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
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.
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.
