Valley Humane Society Works Toward Expansion

By Hacienda Network Staff Writer

Many people can't imagine doing without the unconditional love of their dog or cat. However, many companion animals, due to a variety of factors, wind up without a home. Fortunately, organizations like the Valley Humane Society are hard at work locating these stray pets, caring for them, and trying to find them homes.

The Valley Humane Society (VHS) was formed in 1985 and is a non-profit, non-political organization consisting strictly of volunteers. The Society's mission is to educate the community on the need for responsible pet ownership, including the spaying and neutering of dogs and cats. It also assists in the rescue and placement of abandoned, stray, or injured animals. VHS supports animal welfare in the Tri-Valley and surrounding areas by operating an adoption center and shelter located in downtown Pleasanton at 273 Spring Street.

VHS is a "no-kill" organization, meaning the animals it adopts, it does not euthanize. Instead, it holds them either in the small shelter it has in Pleasanton or in foster homes until those animals are adopted. While the Pleasanton adoption center is not large enough to shelter dogs, the VHS is now working toward expanding into larger facilities that will accommodate more and larger companion animals.

"We're currently seeking to purchase a piece of property and build a 6,500-square foot facility to use as an animal care facility," says David Stegman, executive director for the Valley Humane Society. "The property is in Pleasanton bordering Livermore, and the plan is working its way through the planning department right now. If that takes place over the next six months, then the organization will take a very critical step where it will have to raise money to build this larger, more modern facility."

Because VHS is both funded and run by volunteers, Stegman says they are always looking for help. "Every day we're looking for volunteers. We specifically need more foster homes for dogs because the Spring Street shelter is only set up for cats." Foster homes for animals aren't the Society's only needs. VHS also has a place for volunteers in its office, in cleaning the facilities, and in fundraising.

VHS is also actively seeking organizations and individuals interested in getting involved in supporting the building of its proposed new facility. "In addition to looking for operational support from individuals and foundations, we're also looking for capital campaign or building support," Stegman says.

For more information on donating time, money, supplies, or the use of your home as a foster environment for companion animals, call the VHS adoption center at (925) 426-8656. For information on how you or your organization can contribute to the construction of the proposed new facility, call David Stegman at (925) 462-3886.

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