Pleasanton’s Valley Humane Society creates a brighter future for cats and dogs by encouraging and strengthening the bond between people and pets. The nonprofit rescues and rehabilitates companion animals, champions responsible caretaking, shares pets’ soothing affections with people in need of comfort, and supports and preserves existing pet-guardian relationships. Valley Humane is funded by private donations that make an impact locally. It does not receive money from national humane organizations or the government.

“Valley Humane helps keep families together,” says Melanie Sadek, President and CEO. “While adoption is at the core of what we do, supporting pets and their guardians at home is just as critical. With many in our community facing challenges such as food insecurity and financial hardship, Valley Humane’s community programs break down barriers to ensure cost never stands in the way of pet care. Our AniMeals pet food pantry and our Field Vet clinics help ensure that pets who have a home stay out of shelters and enjoy happy, healthy lives in the arms of those who love them.”

By state law, animals must be spayed or neutered before they can be adopted. Valley Humane works in close partnership with many local municipal shelters by welcoming animals from these facilities into its adoption program. This relieves some pressure on the animal control agencies that serve as the first point of intake and opens space for new animals in need of support. The Phil Scholz Veterinary Surgery Center, which Valley Humane opened in May 2023, performs high-volume spay and neuter surgery for nearly 50 rescue and shelter organizations. In the coming spring, Valley Humane will expand services at the center to offer routine vaccinations and microchipping to the public. Valley Humane launched its Field Veterinary program in August 2024, providing basic veterinary care to 23 animals in partnership with local agencies such as CityServe, Open Heart Kitchen, and Goodness Village. The addition of a Medical Director in June 2025 allowed the nonprofit to nearly double the number of clients served in 2025 to 43 cats and dogs. The animals received treatment based on their needs, from updated vaccinations and flea control to spay or neuter surgeries and dental cleanings.

“Volunteers are critical to our operations,” notes Sadek. “From walking dogs to fostering kitties to greeting visitors, Valley Humane relies on a volunteer base of more than 400 people to power the programs and services we bring to the community. Word of mouth is also important. People are more likely to visit a shelter if someone they know has already been. Anyone is welcome to swing by and visit our sunny adoption center, or they can follow our socials and just share pictures of the adorable animals looking for families to adopt them.”

Supporters of Valley Humane will want to take note of two important upcoming events. The nonprofit is a sponsor of Animal Advocacy Day, a statewide day of action at the California State Capitol on March 3, 2026. Animal lovers are welcome to join Valley Humane staff members in Sacramento at this free event to connect, learn, and advocate for animals and their caregivers. The Tails at Twilight annual fundraising gala will be held at 6 pm on Saturday, March 21 at Ruby Hill Winery. Sponsorships are available for the Back to the 80s themed event, which includes a champagne reception, elegant seated dinner, dancing, silent auction, and more.

“We serve people to improve the lives of animals, working from a place free of judgment to eliminate barriers and provide supportive services that create positive outcomes for all,” says Sadek. “By connecting people with animals, Valley Humane strengthens our community, building a human-animal bond that heals and uplifts and encourages us to support one another.”

For more information about Valley Humane Society or to buy tickets to Tails at Twilight, please visit www.valleyhumane.org.

For more information about Animal Advocacy Day, please email Valley Humane’s Development Manager Claire Maniti at cmaniti@valleyhumane.org.