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Donor Appreciation & Olive Oil Tasting

Tuesday, April 9, 2024
Amphora Nueva
401 Hartz Ave, Danville
6:30-8:30 pm

Join Valley Humane Society for a private donor appreciation event on the evening of April 9. Enjoy a fun an interactive olive oil and balsamic tasting experience guided by the experts from Amphora Olive Oil company in Danville.

Valley Humane’s President, Melanie Sadek, will also share the organizations 2023 successes and what’s planned for 2024 and beyond.

Bring your appetite, as Amphora will offer some delicious bites featuring their various olive oils and balsamic vinegars! A generous percentage of all oil and vinegar purchased that evening will be donated back to Valley Humane Society.

Wine for the evening is generously sponsored by Wente Vineyards.

There is no cost to attend, but space is limited. Please RSVP quickly to reserve your place. Submit the form below by Friday, April 5, 2024 at 5 pm, or email Development Manager Claire Maniti.

Tips for Change: SideTrack

Tuesday, April 23
5 – 8 pm
SideTrack Bar+Grill
30 W Angela St., Pleasanton

Join us for a very special night out at SideTrack Bar+Grill in Pleasanton! On Tuesday, April 23, 2024 from 5-8 pm the popular downtown restaurant will open just for Valley Humane Society supporters and guests.

Our own volunteer servers will dish up the restaurant’s delicious fare, vying for the biggest tips. Reserve early to ensure your preferred time slot, come hungry, and tip generously! 10% of the evening’s sales will be donated to Valley Humane Society, and 100% of tips raised will benefit our lifesaving programs and services.

Tips may be made any time using the Venmo payment app to @valleyhumane-society, or the night of the event via Venmo, cash, or a check made out to Valley Humane Society.

To make your reservation, email todd@sidetrackeats.com with your preferred time and the number of people in your party.

SideTrack is located in downtown Pleasanton at 30 W Angela St. View an online menu here.

Phil Scholz Veterinary Surgery Center

Valley Humane Society’s Phil Scholz Veterinary Surgery Center provides much-needed spay and neuter services to the public as well as shelter and rescue partners, many of whom experience significant delays in locating available spay/neuter appointments for their adoptable animals. With the ability to perform up to 140 surgeries a week, the surgery center will significantly reduce local pet overpopulation, enable rescue groups to ready their homeless pets for adoption faster, and move animals from shelters—including Valley Humane Society—into homes more quickly.

The surgery center also offers specialty procedures for clients of veterinary referral when lifesaving outcomes for their patients are threatened by financial challenges. This increased access to necessary care will help keep owned pets out of shelters and in the arms of the guardians who already love them.

You can help adoptable animals, reduce pet overpopulation, and keep pets out of shelters! Donate to Valley Humane Society’s Medical Assistance Fund to ensure cost is not a lifesaving barrier and provide need-based treatment both internally for clients of the Phil Scholz Veterinary Surgery Center, as well as externally for Valley Humane Society’s adoptable dogs and cats when they require extensive outside medical care.

To make a larger gift or multi-year pledge, donate through a DAF or QCD, or for information about establishing a wire transfer, please call (925) 426-8656 or email info@valleyhumane.org.

Donate Now

 

Book Spay-Neuter Services

 

Giving Tuesday Now

We invite you to join us in celebrating #GivingTuesdayNow, a global initiative of giving and unity in response to the unprecedented need caused by COVID-19.

Make your gift today.

From the beginning, Valley Humane Society has remained true to our mission of creating a brighter future for cats and dogs by encouraging and strengthening their shared bond with people. Your support during this special day of giving will help ensure that the work you are passionate about bringing to the community, continues:

Adoption Continues

Even as we scrambled to meet shelter-in-place guidelines, we recognized that the work of rescue could not continue if the flow of animals into loving homes ceased. So, while reducing staff presence and sending our four-legged charges into foster care, we also sought a way to safely conduct adoptions. As result, more than 80 dogs and cats have joined forever families since March 17.

Rescue Continues

With animals being adopted at the usual pace, we have room to rescue! Our team brings in new dogs, cats, kittens and puppies every week from municipal shelters. Those with special medical needs are cared for in our facility, while others head to foster caregivers. This is especially important as kitten season begins…we already have more than 3 dozen thriving in our care!

Education Continues

Distance learning is challenging for kids and parents. We immediately launched online videos featuring our Canine Comfort pet therapy dogs so students could maintain their hard-won reading fluency with anytime, at-home Paws to Read sessions direct from our YouTube channel. NBC Bay Area recently featured this program on the evening news.

