1. Pets In Need

    0

    Palo Alto, CA

    Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Pets In Need

    4.4 (70 reviews)
    Closed • 12:30 pm - 6:00 PM

    Request information

    You can now request information from this business directly from Yelp

    Services - Pets In Need

    Animal shelters

    Pet adoption

    Pets In Need Photos

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Pets In Need

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Anna P.

    Amazing staff, you can tell they all deeply care about the well-being of the animals there. Doggy Day Out is such a great way to get involved and bring a little joy, exercise, and care to the dogs' lives! I wish I could do this everyday but the spots fill up quick so make sure to check online and book a date asap! Thanks for the fun opportunity, I will be back again:)

    Big Mac watching other dogs on the beach.

    We took out Big Mac for a Doggy Day Out. He was chill, curious, and loving. The team in RWC had everything ready when we arrived and gave us ideas on where to go.

    Julie P.

    Our puppy was spayed here yesterday. We started by putting down a deposit of $100 for an appointment. We had to move the appointment date a few times (via emai) and this place was very polite and accommodating. The day of the surgery, we dropped off our puppy between 7:45-8:15am. There were like 7 other dog families there waiting to drop off their dogs. The staffs were very nice, polite, professional and definitely animal lovers. And the place was nice and clean. Between 3-4pm we picked up our puppy. They gave us some medicine for our puppy. Overall the experience was better than what I expected.

    Carrot in his new home
    Adam L.

    Overall positive experience. Staff was very welcoming, nice, and helpful. Samantha was the one who helped me, and she was also very friendly and appreciated her positivity and patience very much. I would recommend anyone go here if you're looking to adopt an animal. Went in never owning a cat, to leaving with my furever friend. Also the adoption fee is a lot cheaper here compared to other places. Being able to walk in and visit all the kittens was a huge plus. Thank you to everyone at Pets In Need for your amazing customer service!

    Magaly A.

    I was recommended to Pets In Need, when I was looking to get my 2 year old Mini Australian Shepherd neutered. They go by appointments and it's all easy and self-explanatory as long as you follow their instructions on what to do before the appointment and what to do when dropping off. The day of my appointment, I was nervous! However, the staff greeted me and were informative about the expected procedure. They made me feel at ease because deep inside, I was really nervous for my doggie. I felt good leaving my fur baby in the hands of such kind experts. They provided meds, a cone and some instructions for post-procedure. After a few days my dog was back to his normal goofy self. I would 20/10 recommend Pets in Need. This is an amazing organization and the staff, especially Erika, make it better because they truly love and are passionate to help our little fur babies!

    Our new addition to the family
    Nicole M.

    This is a hard review to write because the staff and volunteers are definitely 5 stars! But unfortunately the vets there don't seem to be great. I adopted my new baby from there recently. I paid to place him on hold as he had to stay a little longer after cherry eye surgery. Everyone there was so sweet and very excited that Goku (now Gusteau) was going to a home with a yard and another dog to play with (they definitely play...and then some lol luckily they are both fixed!). The process of meeting him and introducing him to my other dog was so easy! When I first met him, the volunteer (Kira) noticed he was a little sneezy and said she would have the vet check him out for kennel cough. She noticed immediately which I thought was very impressive! When I picked him up, he was cleared medically and needed two more days of drops for his cherry eye. I was told otherwise that he was an extremely healthy dog! My bulldog had the same surgery so I knew what to look out for. Well unfortunately, the cherry eye came out again within two days. I don't mind that it'll have to be done again as I trust my vet very much. However, he also came home with kennel cough, which he gave my bulldog. Luckily she had just been vaccinated again but she had a really hard time with it. He also has a really big lump on the side of his leg that I was not told about. Seems to be some sort of cyst but I'll have it checked at his vet appointment. I very much understand that rescuing a dog can come with surprised and added medical bills (Gusteau is my 6th adoption, but my first at Pets in Need) so I'm not upset that I'll have to get these things taken care of. It's more that when adopting at Pets in Need, I think it's important to understand that the staff is amazing, the vets maybe not so much. They aren't like SPCA where there seems to be a lot of funding and new and clean facilities. So yes, there is a very strong smell there. And yes, you might get a pet with issues that they didn't catch. But they do have wonderful animals there. Gusteau is the most amazing addition to our family. He is so loved and is definitely the king of the house. Just make sure you schedule your new family addition to be viewed by your own vet asap.

    This is Mark. He is five months old and wanting to be adopted by Pets In Need.

    Pets In Need is a very reputable organization. They were very organized and professional. My dog Mac was ready when I got there and we had a great day together.

    Me and Brody

    See all

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    16 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 day ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Laura B.

    Laura B.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Amy C.
    1962
    1419
    2915

    8 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Laura B.

    Laura B.

