Want A New Workout? Adopt, Don't Shop: 4 Animal Shelters To Volunteer At In The Tri-Valley

DUBLIN, CA — "L is for the way you look at me," the famous jazz pianist Nat King Cole once sang in his song "L-O-V-E."

Everyone who's ever rescued an animal from a shelter knows what that look looks like. It could be staring you in the face every day when you walk in the door.

National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day was Saturday, but plenty of animals in shelters still wait for their forever family to choose them. Different times of the year spark different challenges for animal shelters. Rabbits given as Easter gifts are often neglected and surrendered to animal shelters, where they are most likely to be euthanized. But, no matter the season, shelter animals are waiting for you.

READ MORE:

• Easter Rabbits And Chickens: 5 Sure-Fire Ways To Talk Kids Out Of Them
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We listed some of the best animal rescues and shelters in the Tri-Valley that provide the most compassionate care. Remember: Adopt, don't shop.

Don't fret if you aren't able to adopt a shelter animal. The organizations also need help from volunteers to keep everything running smoothly and provide amazing services to the animals. Beyond volunteering at the shelter, you can foster to allow shelters to continue accepting animals. Fostering also allows animals to socialize and learn skills.

If the organization you want to help is too far away, or volunteering is not feasible for you, check an organization's wish list for needed supplies or make a monetary donation.

The Best Animal Shelters To Adopt From And To Support In The Tri-Valley

East Bay SPCA

• This shelter is dedicated not only to helping pets in need but also ensuring that families receive support when they are in need. It offers financial, medical and behavioral services to people who cannot afford to care for their pets. It also holds a bi-weekly Pet Food Pantry for people in need of pet food. Donations can be made in-person, or supplies can be ordered directly from the Amazon Wishlist.
• In addition, they offer veterinary services, a Pet Survivor Placement Program and a youth volunteer and education program, and host many events.
• Find more information on East Bay SPCA here. Here's more information on adopting, volunteering, fostering or making donations. Check here for how to donate by online shopping at particular sites.

"East Bay SPCA’s community programs promote stewardship and compassion for all living things. Programs include camp, birthday parties, tours, workshops, youth volunteering, and school presentations (both in person and virtual). See our activities, worksheets, and other resources to teach children about humane values, animal welfare, and pet care from home on our resources page."

East County Animal Shelter and Field Services

• This shelter is associated with the Alameda County Sheriff's Office and is located in Dublin.
• Find more information on the East County Animal Shelter here. Alameda County Animal Services Dog License Applications are also available on the website.

"If you see a pet you wish to adopt online, please call to make sure the pet is still available. Please note the Master Sheet Number. It will help to identify the specific pet."

Valley Humane Society

• This rescue offers many programs for pet parents, including an “AniMeals Pet Food Pantry” that distributes donated pet food to low income pet parents, and it provides humane educational programs for children and ways children can volunteer with the organization.
• The Valley Humane Society also offers programs for the adoption of special needs animals and seniors animals, the latter of which is called seniors for seniors and allows anyone 65 and older to take half off of the adoption price of a cat or dog who is seven years or older.
• Tons of resources are also available on its website for the community, such as a list of pet friendly wineries, information on a pet loss support group, a list of breed-specific rescues, information on disaster preparedness and advice for moving with a pet.
• Find more information on Valley Humane Society here. Get more information on adopting, volunteering, fostering or donating. Check the calendar for upcoming events to support.

"At Valley Humane Society, we know that rescuing animals starts with helping those who care for them. We also firmly believe in the power of pets to inspire, comfort, teach, heal, unify. That’s why our programs reach beyond rescue and pet adoption to serve the people of our community. VHS strengthens the bond between people and pets by teaching responsible pet care, cultivating respect for animals, and sharing the unconditional love that pets offer… along with our own passion for them."

Lindsay Wildlife Rehabilitation Hospital

• This rehabilitation hospital is primarily volunteer based and treats native wildlife that is brought to the hospital with the goal of returning the animal to the wild. It does not have the resources to respond to wildlife that is offsite.
• "Because wildlife does not have health insurance, we pay 100% of the medical cost and depend on donations to continue our life-saving work," the hospital explains.
• According to its website, the Lindsay Wildlife Rehabilitation Hospital is the first and one of the largest wildlife rehab centers in the United States, treating more than 5,500 injured and orphaned animals each year.
• The hospital asks that anyone who finds an animal first contact the Hospital Hotline at 925- 659-8156 or email hotline@lindsaywildlife.org.
• Find more information on Lindsay Wildlife Rehabilitation Hospital here.

"More than 98 percent of the animals treated at the hospital are admitted due to adverse contact with human activity. Animals are brought in by the public and the county animal service agency. All services provided by the wildlife hospital are free of charge, although donations are gratefully accepted. Along with treating animals, Lindsay Wildlife Experience educates the public to prevent similar problems in the future."

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