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Redwood City, CA

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Pets In Need

4.4 (189 reviews)
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Services - Pets In Need

Animal shelters

Pet adoption

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Recommended Reviews - Pets In Need

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Reviews With Photos

And now (still not a fan of having her photo taken lol)

What a WONDERFUL shelter to adopt a fur baby! I am so grateful to have come across this place. Staff are knowledgeable, friendly and caring. The space is bright and clean, the animals well cared for as they wait for their forever homes. I highly recommend Pets in Need if you're searching for four legged family member(s).

Aronne S.

We just adopted from Pets in Need Redwood City and can't express enough how great our experience was!! Their facility is so nice and wonderfully managed. Samantha was so wonderful to work with. She made us feel so confident in our choice to take Gigi (now Lola on the left) home. She is such an incredible addition to our little family!

We just like to say thank you. We adopted Tacoma on August 29 from your Redwood City location. She's doing great with her new sister Elsie. They are already inseparable. We changed her name to Clover. She's very happy. Take care. Steve & Cristy

Rescue dog

We adopted sweet Maurice a few weeks ago from Pets in Need. We met him and just couldn't walk away without him! Mo has settled in very nicely and is a happy little guy. The staff at PiN were all so kind and helpful with the process, and the animals there all looked well cared for.

Eye growth before surgery.

This place, the people that work there are amazing! My dog needed surgery on his eye and they helped me from beginning to end, even with the aftercare. The surgery went very well and there were no complications. They even helped me with the application for the Crockett memorial fund which helped me provide funds for the surgery. If you need help with resources or anything pet related definitely give pets In need a call, they will take care of you and your pet.

Was so hard to give him back..
Marcy N.

This review is in regards to the older gentleman who tends to be in the front desk: everyone else, Amazing. Any who, my family had lost their family member Maggie, who we adopted from here 4ish years ago. Unfortunately we recently lost her to cancer the beginning of this year. We loved her dearly & to this day we still mourn for her. As months went by, my father thought it would be a good idea to adopt a new member to the family now that we had a bigger yard & space to love another dog... but, I wish I was there this time he went to this Pets In Need location. The front desk guy gave us a dog with a "bad ear infection" & said it was just from "his siblings tugging on his ears" which was not the case AT ALL. My dad left with antibiotics & directions to apply it. To make it short.. In just 3 weeks this dog was practically decaying from the outside.. he was balding, oozing, ears were just clustered in scabs & he just smelled like death. We tried as best as we could to take care of him.. literally 3 weeks of just having him. But he just looked so uncomfortable & sad.. we couldn't bare to see him in this condition anymore. My family wanted to take him to a vet. But honestly I felt it was best to return him since Pets In Need have a vet & he shouldn't have been given to us in the state he was already in. But this guy.. omfg.. he was blaming, shaming & giving us the coldest shoulder. Making my family feel guilty for the puppies condition. To that guy.. How DARE you give a SICK dog to a family who is still MOURNING about their last dog. How unprofessional & inconsiderate. The two stars are just for the veterinarian who was able to empathize with us with this unfortunate situation. We really do hope the puppy fully recovered in whatever severe condition he was in. Good day.

Puppy play time at Pets In Need Birthday Party
Ayelet A.

We held a birthday party for my 9 year old - what a treat! This program (and their other youth programs) is so needed for our community, and is an incredible opportunity for any animal-loving or animal-curious person. Working with the staff was an absolute pleasure, they were incredibly helpful, friendly, knowledgable, and generous. Thank you to Marsa and Mari (and Stella, Luna, and the rest of the gang. What a memorable experience for my child and their peers! Plus, it felt great knowing that we were supporting such a great organization. Highly recommend!

After the summer trim
David L.

This is easily the best shelter/adoption group I be ever seen. We went in to introduce our somewhat finicky taco terrier to a potential second dog. Alas, he had been adopted shortly before we arrived. Omar took the time to get to know us and our dog and called a week or so later to tell us another dog who seemed like a good match in size and temperament had arrived. When we introduced them, it appeared he was correct. Unlike most other shelters, PIN allows a trial run, Foster to Adopt, which we did successfully. Most other places only do a short meet & sniff and then require the commitment (and cost) of adoption, so if the situation turns out to be difficult , you're tagged as a bad owner and are out the hundreds in fees. Luckily, that wasn't our problem and we are very happy with our expanded dog family.

Karne N.

Love this place. We have supported it financially for years, but I also recently started volunteering here. Caring, attentive staff and volunteers who do everything possible to help you find your perfect companion. The animals are loved and respected - I really appreciate the care given to making sure the animal's welfare is always #1. Volunteers are carefully trained and gently but firmly managed. We are soon to be adopting again, and this will be where we go once we make up our minds about cat vs dog

Entrance
Nerissa D.

