shoulder tucked under my neck like she liked to snuggle in often. Once my Nala passes, our hearts are healed and the threat of any leukemia "germs" from Izzy are gone, I will be back to Unconditional Love for a new kitty friend. Please patronize rescue places, the kitty that is yours will find you, no matter what you think you want, they'll find YOU and your heart will be theirs forever. In my grief I tell you this, let a rescue come into your heart.

Having been raised in a household chock-full of pets - cats, bunnies, horses, a younger brother…read morewith ADD, and even a parakeet - my mind was set on adopting two cats of my own as soon as it was financially feasible. When that day came, I checked out Unconditional Love's website based on a friend's recommendation, and after finding out I'd be supporting a rescue group, I eagerly submitted my application. A few days later, I received a call asking if I could swing by their next adoption fair so they could show me some cats they thought would be great matches. I'm pretty sure I screamed "YES!" before Elena, the volunteer-slash-foster-mom on the other line, could even finish asking the question. Upon my arrival to the adoption fair at the Pet Food Express in Los Gatos, I quickly remembered that I suck at making decisions, especially when it comes to cute, fuzzy things. Thankfully, without my having to ask for guidance, Elena and Renee, another wonderful volunteer, introduced me to Kona (Cleo) and Ellie (Lorelei), who instantly turned my heart to mush. Unfortunately, due to extenuating circumstances, I was unable to take them home immediately. Though the weeklong wait felt like years, this time was well spent. Unconditional Love got my girls socialized, and organized their medical records, chip information, and adoption forms, making the pick-up seamless. Perhaps most importantly, they saved two cats whose lives got off to a rather rough start, and let me give them a forever home. There are no words to describe the joy, silliness and love they've brought to my life. Unconditional Love's $100 per animal adoption fee does not begin to cover what's owed for that. *And now, as an added bonus, I am going to step on my soapbox for just a moment to discuss my take on the breeders vs. rescues debate.* According to the ASPCA, between 3-4 MILLION dogs and cats are euthanized nationwide each year. The vast majority of these animals are perfectly adoptable, but due to overcrowding, they don't get that chance to find their "forever" home. If you are wanting to adopt a pet, please consider: A) rescuing instead of buying from a breeder; and B) getting your pet spayed or neutered to prevent more overcrowding in shelters. If you do, you'll save money, be more likely to get a healthy pet, and most importantly, you'll feel better because you're saving two lives - the pet you adopt and a homeless animal somewhere who can be rescued because of space you helped free up.

We had a duck mother & 10 ducklings stuck in our complex backyard. They couldn't get out so we…read morecalled SWACA who answered promptly & officer Bertrand arrived within 1,5 hrs and helped the little family to get out of the complex. What a fantastic ending :D

Grateful for Officer Castro, who responded within an hour -- and took away three baby possums who…read morehad fallen in a bucket in our backyard and passed away. He was helpful in explaining how/why it could have happened, and he was also honest about the challenges of this kind of work. I'm grateful for him and others for doing this!