5 Groups Helping Animals in California
From domesticated dogs to wild birds, animals are everywhere and have a significant effect on the lives of humans. Wildlife keeps the ecosystem in balance and pets bring people comfort, joy, and sometimes even help navigating the world. If you want to make sure that all creatures are treated with the love and respect they deserve, consider supporting the organizations listed here, all of which are based in the Bay Area. This video was made with Ezvid Wikimaker.
Bay Area Organizations That Work With Animals
| Organization | Headquarters Location | Mission |
|---|---|---|
| East Bay SPCA | Oakland, CA | Work to eliminate animal cruelty, neglect, and overpopulation by providing programs and education that support people and companion animals |
| San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory | Milpitas, CA | Conserve birds and their habitats through science and outreach |
| Humane Society Silicon Valley | Milpitas, CA | Save and enhance lives – both two-legged and four-legged |
| Furry Friends Rescue | Fremont, CA | Rescue companion animals, give them shelter, and match them with forever homes |
| Muttville | San Francisco, CA | Give senior dogs a second chance at life by rescuing them, giving them the care they need, finding them loving homes, and spreading the word about how wonderful they are |
Pet Statistics for the United States
- Percentage of households with at least one pet: 49%
- Households with a dog: 60.2 million
- Households with a cat: 47.1 million
- Households with freshwater fish: 12.5 million
- Annual cost of pet food (average): $235
- Annual cost of routine vet visits: Dogs: $257 Cats: $182
- Number of animals that enter shelters each year: 6.5 million
- Number adopted: 3.2 million
- Number euthanized: 1.5 million
- Estimated stray animal population: 70 million
How Birds See The World
Supplies Pet Owners Should Have
| Dogs | Cats |
|---|---|
| Bed | House |
| Bath tub | Ear cleaner |
| Food | Food |
| Chews | Toys |
| Car seat | Carrier |
| Nail trimmers | Scratching post |
| Pooper scooper | Litter |
| Flea collar | Flea treatment |
A Brief History Of Dogs
In Depth
Animals are a constant source of joy, companionship, and inspiration for all of us, along with being a vital part of our ecosystems and planet. However, many animals today face hardships and deterioration of their habitats due to the actions of humans. Fortunately, there are many groups dedicated to the protection of our furry and feathered friends, from adoption services for neglected pets to scientific studies that can help restore their habitats. The ones included here, all based around the California Bay Area, aim to prevent the suffering of different creatures. In no particular order, here are five organizations focused on aiding animals.
At #1 on our list is The East Bay Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, a nonprofit organization that has been helping and advocating for injured, lost, and abandoned animals in Alameda and Contra Costa counties since 1874. The organization aims to eliminate animal cruelty, neglect, and overpopulation by providing programs and education that support people and companion animals.
In addition to providing adoption opportunities, dog training, boarding, animal behavior resources, and hosting informational events, the East Bay SPCA also offers a wide array of veterinary services at its Theodore B. Travers Family Veterinary Clinic in Oakland. These range from surgery to dentistry, vaccines to microchipping, and many others. You can support the organization by volunteering, fostering a pet in need, or by making a donation.
You can support the organization by volunteering, fostering a pet in need, or by making a donation.
Coming in at #2 is the San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of birds and their habitats through science and outreach in the San Francisco Bay area. With a team of dedicated scientists, outreach specialists, and volunteers, the S.F.B.B.O. pays close attention to impacts on birds and their habitats, and gathers crucial data specific to local bird populations.
Since its founding in 1981, the S.F.B.B.O. has been producing research on avian species and sharing this information with the public, all in an effort to help people make informed decisions that affect birds. The organization also spearheads several community outreach efforts, including bird walks, banding demos, nest viewings, and science talks at schools and family events. To get involved, you can volunteer to become a citizen scientist or help with various habitat restoration projects.
At #3 is the Humane Society Silicon Valley, a nonprofit organization established in 1929 that offers quality adoptions, affordable spaying and neutering, vaccinations, microchipping, and other pet care services and education programs towards its aim of strengthening the bond between humans and animals. In addition to being open twenty four hours a day, 365 days per year, the HSSV was the first organization in the US to meet the 543 standards of care designating a "model shelter", that were put forth by the Association of Shelter Veterinarians in 2010.
The HSSV also offers free spay and neuter services to residents who live within specified zip codes in the San Jose area. At the organization's Animal Community Center, it boasts a members only dog park with membership contingent on meeting a handful of requirements and paying a yearly fee that supports homeless animals in the community. Support the HSSV by making a donation or attending the annual Fur Ball, an event open to well mannered dogs and their human companions.
Next on our list at #4 is Furry Friends Rescue, a nonprofit companion animal rescue organization in the Bay Area that is comprised entirely of volunteers. The organization focuses on saving dogs and cats of all ages and breed types, especially those with special medical and behavioral needs and those on "Put To Sleep" lists in Northern California animal shelters. Since its founding in 1998, the FFR's team has saved over 13,000 animals. Each rescued animal is provided veterinary care and is placed in a volunteer foster home, where they receive care and basic home training.
Because many of the animals who come to FFR have serious medical issues, the group is always in need of donations to help cover the costs of veterinary treatment. You can also help by signing up to foster a dog or cat, with all basic supplies, food, and vet expenses covered. The FFR also provides guidance along the way from its experienced foster counselors.
Because many of the animals who come to FFR have serious medical issues, the group is always in need of donations to help cover the costs of veterinary treatment.
Finally at #5 is Muttville, a nonprofit dog rescue organization whose mission is to give senior dogs a second chance at life. At many conventional shelters, dogs above a certain age are considered too old for adoption and are routinely euthanized. Muttville rescues these dogs, gives them a wellness exam, medical care, and grooming, finds them loving homes, and advocates on behalf of adopting older dogs.
Although it began in 2007 with founder Sherri Franklin rescuing 27 dogs while working out of her home, Muttville has grown into a nationally recognized organization that saves approximately one thousand dogs a year. With its Seniors for Seniors adoption program, people over 62 years old qualify to have their adoption fees waived, receive a month's worth of supplies, and are matched with their "perfect pooch partner" based on their answers to a questionnaire, because Muttville believes that senior dogs are the perfect companions for senior humans. You can help by making a donation, fostering or adopting a dog, or by volunteering in the San Francisco Bay area.