After Kona (puggle) passed away at 13 1/2 yo, we weren't sure if we would be ready for another one right away. We were going to wait until her 1 yr death anniversary. However, it didn't stop me from always checking the sites for pups. Well, sure enough Raya (aka Cashew) caught my eyes. Her eyes reminded me of my father who also passed away last year. Going in we knew we wanted to meet Raya. She was in the room w her brother Chestnut. We stayed for a while and took our time. We played with both of them but it was Raya who really caught our eyes and hearts. We opted to adopt and help those in need rather than go w a breeder. - The location is easy to find. There's street parking. If you plan on staying longer find parking without the green colored curbside. - The staff, we were greeted with smiles in their eyes so I knew they were slaps smiling behind the masks. Barbara introduced us to the pups and was very patient and informative. She gave us the time we needed to really observe and get a feel for the pups. Thank you for all your help! -The cost to adopt was $150. After searching and looking at different sites, I felt it was best to adopt. -The rooms were filled w toys and beds to keep the pups comfy. We are happy to have Raya in our lives and know she's going to be loved. She already know the sit command and is doing well w her potty training. If you're looking for a fur baby, checkout Them out!

He has 3 of the best beds on the market including the dome bed! Loving it here
Alina N.

I cried this week because of my experience here. I hate to give anything under 4 stars for a pet adoption center, but 3 stars is fair and reflects my experience. I'm moving away soon and my dad needed a new companion with me gone and his dog passed away of old age a couple of years ago. We found Rocky at Pets in Need and went to see him immediately. We fell in love with him but before we adopted him, we asked all the necessary questions about his temperament, does he bark, etc. There were no flags raised and so we happily went home with him. The process was a breeze and we were thrilled. Rocky instantly warmed up to us and gave so much love and kisses; it was hard not to fall in love with him. We had to get my 67 year old dad used to taking care of him though since I'm moving and we started noticing things that were never brought up. Rocky is petrified of water and extremely strong. When my dad tried to clean his paws, he flailed about and ran out the house and ran away. It took 5 grown adults (neighbors helped us) to try to capture him; he's ridiculously fast. No way can a 67 year old man do this on his own. We were told Rocky was not a barker; that was completely untrue. Not only does he bark but it's a loud, crying type of bark you can hear half a block away that makes neighbors think we're abusing him. He did that anytime we went out the door; severe separation anxiety. For everyday we had him, he found a way to run out and we had to hunt him down everyday. He's also very aggressive and bites when he doesn't mean to; they told us he was not a biter. I shared my feedback with Pets in Need but told them we'll try to work it out. I got a nasty call from Andrew. He sounded very frustrated with me and I could literally hear him huffing on the phone while he cut me off and he yelled at me that it takes time and I need to be more patient. I don't appreciate that because they knew an elderly person was adopting Rocky and they should have disclosed the correct info when I asked and they should have better matched us. Rocky should never have been placed with an elderly person (he also should not be placed in a home with little kids because he does bite unintentionally). I was offended because I've adopted 3 dogs, including an epileptic dog who has seizures and I give him medication 7x/day for 9 years now to to yell at me and blame me for not being patient rather than taking ownership that you didn't properly disclose the right info or match with the right family is a slap in the face. People get attached to the dogs and the dogs get attached to us; you can't just haphazardly match. I only had Rocky a few days but I was crying my eyes out that we had to return him. In fact, I took him to the car and came back in the house 3 different times because I couldn't do it and my dad saw me crying and said he'll make it work but then Rocky kept escaping each day even with all the gates we put up and precautions we took. Eventually I had to have my husband take Rocky back because I just couldn't. I'm tearing up just writing this because it's just heartbreaking to me especially because I miss all his kisses and he always ran to me so happy to see me. I really hope he is placed with the right family who can care for him and who has the ability to chase him down anytime he get outs. If he goes to the wrong family, they might get sick of him escaping and leave him on the street, which makes me sad to think about. There are no refunds, but in this case, there should be if they did not tell me the truth about his barking/omitted information that would help us determine the fit for my elderly dad. I'd appreciate if they contact me back to provide a refund.

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Reviews are largely positive. Visitors highlight the friendly and helpful staff, clean and well-maintained facility, and smooth adoption process.

Read the full review summary in the app

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5 months ago

Met with Ashley today to get our adorable kitten Bibble! She was so sweet and informative. I would highly recommend going here to adopt!!!

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Very welcoming . Clean facility. Cats well taken care of. Hard not to want to adopt all of them!

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3 years ago

The staff are very professional in treating my beloved Manny. Thanks for everything & more power to your organization

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3 years ago

I've been volunteering at the PA & RWC site. PIN has clean facilities & helpful staff.

