Humane Society Silicon Valley

HSSV makes such an incredible difference in the lives of our special animals in need of security, love and a forever home. The Animal Community Center is amazing in its environmental design (earned the LEED's designation), attractiveness and comfort. The "guests" live in glassed and airy condos while they are with us. The organization and staff of HSSV are so incredibly professional and compassionate. The huge family of volunteers and foster care homes are so significant to the heart of the HSSV Mission. HSSV has incredible community outreach/educational programs including Camps that always have a wait list for the young people. HSSV is instrumental in helping and working with other shelters in the area to save lives and increase adoptions with great success. The medical facility and vets and staff are state of the art and so integral in saving so many precious lives. The Kitty Nursery is special and allows the needed extra care, love and attention that these babies at risk require. I am so very proud of the HSSV community and the many lives that are saved and enhanced--both human and animal--because of the incredible work of HSSV. I am honored to be on the Board of this outstanding organization.

Humane Society Silicon Valley (HSSV) has formed a coalition of all shelters in Santa Clara County and together they have done extraordinary work in saving the lives of homeless animals. The HSSV staff, under the professional, caring leadership of Carol Novello, works tirelessly to improve and excel every day - everyone is on the same page with regard to the mission and it shows in the results. I couldn't be more proud to be associated with HSSV.

HSSV is a wonderful place with unmatched service. As soon as you walk in to their amazing facility, you will instantaneously sense the care and passion the workers/volunteers have for these animals. As I toured the building, I was impressed to see clean rooms with food and water for all of the animals. More importantly, the animals looked well cared for and they were generally excited to see guests peeking in to the rooms.

Having the opportunity to speak with some of the volunteers and leadership at HSSV, I am happy that HSSV is part of my community. Every animal they save and every adoption they make, HSSV is coming one step closer to their goal. I encourage you to go check it out for yourself (you will be impressed, and you might walk away with a furry friend).

HSSV goes out of its way to make sure that baby cats and dogs get even more care and attention to help them along until they get loving adoptive homes. For example, HSSV has created a kitten nursery especially for underage kittens and nursing mama and babies to provide a safe environment for these babies to grow up before they’re big enough for adoption (we will be fostering babies this kitten season). They also have the P.U.P. Program, which I wasn’t aware of until I learned about it a year or so ago. In this program, if your cat or dog has a litter of babies, you can receive help finding homes for the babies through HSSV’s adoption program. HSSV will vaccinate, spay/neuter the babies and find them great homes, and not only that, HSSV will also spay mom for free! If that’s not a caring organization, I don’t know what is! It was through this program that I have come to know HSSV best, and through which my family and I had the most wonderful and special experience.
About a year ago during the holidays, our 15-year-old Australian cattle dog (the best dog in the world, I might add) was diagnosed with kidney failure and wasn’t expected to survive past the end of the year. With his daily treatments and frequent visits to the vet hospital, it was a really stressful time. It was also during this time that we brought home to “foster” a 12-week-old Chihuahua mix that was brought to HSSV through the P.U.P. program. Though we were apprehensive about bringing home a rambunctious little pup to a sick old dog, we were thrilled that this pup was destined to be adopted by a family member, and it was only supposed to be for a few days. So, we took the chance and brought home the pup. It was the best decision we could have ever made. Our old dog perked right up, appointed himself as chief puppy-raiser, and found a renewed sense of purpose. He had a reason to live, and it was his job to take care of this puppy. And, that he did. He took his new role as puppy boss very seriously. He also proved his veterinarians wrong and lived well past his expected life span. It was this puppy that came to us from an unwanted litter that kept our old sick dog alive for so long. Though our old dog has since passed, this little Chihuahua mix is still with us (we have adopted her) and continues to bring joy and happiness to our home on a daily basis. If it wasn’t for HSSV’s commitment to the community and if it wasn’t for the P.U.P. program, all this would never have happened. Our family will be forever grateful for such a wonderful experience and because of it we will always support the efforts of HSSV to continue providing much needed support to the community. Thank you, HSSV!

In my experiences with HSSV, the leadership has always been OUTSTANDING, and the current CEO, Carol, continues to handle her leadership and management role in the same outstanding manner as her predecessors. It is indeed unfortunate that some slanderous individual has attempted to belittle her performance by making totally untrue remarks on this web site. Such individuals only serve to denigrate the entire non-profit community, HHSV in particular, and serve no useful purpose at all. Keep us the good work Carol and make sure HSSV remains a world leader in the care and maintenance of stray and unwanted animals in the bay area.

