Author: Melanie Sadek President & CEO, Valley Humane Society What a year! As chair of the Legislative & Advocacy Committee for the California Animal Welfare Association, I’ve had a front-row...
Rebecca Burton
A Real-Life Horror Story: The Truth About Pet Blood Banking in California
Have you ever wondered where veterinarians get blood for an animal having surgery or needing a transfusion? The answer is chilling. California’s animal blood supply has a dark side…one that’s only...
Pet Insurance: What You Need to Know Before You Buy
Pet insurance, like human medical insurance, can be hard to navigate, and the cost of being uninformed can impact your wallet as much as your pet’s health. Fortunately for Californians, Senator...
Why Veterinary Care Feels So Complicated (and What You Can Do About It)
Author: Melanie Sadek President & CEO, Valley Humane Society If you’ve ever walked into a veterinary office with a sick pet and walked out overwhelmed, anxious, or blindsided by a bill you...
More Than a Matchmaker: The Role of Private Animal Shelters in Our Community
When people think of private nonprofit animal shelters like Valley Humane Society, they often picture joyful adoption moments—kittens and puppies finding new families or adult animals getting a...
Undervalued and Underfunded: The Quiet Crisis Facing Animal Shelters
Author: Melanie Sadek President & CEO, Valley Humane Society Chair, Legislative & Advocacy Committee, California Animal Welfare Association Across California, government-run animal shelters...
Spay, Neuter & Microchip: A Healthier, Safer Life for Your Pet
Many pet parents have questions about spaying, neutering, and microchipping—and for good reason. These are big decisions that directly affect our pets’ long-term health and wellbeing. At Valley...
Kitten Season 101
What You Should Know About Kitten Season (And How to Help) Spring may bring sunshine and wildflowers, but it also signals the start of something else entirely: kitten season. Beginning as early as...
Valley Humane’s Canine Comfort Teams Join AHS’s New Visitation Program
Alameda Health System (AHS) has launched a new Canine Visitation Program to support the emotional well-being of patients and staff—and Valley Humane Society is proud to partner in this effort by...
Adoptable Pet of the Week: Love Note
Meet Lovenote – the love letter in feline form that is ready to steal your heart! Love Note is a gentle, soft-furred beauty with a playful side—she adores toys she can chase and will happily make...
Jeter Recognized as 2025 Pleasanton Ambassadog
Jeter Ball Proclaimed Pleasanton’s 2025 Ambassadog PLEASANTON, California—March 19, 2025—The Pleasanton City Council crowned a new Ambassadog at its meeting on March 18. Jeter Ball took on the 2025...
Adopted! Pet of the Week: Chip
Chip is the ultimate snack-sized pup who is totally irresistible! He’s always ready to dip into fun, whether it’s walks, playtime, or showing off his parkour moves—because this Chip never breaks; he...
Peace of Mind for Pet Owners: Why a Quick Microchip Check Matters
Protect Your Pet: Why Checking Their Microchip is Critical Every pet deserves the best chance at a safe, loving life—and sometimes, that means preparing for the unexpected. A microchip is a...
Oreo Recognized as 2025 Livermore Ambassadog
LARPD and Valley Humane Society Recognize Oreo as 2025 Livermore Ambassadog LARPD and Valley Humane Society Recognize Oreo as 2025 Livermore Ambassadog Livermore, CA – Livermore Area Recreation and...
Advocating for Companionship and Love
Author: Melanie Sadek, Executive Director, Valley Humane Society I had never stepped into an animal shelter before joining Valley Humane Society fourteen years ago. Like many, I imagined I’d feel...
Adoptable Pet of the Week: Maximus Decimus Meridius
Maximus Decimus Meridius is a fearless feline who's ready to conquer your heart. At 11 pounds of pure confidence, Maximus strides through life like the commander of your future cozy kingdom. Maximus...
Sunday Success Story: Cheddar AKA Barnabas Collins
We knew that Cheddar’s, formerly Barnabas Collins, spunky personality would snag the heart of any cat lover. We’re grateful to his new guardians for providing a loving home for Cheddar to thrive –...
Sunday Success Story: Beast Boy AKA Whiskey
Few things warm our hearts more than seeing a rescue pet find their perfect family —like Whiskey’s Sunday Success Story! Whiskey (formerly known as Beast Boy) joined his forever family back in...
Pet of the Week: Tiny Tim
Meet Tiny Tim, the little pup with a heart as big as his love for sunshine! A gold-medal sunbather and champion snuggler, he’s your go-to winter warmer. Whether he's basking in a sunbeam, burrowed...
Pet of the Week: Carmen Sandiego
Where in the world will you find a fantastic feline companion like Carmen Sandiego? This terrific tabby hails from Valley Humane Society in Pleasanton, though she’s currently in a foster home....
Ready to Adopt?
If you've already perused our adoptable cat and dog listings, reviewed what to expect from the adoption process, and understand the applicable fees and requirements, let's get started! Here's a link to our online adoption application.