I began volunteering at CCHS in March 2015. I started out with Kitty Corner morning shifts, then added office assistance and cat adoption counselor. I moved to Livermore in early 2016 and continued my weekly volunteer adoption counselor shifts. I absolutely love this place, people, and animals.
Loving cats, I went to peek in the windows of a local rescue, the Contra Costa Humane Society's Kitty Corner. Inside, I saw cats everywhere walking around free as birds. (Cats will love that.) I just wanted to be in there surrounded by the furry beasts. Off to the office I went to volunteer and life has not been the same. I think that was five years ago maybe longer. I do a cleaning/socialization shift weekly. Yes, sometimes I lay on the floor and talk to a scared kitty under a chair but it helps them get adopted and I love it!
I help my partner Terry collect food for their Animeals program. People pick up their people food from the food bank and then pick up their pet food from us. It helps them keep their pets and saves them from possible surrender.
We also foster kittens and have fostered over 20 little ones. It can be difficult but each one is a joy and an unforgettable experience. Yes, I cry each time they leave but I've helped save another precious life.
I have to talk about all the great humans that I've met through the Humane Society too from staff to other volunteers to vets and adopters who now love our little fosters. People may think that I've done a lot for the Contra Costa Humane Society but really it is the Humane Society that has done a lot for me adding special moments and special people to my life that I would not have had or known without volunteering there. I'm so glad I did, and they save dogs and help pay for spay and neuter too! I've helped save hundreds of lives. Thank you, CCHS.
Contra Costa Humane Society has made an impact on my life!
I was able to find a place to be, a spot to love kitties, and care for others while volunteering at CCHS.
I was healing from the trauma of being laid off from my 10 year job during the crash of 2008. It was a awful time in my life. But I was so lucky I found a volunteer opportunity at
Contra Costa Humane Society in Pleasant Hill!
I had a place to go, structure to my week and in conjunction with a gig at a soup kitchen gave me 24 hours a week. I was so lucky to stumble into the CCHS kitty corner.
When I started here we had a cat named Bunny. She was a dilute, honey grey torte.
Scaredy Cat!!!!!! She spent most of her time under a cart or couch. She was a safe place for other frightened cats who were not quite, ready to deal with humans. She was nurturing to the kittens, and her sweet nature won her friends among the cats and people here at CCHS. She took nearly a year to finally start coming out of her shell. And eventually she met someone who was worthy of her special love, and I was moved to tears when she was adopted.
At one point we had a set of brothers Grey Siamese mixes found living surviving on the fringes of a business. Hank and Rocky. Rocky got adopted first. He was the big guy on the block, and his bother Hank was less hearty and not outgoing. My Sweetie Hank was one of those cats that pretty much hung out alone. Resisted being touched, was not bonding.
But in a few weeks, Hank would allow a pet here, and sit on a lap if you were on the couch reading. Hank eventually was adopted by the same couple who had Rocky, and a family was born. I was so excited, it was a huge relief. Hank was the sort of personality that was going to blossom in the right place.
The people were devoted to the “boys” and Hank began to bloom as a personality. They sent us photos of the cats, and one of the best things is to know that the time with us was a short, safe respite. Hank got a Happy Ending!
On a sadder note, but just as touching is Marmalade. When I started she was skinny and we were closely monitoring her weight. Eventually we began to monitor most everyone’s weight.
Marmalade was fragile, she seemed very old. She barley ate, and required quite a few medical visits. This sanctuary was the last place for her. She had a whole team of people watching out for her, keeping her company, and her quality of life was very good. But even with all that she never really thrived.
It was a devastating loss, but she was pampered, and cared for during her time here. Not really the ending I wanted for her. But she was supported and cared for.
They try hard to place the right personalities together, and find permanent loving homes.
I am one of those people now who as soon as someone says they are thinking of adopting a dog or cat I tell them to check out CCHS, ASAP!!! They can hook you up!!! Good people doing good work.
Jacquelyn Ross
I’ve been a volunteer for more than seven years. We’re a small but very dedicated organization. We love our animals! We have an on-site cat shelter and our dogs are in foster homes. I volunteer with our cat shelter, Kitty Corner, which is free roam so potential adopters really get to see the cat’s true personality as opposed to meeting a cat in a cage. Recently, we’ve taken in quite a few “formal feral” kittens and have done a great job socializing them. We also have senior and special needs cats. We keep all animals until they find their forever homes. We’re truly a safe haven for homeless pets.
My daughter and I volunteer at the Contra Costa Humane Society. The people who work here are amazing. They go above and beyond for the cats. They do their best to ensure that the cats are kept free from illness, are socialized, are kept clean and happy. They work hard to find the best family to adopt each and every cat.
I volunteer for CCHS Kitty Corner since 2014, the best "job" I ever had! What warms my heart that every cat - young or mature , healthy or with special needs, shy or outgoing - each and every one of them finds their home! Some sooner, some after a few months - but CCHS helps them all to find their people ! And while at Kitty Corner they have "purr-fect " environment and great care , thanks to all volunteers and staff.