Healing Continues

Isolation is tough for all of us (yes, even cats!). For those already living apart from family, it can be even lonelier. We created a “A Moment of Comfort” videos to connect our Canine Comfort pet therapy teams with individuals in high-risk living situations who rely upon the teams’ regular visits to fill their lives with joy and companionship.

Outreach Continues

Struggling to pay the bills can mean struggling feed yourself and your pets. AniMeals pet food pantry exists to meet this very need. Valley Humane Society is working through community food banks to distribute dog and cat meals to those who need help…so pets can stay in the loving arms of their family, and out of shelters.

These are just some of the essential services you can provide to the community through Valley Humane Society. Your donation will help save and enrich the lives of animals and people during this crisis, and beyond. Together, let’s continue to meet the need!

Make Your Gift Today

  • Donate online now.
  • Use the Venmo payment app @valleyhumane-society.
  • Mail a check to Valley Humane Society at 3670 Nevada Street, Pleasanton, CA 94566 with Giving Tuesday Now on the memo line.
  • PayPal users can select Valley Humane Society from the PayPal Giving Fund at PayPal Giving Fund.

Tips for Change To-Go

Each year you support some great local restaurants while raising funds for animal rescue during Tips for Change! This year we’re offering two locations on different Mondays in May with pre-orders by phone and web for takeout only. 10% of sales will be donated to Valley Humane Society by participating restaurants, along with 100% of any tips you leave.

See below for pickup times and ordering information. Tips can be left any time with an online donation or to @valleyhumane-society using the Venmo payment app.

Monday, May 4

Gianni’s Italian Bistro
Order Pickup: 4:30 – 7:30 pm
Order online or by phone at (925) 820-6969
Orders Due By: Saturday, May 2

Join us for a very special takeout event at Gianni’s Italian Bistro in San Ramon on Monday, May 4, 2020! Order in a delectable meal full of authentic Italian dishes with a creative twist of California freshness; the evening is dedicated to support Valley Humane Society.

Please place your orders by Saturday, May 2 ahead of the Monday event to ensure participation. Gianni’s is located at 2065 San Ramon Valley Blvd, San Ramon, CA 94583.

Call the restaurant today at 925.820.6969 or go to their website to place your order!

Tip with an online donation or using the Venmo payment app to @valleyhumane-society

Monday, May 11

SideTrack
Order Pickup: 11 am – 2 pm and 4:30 – 7:30 pm
Order by phone at (925) 399-6789
Orders Due By: Sunday, May 10 (limited same-day orders available)

Join us for a very special takeout event at Sidetrack in downtown Pleasanton on Monday, May 11, 2020! Order lunch or dinner from a delicious menu; the day is dedicated to support Valley Humane Society.

Please place your orders by Sunday, May 10 to ensure participation in the event.  Sidetrack may be able to accommodate some same day orders. Sidetrack is located in downtown Pleasanton at 30 W Angela St.

Call the restaurant to order your meal at 925-399-6789 and view their online menu here.

Tip with an online donation or using the Venmo payment app to @valleyhumane-society

AniMeals Pet Food Pantry

Valley Humane Society’s AniMeals program assists low-income pet guardians in keeping their beloved animals at home. Donated dog and cat food is redistributed within the community through partner organizations such as food banks. Donations of wet or dry dog and cat food in any brand, even opened or expired, are accepted.

How to Help

  • Order online from pet supply outlets and have it delivered straight to Valley Humane Society! Our adoption center is located at 3670 Nevada St, Pleasanton, CA 94566.
  • Make a monetary donation to the program online, or to @valleyhumane-society using the Venmo payment app, that can be used to purchase food wholesale. Be sure to put AniMeals on the Venmo payment in the box that says, “What’s it for?”
  • Drop off pet food donations when our adoption center is open, Tuesday- through Saturday, 10 am – 4 pm.

Distribution Locations

In Pleasanton:
Valley Bible Church
7106 Johnson Drive
First Thursday of the month from 6:30 – 7:30 pm

In Livermore:
Livermore Community Center
4444 East Avenue
(rear parking lot off Loyola Avenue)
First and third Wednesday of the month from 1 – 3 pm

 

 

 

Coronavirus Information

Updated August 3, 2021

Visitors are now welcome! Due to state and county guidelines, masks are required regardless of vaccination status. Valley Humane Society has reopened its doors to the public with new visitation hours: Wednesday through Friday from 12 noon – 4 pm, and Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm. Our team is available to answer questions, offer resources, and accept donation drop-offs. We ask that donated items, which previously had to be left outside, be brought inside at this time. Adoptions will continue to be offered by appointment; visit adoptable dogs and cats online, where you can apply directly from the pet profile.