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Page 1 of 5

Ask the Community - Pets In Need

I have a Russian blue cat. Are you guys taking in any cats at the moment?

Hi there, If you are looking to surrender your cat, please visit www.petsinneed.org/surrender. There you will find details on how to begin the surrender process.

Do you take lost dogs in?

We currently do not take in lost animals. We recommend that you take the animal to your local public shelter. Here in San Mateo County, that would be Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA.

Do you have rats or hamsters?

Currently, we only adopt out cats and dogs.

View All 7 Questions

Review Highlights - Pets In Need

“As we were completing our adoption paperwork, Marsa told us: "You know, you're really saving the lives of two dogs today.”

Mentioned in 10 reviews

Read more highlights

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We've adopted two senior goldens from this organization and both experiences have been nothing less…read morethan stellar. Our first, Chloe, had been a breeder and when she was 14, the owners took her to the animal shelter because I guess she couldn't have puppies any more. There just happened to be a NGGR representative at the shelter when they brought her in, and they nabbed her. She was covered with fleas and her belly was black. We gave her three years of an awesome life. When she passed, we reached out again in the midst of COVID. The representative in the Tahoe-Truckee area, Kris Williams, said there simply were no dogs, but sadly, when the state opens back up, once again the shelters and rescue organizations will be flooded with dogs they "just don't have time for while working..." I think Kris gets up every morning scouring want ads, Craig's List, area shelters and other rescue organizations for abandoned or up for adoption golden retriever. She found us a beautiful senior in Silver Springs NV, and we adopted her. Millie is amazing and at 14 also, we're going to give her a home until she "passes over the rainbow bridge," as they say. And we will adopt another from them when it is time. NGGR has a very in-depth interview process. They like to do home interviews, but with COVID, I sent a video of both the inside and outside of my house, and included all of potential pup and cat siblings. We had an almost hour interview before I was re-approved. They are awesome, but be your own best advocate. I see people disheartened about not getting calls back (I've experienced that myself), but if you have a local rep like Kris, they will be there to get you your pup.

I've been fostering a senior dog with NCGRR. The volunteers at this organization are stellar!…read moreThey're so caring of the dogs and people (like fosters) they support. The process for pairing dogs with the right home is thoughtful and deliberate. Even as a volunteer-run org, the team is communicative, always reachable and helpful with providing the right care for my senior. All around a wonderful group to work with.

Pound Puppy Rescue - Cooper (aka Chance from the Vineyard Litter 2011)

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My experience of Pound Puppy Rescue could not have been better. We adopted our puppy Colt, was…read moreHamm, from PPR. Communication was incredible, the process was clear and very helpful, especially the ability to meet and spend time with the puppy. Their fosters are amazing and work with the puppies on crate training, behavior, and making sure it is is a good fit. They also make sure that you have thought through the decision and know the commitment and resources that will be needed. Our puppy came home with some food, a collar, a toy, and his puppy blanket! We now have a wonderful addition to our household and have PPR to thank.

We adopted our puppy Jasper from PPR, and he is the best and so is PPR…read more If you are ready to adopt and are committed to taking care of a dog, then I would recommend PPR to anyone. They rescue lots of dogs including pregnant mothers, not just the cutest ones in shelters like some other organizations. Most (if not all) dogs adopted out from PPR are fostered, so they are already well socialized and often trained well. Jasper was potty trained and crate trained when he came to our home, and he had great manners from having two older foster brothers. It is true that PPR takes it's position as a rescue and adoption organization seriously. They will try their best to adopt pets to families and individuals that are ready for pet ownership, but please understand that in doing so they are trying their best to ensure that the dogs in their care do not return to shelters because the families were unready for a puppy (because let's be serious here, having a puppy is rough for the first several weeks!). It's a commitment for the lifetime of the animal, and that is not to be taken lightly. Everyone I encountered through PPR was warm, loving, and committed to saving as many animals as they could. Sorry for the long review, but PPR is great. They also have a wonderful community through Facebook and PPR puppy get-togethers annually. If you were turned down by PPR, give them another chance if you feel so inclined. If not, there are plenty of other organizations out there adopting out great dogs. As long as PPR ensures that shelter dogs get homes, then they are doing their job, and a job that they excel at. It is obvious from reading other reviews here that the dogs that PPR adopts out don't have crazy health issues like puppy mill dogs, and that their dogs are ready to start life in their forever homes because of their fostering policy. In my book that makes PPR a great organization. People who were turned down might not think so, but at the end of the day this is about getting abandoned and forsaken animals homes. PPR does that, and excels at it.

Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA - Chance the Cat adopted from Peninsula Humane Society: https://www.instagram.com/peninsulahumanesociety

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(307 reviews)

I wanted to give a shout out to Ashley C. and Imer M. What an awesome experience at this SPCA…read moreestablishment. These people really care about their animals. Ashley. I renamed my new family member "Boots" Cause of his black and white paws. It's better than Kimo. Haha!!! Can you rename him in your computer system? Love him. He already has his kitty multi story Hotel building. Boots still is enduring the 333 adjustment stage but he's definitely coming around. Thank you all for this amazing adoption experience!!! Definitely a 5 star experience!!! Jim H.

I was at the Peninsula Humane Society yesterday and saw a very sad dog named Luna. When I inquired…read moreabout her, they said she was just stoic and just not very social. The next day when I wanted to meet with her and I find out some history there and that made me even feel worse about her situation. It turns out she was brought in twice before and the second time she had four puppies. I was told that when they were weaned, they separated the puppies from the mom and basically kept her in a "box" from then until now. She may get two walks a day and get to play catch sometimes and in their effort try to socialize her with other dogs they have them on leashes. You would think that the "experts" would be very familiar with leash aggression. It makes one wonder what qualifies a person to be an expert on dog behaviors, compared to an actual dog owner who understand the different dynamics to keep them safe in an environment. I simply wanted to see what kind of reaction I would get with Luna while alone to see if she would even be a good fit in my home knowing the dynamics and the space we have for dogs to play. The person I spoke to, who was apparently the adoption manager, insisted that because of my dogs, it wasn't going to be a good fit. She wouldn't even entertain the idea of my visit first and then bringing the dogs to see how they get along. I happen have two female Shepherd mixes that are both rescues and are gentle giants and have been raised with dogs all my life. I believe Luna would have been welcomed and loved but because their "dog experts" already have a perceived notion of what would happen I was told I couldn't meet with her and I ended up walking out; I only went there to try to rescue Luna. When they insisted it would not be a good fit, I wondered what they knew about taking Luna to a dog park and letting her play freely with other dogs. They told me that wasn't even a good idea. This is very upsetting and I will never go back there again. There are several other places to adopt dogs and even the person I was speaking with said other pet adoption places have different rules. It's such a shame, I really would have liked to simply meet Luna to see what our chemistry was like and perhaps at our home it would've allowed her to have a stable, loving environment and the management has taken that away from her. It's no wonder she's been there since April. It turns out dogs are not stoic animals, especially a dog that's one year and seven months old. It's evidence of abuse and that dog needs to be loved. Is the abuse is from a previous owner or fun times in the shelter and being put back in "the box" or the trust they had with being taken in again, cared for with her puppies and taking them away from her? Luna really needs to be in a home with people who recognizes the need of a loving caring, home for her even if they have other dogs that may become her friends. Given a chance, dogs can change.

Whis-Purr Rescue, Inc - Oliver

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The first time I left a message, with a question about a feral cat on our property that they had…read morespayed for us many years ago, they didn't even call back. Even if you can't help, at least return the call as a courtesy. Second time I left a message with a slightly different inquiry about this same cat (just asking for expertise/advice/ help, the volunteer that did return my call same day, wanted to get into a battle of semantics first and when I said "ok let's move beyond this part", she got huffy and said "well, we can't help you anyway, you'll have to find someone else." Very odd. I won't be asking for help a third time.

Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA - Waiting for Lilly

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(128 reviews)

I am not leaving this humane society a good review but will give 5 stars for the purpose it serves…read more My feedback: I called today to inquire on the euthanasia process for surrendered pets -- I needed to know what exactly the entire process entails because it's vital information for a pet owner that is in the situation that require such services. Putting a pet down is a difficult choice for anyone. My cat is under circumstances that would be best to end her suffering therefore my responsibility is to find the best place for such services. The website sounds promising. I looked online and it sounded like this would be the right place to bring my cat. However, my mind changed shortly after calling. I won't bring my cat somewhere that lacks compassion. The initial phone call leaves either a good or bad impression on someone, and this one call just completely dissuaded me from bringing my cat here. I think they have too much of a high call volume and not enough staff to handle those calls. The cost of euthanasia here for reasonable compared to other clinics and the hours are great. I'm glad they are an open door shelter. That's all.

Time of Death: June 7, 2026 at 6:22pm (Sunday) My cat, baby…read moreBella died 8 days after her spayed appointment (5/29/26) at Peninsula Humane Society, San Mateo. Today, 6/7/26 noon, she started throwing up and I was able to get her a 2pm appt. with her primary vet. Few minutes after I left the clinic, I received a phone call saying that she needs to be taken a Pet ER or a specialty hospital. We rushed her to a pet hospital in SF... She was wrapped around my arms in the ICU until she took her last breath & until her last heart beat.

Pets In Need - animalshelters - Updated October 2026

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