Berkeley Patients Group launched our $1 Million For Good initiative for our 20th anniversary, supporting ten nonprofits working to uplift our local community. Each month, BPG will drive funds and awareness to one of our nonprofit partners.

This month, we are raising funds and support for Berkeley Humane. You can help by adding a donation to your order online or in-store at BPG!

A Brief History

In the late 1800s, Bay Area newspapers were full of headlines describing rampant corruption and deplorable, abusive conditions at local “dog pounds” including the one located in Berkeley. At about the same time, and in response to these reports, an informal organization known as the Berkeley Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) began advocating for better treatment of animals in the area.

In early 1905 a group of local civic and business leaders came together to discuss the need to improve conditions and work toward creating more humane treatment of “dumb animals,” which in the vernacular of the time simply referred to animals who could not speak for themselves.

On September 20 of that year, a meeting was held in the Town Hall (Berkeley did

not become a city until March 11, 1910) to officially form the Berkeley SPCA. A local real estate developer, Mr. Edward L. Coryell, was elected President of its Board of Directors. 

From our humble beginnings in a renovated former pool hall in West Berkeley, Berkeley Humane continues to expand and adapt the services of the organization to meet the ongoing needs of the community’s animals and their human guardians. Berkeley Humane’s work would not be possible without its strong partnerships with local animal welfare groups and the support from animal-loving friends who share the Society’s vision. 

Today, Berkeley Humane has thousands of supporters and volunteers and remains steadfast in its practices to curb pet overpopulation in the East Bay and give pet guardians the tools they need to ensure that their pets remain happy and healthy in their homes for the rest of their lives. 

Despite a major fire that destroyed the Adoption Center on May 20, 2010, Berkeley Humane remains fully committed to its mission and vision.

Berkeley Humane

Berkeley Humane is a private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization governed by a dedicated volunteer Board of Directors that works on behalf of Berkeley Humane and the animals in our community.

We have provided over 125 years of trusted service and dedication to Berkeley and the East Bay.

Berkeley Humane serves the people and animals of our community by providing life-saving programs for cats and dogs, cultivating compassion, and strengthening the human-animal bond.

Because the well-being of animals reflects the well-being of our community, we engage minds, hearts, and hands to provide care for dogs and cats in the East Bay.

Services

Animal Adoption

Ready to adopt? Berkeley Humane has animals looking for love!

You can give homeless dogs and cats a second chance. 

Berkeley Humane believes in an adoption process that carefully matches the lifestyle and expectations of adopters with the needs of each animal to help the pet remain in their new homes for the rest of their lives. 

Low-Cost Clinic  

Founded in 2016 by Berkeley Humane, the program offers low-cost spay/neuter and vaccination services in order to reduce animal overpopulation and maintain the health of our community’s dogs and cats in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Spray & Neuter Services By Appointment

COVID-19 UPDATE: In compliance with legal orders and to keep you, their staff, and volunteers safe, Berkeley Humane has implemented a no-contact way to facilitate our Spay the Bay program.

Click here to learn more about Berkeley Humanes Spray & Neuter services.

Dog Training 

Dogs and humans should live side by side in a cooperative relationship! Whatever your goals, Berkeley Humane has the class for you.

Get Involved! 

“We can’t do it without you. Last year our legion of volunteers logged 64,299 hours. From dog walking to bottle feeding baby kittens to event set-up, to envelope stuffing and beyond – it’s true, we can’t do it without you!” – Berkeley Humane 

Volunteer – From dog walking to bottle feeding baby kittens to event set-up, to envelope stuffing and beyond. Your interest in volunteering with Berkeley Humane will truly help them save the lives of dogs and cats in the East Bay.

Most volunteers don’t need any previous experience, but they do have commitment requirements to ensure the best care for our animals and the safety of their teams.

COVID-19 UPDATE: Berkeley Humane has temporarily suspended volunteer orientations and is currently unable to onboard new volunteers, except for Thrift Shop positions.

Volunteer opportunities are available for those who have already completed the orientation.

Save Lives with Every Purchase!

Thrift Shop supporting Berkeley Humane. 1120 Solano Ave, Albany, CA 94706

Treasure-hunt from Berkeley Humanes curated collection of vintage clothing, home decor, artwork, jewelry, and more. Best of all, every purchase saves shelter animals!

Donate your pre-loved treasures to help shelter dogs and cats find the new loves in their lives! 100% of proceeds benefit shelter animals.

The Thrift Shop welcomes volunteers to help with inventory, merchandising, customer greeting, and more. Berkeley Humane practices Covid-19 safety measures.

Donate To Berkeley Humane – You can save lives!

Berkeley Humane relies on the generosity of the general public in order to fund our life-saving efforts. Without your help, they would not be able to rescue, treat, feed, or care for the homeless dogs and cats in the greater Bay Area. 

Please consider making a donation today—with a few clicks you can forever change the life of an animal in need.

Your donation will directly impact the life of a dog or cat currently in our care.

• Adoption Fees
• Spay & Neuter Surgeries 
• A Month Of Meals 
• Life-Saving Vaccines
• Flea And Tick Treatment 
• A Week Of Meals

Join the Kitty Condo Club!

Make a big difference in the lives of Berkeley Humane’s cats, kittens, dogs, and puppies! Your club sponsorship underwrites the costs of medical care for hundreds of shelter pets waiting to be adopted over the course of one year. 

An annual Kitty Condo Club $1,500 sponsorship is recognized with a personalized placard. Placards are displayed for one year as a testament to your support, which is critical to caring for these animals when they need it the most. 

Save The Date – Stories from Beyond the Shelter

October 15, 2021

Best in Show — Stories from Beyond the Shelter is a storytelling event that celebrates the rescue pets who fill our lives with love. Each year, contestants submit their heartwarming pet stories for the chance to win prizes and are crowned “Best in Show”. Three finalists will read their stories at the Best in Show event.

This year on October 15, 2021, Best in Show will be joined by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jennifer Egan, author and radio host of KQED’s Forum Dr. Michael Krasny, and Diane Dwyer, TV personality and two-time Emmy® award winner for journalism.

Make them laugh or make them cry, tell Berkeley Humane about a meaningful experience you had with a rescue pet! Accepting submissions now through September 15, 2021.