Updated June 14, 2021

While we retain our high hopes, Valley Humane Society’s public reopening (as anticipated in our last update, below) is unfortunately not able to take place at this time. We are currently waiting for the State to provide clear guidelines to businesses regarding reopening. Adoptions will continue in the current appointment-only fashion, and masking and social distancing requirements remain in place. Donations may continue to be dropped at the rear entrance. Thank you for bearing with us as we navigate these changes with health and safety for all in mind.

Updated May 4, 2021

Valley Humane Society anticipates being able to reopen our doors in the very near future, though
things may look a bit different than before. Our reopening will coincide with the state’s timeline
(currently June 15). Starting Wednesday, June 16, we will be open to the public from 12 noon to 4
pm Wednesday through Friday, and Saturdays from 10 am to 2 pm. Masking and social distancing
protocols as outlined by the state and county will continue to be followed.

The public will be able to enter Valley Humane Society’s adoption center lobby during the stated
hours, though adoptable animals will not be available for general viewing. Our dogs and cats have
thrived in foster care during the pandemic. They are healthier and happier in a home environment.

As a result, animals are ready for adoption faster, and move more quickly into the loving arms of
their new families. This in turn allows Valley Humane Society to help even more animals.
As we reopen to visitors, adoptions will continue to operate on a semi-virtual basis, with
applications being accepted online, interviews conducted via telephone, and in-person adoption
appointments pre-scheduled. We ask for patience as we navigate this new process. Please
understand that these changes are made with the best interests of the animals in mind.

Thank you for standing with Valley Humane Society during these challenging times to continue
saving and enriching the lives of pets and people in our community. We look forward to seeing you
again!!

June 1, 2020

To ensure our community’s safety, Valley Humane Society remains closed to walk-ins at this time.

Pet adoptions are being conducted by appointment only. To adopt a dog or cat, please review our safe adoption guidelines and inquire about an animal using their profile link, emailing info@valleyhumane.org, or calling (925) 426-8656.

Donations are accepted. Please check our wishlist online to find out which items are needed or not currently accepted. Physical items may be left outside the rear entrance between 8 am and 7 pm daily in the box marked for that purpose. Please do not ring the doorbell for donation drop-offs.

May 19, 2020

During COVID-19, spay and neuter surgeries across the country have been put on hold to allow human healthcare to take priority for surgical supplies. Due to this restriction, Valley Humane is prioritizing the spay and neuter of adult animals, and adopting out some unaltered puppies and kittens. Adopters will be required to work with Valley Humane to schedule spay and neuter appointments once the surgery restriction is lifted and due to this we will only be accepting applications from local adopters for unaltered pets. The cost for spay/neuter is still included as part of the adoption fee.

For more information on the adoption process during COVID-19: Safe Adoption Guidelines

April 29, 2020

Here are the latest CDC guidelines for pet guardians during COVID-19 :

  • Do not let pets interact with people or other animals outside your household.
  • Keeps cats indoors when possible to prevent them from interacting with other people or animals.
  • Walk dogs on a leash, maintaining at least six feet from other people and animals.
  • Avoid dog parks or public places where a large number of people and dogs gather.

If you or a member of your family are sick with COVID-19, the CDC recommends doing your best to restrict contact with your pets, just like you would do with people. It also suggests the following:

  • When possible, have another member of your household care for your pets while you are sick.
  • Avoid contact with your pet, including petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, and sharing food or bedding.
  • If you must care for your pet or be around animals while you are sick, wear a cloth face covering and wash your hands before and after you interact with them.

As of now, the CDC says that there is no evidence that pets play a role in spreading COVID-19 in the U.S.

For more information from the CDC regarding pets and COVID-19 please visit cdc.gov.

March 25, 2020

Yesterday our Executive Director, Melanie Sadek, joined Senator Steve Glazer and other animal welfare professionals, on the Senator’s 7th Coronavirus Town Hall to discuss pets and COVID-19. Learn more about how shelters are operating during this crisis, options for safe exercising with pets, and updating your preparedness plan should you be unable to care for your own pets.