I have been volunteering at Kitty Corner for 4 years now. My duties on my shift are to tidy up and spend time with the kitties and help socialize them so they have a better chance of being adopted.
If I was ever asked what kitty stands out for me (and there are many!), I would have to go with one particular girl who was extremely shy and timid. Bunny.
Bunny was a beautiful Tortoiseshell kitty that was about as scared as they come. A visit with Bunny meant hisses and paw swats (she would not swat you, just sort f swat at the floor to send a message to you). She was scared and she did not want anyone coming too close. Feeding her meant leaving the dish for her to come and eat when you left the room
Somehow I knew, from watching her and spending time with her that she was a super sweet girl who had something happen to her that made her this way. Through daily logs I knew that other volunteers where having similar experiences with Bunny, but we all just kept at it. We let her hiss and we let her swat and we just sat near her and spoke to her.
One day, our programs director, Chrissy Wilberg shared a video with the volunteers. It was of her petting Bunny. In the video we saw Bunny come out from her hiding spot and eagerly accepting pets from Chrissy. Something in Bunny was changing.
A few shifts later, after feeding all the kitties I decided to pay Bunny a visit. I laid down by her and put my hand in front of her, she didn't hiss, she didn't swat. I decided to try and pet her. She let me and tears slowly welled up in my eyes as I watched her soak up the neck scratches and chin rubs. I will never forget the sweet look on her face as she started purring.
After 8 months of trying, I was finally petting Bunny.
The loving and committed volunteers and staff had released Bunny from her shell and it was indescribably beautiful to witness.
A while later, something else wonderful happened.... Bunny was adopted!! Off she went to her new life and her new home, her forever home.
Sometime later her adopter sent us some pictures of Bunny in her new life. There she was in her bed, cozy and confident. The scared Bunny just a memory now.
Stories like Bunny's are why shelters like Kitty Corner are so special. Watching animals transform and learn to trust is what it is all about. A second chance at a new life full of afternoon naps in sunbeams, playing, climbing and being surrounded by love.
About 3 years ago I attended a meeting of people interested in volunteering for the Humane Society. I signed up to volunteer in the animalmeals part of the Society. I have been going once a month for the past 3 years to pass out food for animals at the Food Bank in Pittsburg. Along the way I have met and made friends with several other volunteers and it has been not only an enjoyable experience but I feel we are helping the people who are getting help from the Food Bank and we are doing our part to help feed their animals.
Nancy Bong
I LOVE being a volunteer with Contra Costa Humane Society. We are built of love, determination and a smidgen of McGyver. Nothing fills my heart more then to distribute pet food to those that are in need
This is an great organization with passionate and committed volunteers, staff and board members. It's good to know I'm supporting my local community of Contra Costa County, and it's an organization that helps both animals and their people.
My husband and I are new volunteers, recently retired. We wanted a small "no kill" dog/cat rescue, re-homing group to give time to and we found it with Contra Costa Humane Society. We work mostly in their facility called Kitty Corner, doing the morning cleaning chores once a week. We immediately met a shy, scared cat named Savannah who desparetely needed some quiet time to get over her fears, so offered to foster her to make her more adoptable. And, we became "failed foster parents"--Savannah is now in her new forever home with us, and ashe rules the whole house as all cats do! She is so special, she now has her own email address and will be blogging once a week for about 6-9 months to tell whoever reads her blog what is is like to saved from euthanasia. And that is what Contra Costa Humane Society, its staff and wonderfull volunteers did for Savannah.
16 years ago our family found the most wonderful dog through the Contra Costa Humane Society. After leaving Hewlett Packard about 5 years ago I wanted to find a non-profit organization that I could volunteer with and make an impact. Contra Costa Humane Society is an amazing organization. We are making our community a better place for humans and animals.
My high school son was looking for volunteer jobs & found the Contra Costa Humane Society. Since he was only 14 at the time, an adult had to accompany him. The experience of volunteering with this organization has been such a rewarding experience for both of us! Carol, Kristy, are just wonderful to work with...and the added bonus is knowing you are helping some of the most vulnerable members of our society. Some of the things we have participated in: the Animeals Program at our local Petco store, the bake sales for "Kitty Corner" & outreach to people at our local Whole Foods about all the wonderful programs that CCHS has to offer. We look forward to offering our help & support to this great organization!
I volunteer in the Animeals program with the Contra Costa Humane Society. We go to the same sites as our local food bank. When people who qualify for food donations come to pick up their food, they can also pick up for food for their animals, which we provide through donations received by CCHS. To help cut down on pet overpopulation, we tie the ability to receive free food into proof that animals are spayed/nuetered. We provide financial assistance for those who agree to spay/nueter, but can't afford it. If people refuse to spay/nueter after the first few pet food pickups, they can no longer qualify for free food. We have seen 80% compliance in spay/neuter. People tell us they couldn't keep their pets without the food we provide. This is a great program and should be implemented in other communities.