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0
    Photo of M S.
    0
    5
    5

    1 month ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    18 days ago

    Amazing shelter love how they do doggy days out! The staff is super helpful when adopting!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    23 days ago

    Staff was friendly and encouraging! They also let us know a bit about the dog before we took them out!! Would definitely come back!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Amy B.
    36
    9
    4

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Always easy to take a dog out and back. Sweet and caring staff that cares about the animals

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    15 days ago

    such a great experience working with Pets in Need - took Oso on a doggy day out and he was great

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of CJ C.
    0
    25
    0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Laura B.

    Laura B.

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Pets in Need is one of the best organizations that take care of our animals. They are thoughtful, well organized

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of D R.
    0
    4
    1

    2 months ago

    I participate in Doggie Day Out. Staff are very kind and caring with their pets and friendly and organized with the outings.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Dhruv W.
    136
    14
    16

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Fantastic place to connect with wonderful animals. Had a great time getting to meet all of the wonderful animals.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Laura B.

    Laura B.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    We took Lily for a doggy day out, she was the most chill dog that I have ever walked, including my dog.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Lisa D.
    8
    84
    54

    1 year ago

    Friendly service animals are kept clean and happy. Great location. App is easy to navigate too

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ron k.
    1
    13
    3

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - Pets In Need

    Are you excepting volunteers at this time?

    We are not actively recruiting volunteers at this time as all of our shifts are filled. You may apply to join the waitlist on our website: www.petsinneed.org/pavolunteer When you join the waitlist, you will be contacted when a position becomes… 

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - Pets In Need

    “I'm very happy with my experience at pets in need Palo Alto.”

    Mentioned in 3 reviews

    Read more highlights

    You might also consider

    Humane Society Silicon Valley

    Humane Society Silicon Valley

    (626 reviews)

    When my cat showed up last Saturday with a broken tail, the vet informed me that an amputation was…read morethe only option. Facing the high cost of the procedure while already in a difficult financial position, I felt completely overwhelmed and started desperately searching for any avenues or options that could help. ​After hitting dead ends elsewhere, I finally made contact with the Humane Society of Silicon Valley. Not only did they step in to help me out financially, but they also showed genuine compassion, love, and care that completely carried me through one of the hardest moments I've faced. ​There is simply no way I could have gotten through this without them. Their kindness has had a profound impact on me, and I can honestly say it's going to make me a better person moving forward. There are not enough kind words in the world to express my gratitude. I am forever indebted to this organization. ​Thank you for the financial help, and thank you for showing such deep compassion, love, and care when we needed it most.

    UPDATE: My experience with HSSV has opened my eyes to a deeply disappointing reality. As someone…read moreinteracting with a major animal shelter non-profit for the first time, I am amazed by the sheer bureaucracy and fragile egos you have to navigate just to ask for kindness, context, and empathy. After posting my initial honest feedback, a supervisor called to apologize. I do want to acknowledge that Marianne from the adoption team was kind, apologetic, and took the time to listen to my concerns, which I genuinely appreciated. But the Community Services Manager, Denise, subsequently called me back. In an incredibly condescending tone, she flatly denied my newly adopted kitten his standard 14-day post-adoption medical care (routinely offered to all adopters), in what I believe was direct retaliation following my review and complaints about my experience. When a shelter manager chooses to withhold a juvenile animal's healthcare safety net in a way that felt punitive rather than centered on the welfare of the newly adopted kitten, the system is fundamentally broken. No wonder well-meaning people are forced to avoid places like this, and in the process, the innocent animals are the ones who suffer. To the donors funding this organization: please look closely at both sides of the coin. The frontline reality does not match the compassionate mission they sell you. ------------ My main interaction was with Hailey, the adoption supervisor. I understand why HSSV reviews an adopter's history and wants animals in stable homes. What disappointed me was the lack of context, empathy, and actual counseling. I had previously adopted two kittens who were later rehomed together with friends who already knew and loved them. Later, I adopted two more. I kept one, who is still with me and thriving. The other already had significant diarrhea when I adopted her. I cared for her for about ten days until it resolved, paid for her shots, and later returned her after realizing a single-kitten household was a better fit for me. She was adopted within the hour. They don't notice that the kitten went back better than she came from the shelter. About a month later, I returned because I wanted a second kitten. I was choosing between two, but one had active diarrhea. Having just gone through that experience, I asked about her medical notes, how long it might last, the recommended recheck, and what support would be available if it continued. Instead of those questions being treated as part of an informed decision, I felt they were interpreted as evidence that I was "unsure." I was repeatedly asked whether I was sure, warned that another return could affect future adoptions, and told no kitten would be adopted to me that day. I understood being asked to go home and think; what troubled me was that even returning the next day with a clear decision might not be enough. I explicitly asked for help deciding which kitten might be the better fit based on temperament, medical needs, and my circumstances. Instead, the focus stayed on whether I was "sure enough." The previous day was almost the opposite. I was interested in several long-haired kittens still in crates and difficult to assess. I asked to spend time with them in a room and was told no. After about ten minutes, the counselor told me to decide or go to the back of the line. I had to ask for one more minute while she watched the time as I tried to decide about an animal I could care for for the next 15-20 years. That contradiction is my main concern: adopters are expected to make thoughtful, permanent commitments and may be scrutinized if a placement does not work out, yet there can also be pressure to decide quickly without enough opportunity to understand an animal's temperament or medical situation. My issue is not that HSSV screens adopters or has safeguards. It is how those safeguards are implemented. Asking questions, reading medical records, understanding temperament, or needing time to think should not be treated as lack of commitment. I wish the process had felt more supportive.