To listen: https://sd07.senate.ca.gov/

March 23, 2020

We are thankful that Governor Gavin Newsom and the California Department of Public Health, deemed ACO’s, humane officers and workers at animal care facilities essential. This will help ensure continued support for California’s animals and communities during the COVID-19 crisis. 

https://covid19.ca.gov/img/EssentialCriticalInfrastructureWorkers.pdf

March 16, 2020

With today’s order for Alameda County to shelter-in-place, Valley Humane Society is effectively closed until further notice. We will continue checking email (info@valleyhumane.org) and telephone messages during this time. Please continue reaching out to us, even about pet adoption. All our Humane Education and Canine Comfort activities have been cancelled until further notice, and we are delaying the start of our summer Critter Camp registration until April 15, when we will hopefully know more about the progress of the Coronavirus outbreak. We ask for your patience as we shift to a remote work model; some communications, such as postcards and printed gift acknowledgments, may experience a delay (though you may still receive our April fundraising letter, which was written and printed some time ago). Rest assured all the animals will continue to be cared for. We will address each inquiry in the timeliest manner possible, and we are out here working to serve our community just as always.

https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-03-16/nine-san-francisco-bay-area-counties-ordered-to-shelter-in-place?fbclid=IwAR2YJ9p7JpEKwfBCGoFyiEFW1prCd_6tLwcs2p2y_Lr75gyTvTdLPnoBOdY

March 12, 2020

Among concerns about the coronavirus, many people are wondering how the virus affects animals. Valley Humane Society wants the public to be aware that, according to the AmericanVeterinary Medical Association (AVMA) as well as infectious disease experts such those at the CDC and WHO, there is currently no evidence that pet dogs and cats can spread COVID-19 to humans.

As a nonprofit organization that provides valuable services to a variety of human and animal populations, Valley Humane Society is tracking the situation in an effort to stay up-to-date on developments. The organization recognizes the careful balance needed to continue critical services while remaining sensitive toward the needs of volunteers, staff, and other constituents.

The public can assist with this effort by limiting visits to the adoption center unless they intend to adopt a dog or cat. Valley Humane Society is closely following recommendations issued by the City of Pleasanton and Alameda County, and will remain open as long as non-essential travel is permitted. The organization has increased its already stringent cleaning protocol in an effort to protect guests and team members. Anyone feeling sick is asked to remain at home, and those in high-risk populations are encouraged to limit their exposure through self-quarantine.

Symptoms of coronavirus are usually mild and can begin gradually. They include:

  • Fever
  • Tiredness
  • Dry cough
  • Aches and pains
  • Nasal congestion, runny nose
  • Sore throat
  • Diarrhea

Even though people can’t contract COVID-19 from pets, washing hands is always recommended before and after interacting with animals, since there are other diseases animals can spread to people (and people can also spread diseases to animals). Frequent hand washing is currently recommended to prevent contracting the coronavirus. Please visit cdc.gov for a full list of recommended protective actions. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed.

Those planning to self-quarantine should arrange to accommodate their pet’s needs as well, whether that means food, medication, or other supplies. It also recommended for pet owners identify someone who can take care of their animal in case they become unable to do it themselves. More information on being prepared for emergencies with your pet can be found at valleyhumane.org under Resources & Links/Disaster Preparedness.

Planned Giving While Living

Many people think a planned gift is something that is given through a will or estate plan and only benefits the organization after you are deceased. However, there are several gift options that allow you to see the impact of your contribution immediately. Valley Humane Society calls these types of planned donations “planned giving while living.”

Gifts of Stock

Donating appreciated stocks, bonds, or mutual funds to Valley Humane Society is easy. We work closely with our investment banker to receive and sell your transferred securities, then put the proceeds of the sale to work saving animals and issue you a letter that serves as a receipt for your tax-deductible gift. Donating appreciated stocks can reduce the amount of capital gains tax you may be paying, so please consult with your broker on making this gift in the appropriate way. You may print a pdf of instructions on how to donate appreciated securities to Valley Humane Society or review them online.

IRA Distribution – Qualified Charitable Distribution

At the end and beginning of the calendar year, seasoned donors sometimes ask about making a qualified charitable distribution (QCD) to Valley Humane Society, a direct transfer from their custodian individual retirement account (IRA), once they turn 70½ years old.

While a QCD is not a tax-deductible donation, it is a distribution that counts towards satisfying your required minimum distribution so long as certain rules are met. A QCD excludes the amount donated from taxable income, which is unlike regular withdrawals from an IRA. When you keep your taxable income lower, this may reduce the impact to certain tax credits and deductions, including Social Security and Medicare. With the passage of the SECURE Act in December 2019, starting January 1, 2020, those donors turning 70 1/2 that make a qualified charitable distribution to Valley Humane Society will have to wait until they turn 72 to have that distribution count towards this year’s required minimum distribution. For those donors that turned 70 1/2 prior to January 1, 2020, your qualified charitable distributions to Valley Humane Society can still count against your required minimum distribution.