I needed help with placing a pet and thy gave me fantastic advice. I'll go back when I can get another dog!
Contra Costa Humane Society is a wonderful group to work with! Their commitment to the health and welfare of animals is awesome.
Kitty Corner is a part of the Contra Costa Humane Society. Cats brought here are ones who have not been adopted by any other means. It's their last chance. Kitty Corner isn't a shelter, it's really a temporary loving home for these kitties. Life is so good for these kitties. Caring volunteers always keep the space immaculately clean, with fresh food and water. The cats are loved, pet and played with throughout the day. They roam freely, with lots of toys to play with and things to climb or hide away in. There are very large cages, used only in special circumstances like if a cat is ill or needs extra help adjusting to the new space. The cats are monitored regarding their personalities (and health) so that the best match possible for a home can be found. Kitty Corner is the best place I've ever seen for cats, with just one paid employee and volunteers who care and are committed to finding these cats a home and having them have the best life possible in the meantime.
I adopted a cat from Contra Costa Humane Society; they were amazing. They were really interested in making sure that the right match was made, and were caring, responsive and thoughtful. CCHS is one of the non-profits I feel very comfortable donating to -- they've expanded their efforts to protect animals since I first heard of them, for example, by opening the awesome Kitty Corner. I can't say enough good things about this organization.
The organizers were very knowledgeable about the cats coming and going. The communitcation between the volunteer shifts was a work in progress but nonetheless a positive experiance. If my work schedule didn't change i would still be volunteering. I did however fall in love a big kitty in kitty corner and adopted him a few weeks later-best decision i ever made!
My husband and I ran into a volunteer from CCHS outside of Kitty Korner (CCHS) and she led us to the most amazing place ever! The volunteers were accommodating, devoted and friendly. They love the animals dearly and devoted every spare moment to the animals who need new homes. If it weren't for meeting this volunteer on that certain day, we never would have found that special addition to our family that we love so much, talk to in the garage before we even open the door to greet him, and sleep with every night. Thanks to CCHS and their completely unselfish ways, one animal at a time is getting another chance.
I volunteer at the Contra Costa Humane Society, specifically Kitty Corner. Everyone I work with and all of my fellow volunteers are always so helpful and cheerful and everyone cares about the welfare of these animals. Our director always updates us with news of the cats and how we can all help to make their lives better. It really is a great organization that is helping the community and their animals.
When trying to find a reputable organization to help save animals from certain death at our local shelter, I was referred to CCHS. I completed an application to foster and I currently have one foster chi in my home. CCHS takes their time to make sure they place the right dog with the right home. Hosting adoption events for their Kitty Corner and having such great volunteers to help with the animals is the best thing ever. We all volunteer our time, gas, homes, anything necessary to save a life, but CCHS makes it a wonderful and very supportive experience for us. We have support and they go above and beyond the call of duty when it comes to an animals care. I am extremely happy to be a part of the CCHS volunteer foster program. I will continue to foster for them and together we will save one live at a time.
Over the last several years, CCHS has completely reinvented itself into an animal welfare organization that has implemented REAL community-changing programs. In particular, AniMeals has been a real boon to our community! Keep up the great work!
Through the Spay/Neuter Assistance Program (SNAP), Contra Costa Humane Society helps low-income residents of Contra Costa spay/neuter their dogs and cats. Working with several vets, we connect people who meet the income requirements with vets who agree to provide lower-cost services. We also chip in to make the services more affordable. Our clients usually have to also pay a small amount. This is very gratifying and important work, because there are too many unwanted animals being abandoned. Our clients are always very grateful when we can help them get their pets spayed/neutered.
Volunteering at CC Humane has been an extremely rewarding experience! Not only is the organization a worthy one, but the staff and volunteers are welcoming and committed. CC Humane has great programs worthy of any volunteer's time & effort; such as Kitty Korner a wonderful, loving, on-site foster facility for the cutest kitties ever! My favorite program is Animeals wherein CC Humane partnered with the Contra Costa Food Bank to offer dog/cat food to the Food Bank's clients. This allows the Food Bank clients a small food base for their pets as well as an arena for us to educate and assist with pet questions, spay & neuter information and possible programs that can assist with the cost of neutering a pet. As a dog trainer, I'm always happy to answer questions or give my opinion on a training issue. Overall, from the Board of Directors right down to the volunteers such as myself, all are committed people working for the good of our entire community!!
We volunteer for Contra Costa Humane Society on a weekly basis for the AniMeals program that provides pet food & supplies to pet owners in need in our community. We have seen first hand how appreciative our community is for the help this program provides. We also volunteer at fundraisers & events encouraging our community to learn about us & how they can help us make a difference. Contra Costa Humane Society works passionately with the local animal shelter to get pets adopted, spayed/neutered & to provide a sanctuary for cats in need. We are proud to support & volunteer for Contra Costa Humane Society.