    Toy Breed Rescue - Sonny 11 years old in 2024

    Toy Breed Rescue

    (47 reviews)

    West San Jose

    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 met Loree and Dr Schwartz while doing rescue with another group years ago. The more I come to…read moreknow about them, the more impressed I am with them, and - believe me - I am not easy to impress. They rescue hundreds of animals every year, most from the brink of death. They work tirelessly with other rescue groups and shelters, often taking the toughest cases with the greatest care needs. They take hundreds of "disposable" beagles from the labs who breed and use them for animal testing. They are just incredible. When it was time for me to adopt another dog for own family, Loree and Monte were the obvious choice. I have never had a single regret from any interaction I've had with any individual from this group. Not one. My little yorkie loves her Auntie Loree and Uncle Monte, and I am so glad and grateful they are who they are. Just incredible, the work they do and the way they do it. Among others, in the space of a year, they place dozens of yorkshire terriers, shih tzu, poodles, lhasa apso, beagles, and small dogs off all kinds - most of whom require grooming. If you want a cute little dog who will return your love and devotion ten-fold, contact Toy Breed Rescue. They will tell you how it is.

    South Bay Purebred Rescue - Squish has been adopted!

    South Bay Purebred Rescue

    (20 reviews)

    Cambrian Park

    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.

    Copper's Dream Rescue

    Copper's Dream Rescue

    (72 reviews)

    Diamond Heights

    Untrustworthy rescue who do not prioritize the care for the dogs they rescue. Focused on getting…read more#s, not properly matching adopters to their best matched dog. Turn their back one you once you pay your adoption fee. No plan for what to do when a dog isn't perfect. Few internal guard rails to assure business runs appropriately. We had a 16 year fostering relationship and wouldn't recommend this rescue anymore. They have lost their way.

    15 years ago I adopted a black lab mix from Coppers Dream. She was so tiny then. Coppers Dream was…read morethere to help me find a wonderful dog. Over the years she and I went on many hikes together. She was always by my side. So very loyal. We added our Sons dog, a Shepsky, also adopted from Coppers Dream, to our family, as he was always traveling. Those two dogs spent many years together, always protective of me and of each other on our many hikes. I would periodically send in photos to CD, and always had a friendly reply. Almost like a family. One morning, up in ALanden Quicksilver Park, going up a steep narrow trail, they suddenly half turned and let rip with ferocious barks. A cougar came racing down the hill, I guess it wanted us for breakfast. Nope. Their utter ferocity in their barking and stance was one obstacle. The second was Bear Spray. That cougar decided quickly that this would not be a good way to start the day. Those two adopted dogs were Loyal, lovable, Protective, Goofy. Play ball? You bet. They loved swimming, exploring and making friends. My lab lived until she was 15. Our Shepsky passed a year or so before. Coppers Dream has always been professional, friendly and easy to approach. Now, I'm back looking for one more dog. Our young, female GSD is lonely without her big sister and big brother..

    Homeless Animals' Lifeline Organization HALO - Our two kittens looking at us suspiciously as I interrupt their playtime to take a picture

    Homeless Animals' Lifeline Organization HALO

    (16 reviews)

    There is nothing here but a waterpark! Tried to find the…read moreshelter place but it seems almost every shelter i find are closed for independence day!

    This organization is as good as it gets as far as pet adoption organizations is concerned. I've…read moreworked with them twice through adopting our family's two furry friends: Katie (a sassy but so adorable feline) and Wyatt (not your typical yappy Chihuahua). If you're looking for cats, go to Pet Food Express at Slatten Ranch on Saturdays from 12-3. or Pittsburg Petsmart on Sundays from 12-3. They have different kinds of cats and kittens with different shapes and colors just waiting to be loved. After a short screening application, your new friend is yours! Cats and kittens have an adoption fee of $100. If you're looking for dogs, they don't bring them on site. Instead, they're all at a foster house in Brentwood. Man, I've never seen so many dogs in one place! Small and big dogs alike! You can tell they're well taken cared of at Joy's house. Usually you can just sit there, observe all their personalities, and pick from there. I'm sure one will steal your heart like my Wyatt has. Dogs and puppies adoption fees range from $125-$300, depending on age, special needs, purity of breed, etc. Email joysdogs@gmail.com or call 925 473-4642 to make an appt. And if for any reason you find that you and your new furry friend aren't working out, you can bring him/her back to the organization free of charge within a month after adoption. Their available pets can be seen here online: http://search.petfinder.com/shelterSearch/shelterSearch.cgi?&shelterid=CA338&preview=1

    Pets In Need - animalshelters - Updated October 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...