Please contact Development Manager Will Anzenberger at (925) 426-8656 ext. 333 or wanzenberger@valleyhumane.org to see if you meet the requirements for making a qualified charitable distribution.

Donor Advised Funds

Donor Advised Funds (DAFs) are a popular way for donors to provide financial support for the causes they care about. Set aside especially for charitable causes (and with the tax benefit already received), DAFs only need a word from their account holder to release grant funds that can move the mission forward. If you have a DAF with Schwab, Fidelity, or BNY Mellon, you can use our free widget to recommend Valley Humane Society receive a grant from your DAF today.

Beatrice Needs Your Help!

UPDATE 6/19/18: Our delightful friend Beatrice has been quite the trooper during her ear surgeries! Having healed nicely, though, she visited the doggie dentist this week for a much overdue cleaning and 16 tooth extractions. Next up is an appointment with the eye doctor to correct her ingrown lashes.

These last procedures, while important, were technically not considered critical for Beatrice’s survival…but she is able to receive them thanks to the generosity of our community, who raised just over $20K for her medical expenses. Anything not used for Beatrice will go to meet the medical needs of other rescued dogs and cats. Thank you so much for your compassion and kindness!

UPDATE 6/5/18: Our friend Beatrice has come through several of her surgeries with flying colors. Thanks to the Dr. Selmeyer and the folks at SAGE Dublin – Centers for Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Care Emergency Care for their excellent care! Once Beatrice is recovered from her latest ear surgery, she will have visits with the dentist and eye doctor to look forward to. She is doing quite well. Thank you so much to everyone who contributed to help make this possible! We raised TWO TIMES our goal, and will be able to provide for Beatrice and many others as well!

 

With most rescued animals, their background is a complete mystery. But for Beatrice the bulldog, her past is written all over her body…and the story it tells is one of neglect. From raging ear infections to toenails so long they wrap around her feet, Beatrice has a number of ailments that make it clear the two-year-old English bulldog mix has suffered a lack of care for some time. With veterinary cost estimates running upwards of $10,000 for just the urgent work, we are asking for the community’s assistance in helping Beatrice.

The list is long. In addition to the toenails, Beatrice has terrible gingivitis, difficulty breathing, and a cherry eye which has turned black. Her ingrown eyelashes are a constant source of irritation, and she has never been spayed. Worst of all, however, are her ears. What likely began as a simple ear infection has turned into a massive inflammation that will require the removal of both ear canals and eardrums, leaving Beatrice completely deaf. To top it all off, she must first recover from an upper respiratory infection before any treatment can begin.

Still, Beatrice is a relatively young dog, and can enjoy a good life with the proper care. Though the $10,000 price tag is unusual for a single animal, and only covers the urgent issues, all Beatrice’s complaints are treatable. Once an animal is in our care, Valley Humane Society is committed to providing what is needed. But beyond that, Beatrice deserves a shot at a long and happy life!

Even $5 or $10 contributions will help restore Beatrice to health. If enough money is raised, Valley Humane Society plans to perform the non-critical work as well. Funds not needed for Beatrice will be similarly used for other rescued animals. Beatrice will be available for adoption in two to three months when her medical treatments are complete.

Click to donate online toward Beatrice’s care. Donation may also be made by phone at (925) 426-8656 or by mail, care of: Beatrice/Medical Fund, Valley Humane Society, 3670 Nevada Street, Pleasanton, CA 94566.

Donate Now

Tips for Change

Monday, November 13
4:30 – 8 pm
Gianni’s Italian Bistro
2065 San Ramon Valley Blvd., San Ramon

Join us for dinner with Tips for Change at Gianni’s Italian Bistro! On Monday, November 13, 2023, the evening is dedicated especially for Valley Humane Society supporters and guests.

Our own volunteer servers will vie for the biggest tips, dishing up the restaurant’s delicious Italian fare. Seating is fully open, and reservations are required. Reserve early to get the time slot you prefer, or order out and take advantage of curbside pickup. 100% of the tips raised will benefit Valley Humane Society’s lifesaving and life-enriching programs and services, so come hungry and tip big! 10% of the evening’s sales will also be donated.

Gianni’s Italian Bistro is located at 2065 San Ramon Valley Blvd. in San Ramon. Wine and cocktails are available for take-out.

To make reservations or order by phone:

  • Call 925-820-6969

To make reservations or order online:

  • Visit www.giannissanramon.com
  • Click the “Order Online” button.
  • Select the appropriate date (November 13)
  • Pick your desired time
  • Select your items

Can’t attend but want to “tip?” Donate online or Venmo to @valleyhumane-society.