We have been donating to this organization for a couple of years now because we are impressed with their whole approach to the treatment and placement of animals.

I first became familiar with Humane Society Silicon Valley when I decided I needed to do something about the 25 scrawny and suffering feral cats living in my apartment complex and the many kittens they were producing every year. The Humane Society helped me with everything including a class on the TNR program, loaning me the traps, giving me trapping advice, doing the spay/neuter surgeries, microchips, vaccines and treatments - not to mention finding homes for all the kittens. Now the colony has stabilized at 5 healthy and robust adult cats which I care for and the program is working better than I ever imagined. I couldn't be happier with the help I received from HSSV. They really know what they are doing.

I have been nothing short of impressed by the caliber of the staff, programs, events and stewardship I have received through my association with HSSV. This is an organization that cares DEEPLY for the well-being of animals and to a person I can tell that the staff are part of this organization to make a difference. There are many animal welfare organizations that exist, and I support them to a lesser degree, but I have chosen to focus my giving specifically on HSSV because of the caliber of excellence that it represents. I encourage my friends, colleagues and even people I meet briefly to get to know HSSV and the staff and programs. Once you know them you will love them and you will want to support them in the vital work that they are doing to help save animal lives. During this holiday season I would STRONGLY encourage you to make a donation and support their important mission!

I have supported the Humane Society of Silicon Valley for the past many years and hope to continue my support. My concern is that less than 80% of expenses go to actual program activities and fundraising is over 14%. In addition, for a charity of this size, the CEO compensation is on the high side: 2.4 cents of every dollar go to the CEO. I hope future fundraising costs can be reduced and the CEO compensation be more in line with similar charities.

HSSV euthanizes [kills] young, healthy animals in order to make room for animals that are more easily adopted. This new policy began under the current CEO, Carol Novello. This is nothing but bean counting at the expense of helpless animals. Under the previous CEO, Chris Benninger, animals were kept util adopted [except under extremely unusual circumstances, such as a dog that bites everyone who gets near]. Young, healthy animals were never killed for convenience, until Novello came on board. Now HSSV kills healthy young animals -- for Novello's bragging rights for having adopted out "X" number of animals.

I have served on HSSV's Youth Advisory Board (YAB) for the entirety of my high school career, with my service culminating in my role as board co-chair in my senior year. Before joining YAB, I had already held HSSV in high esteem, as it was the most notable animal shelter in my area, and I would frequently beg my parents to stop by and let me visit each of the cages. HSSV's move to the new Milpitas facility was certainly a dream come true not only for me, but for all involved with helping animals in the area...and of course, the animals who were, are, and will continue to experience the care of HSSV. Through my experience here, I wish to particularly highlight two aspects of this organization. Firstly, HSSV is a model for animal shelters everywhere in its resources and the genuine love HSSV staff and volunteers have for animals. From simply taking a tour around the facility, you can experience this for yourself. The dedication of the people here truly makes all the difference in the lives of the animals--from ensuring that every shelter guest gets individual attention and playtime, to ever keeping a watchful eye on the animals' health, and most of all, to never giving up on the search for the perfect home. Animals at HSSV stay as long as it takes to find new families right for them, and the foster care system provides important support as well. At HSSV, each happy ending is celebrated. Staff and volunteers are always rooting for each adoption. Secondly, I believe that one of HSSV's greatest treasures lies in its well-managed, thoughtfully conceived education programs. The education department was my guide in my years of involvement here, and I speak for every young person who has been in an education program at HSSV when I say that this humane society helps the community to grow in its stewardship, knowledge of, and love for animals. I have been involved in every educational program available for the teenage age group, including YAB, Compassion In Action (CIA), Amazing Animals summer camp junior volunteer counseling, and volunteering at other sessions for children and special events. YAB has given me a chance to lead other high school students and exercise our voice for animals at HSSV. CIA was community service for the HSSV animals, while making friends and hosting our own educational event. Summer camp counseling allowed me to take responsibility in helping animal-loving children learn and have fun, and re-live my own animal-centric childhood (that was a bonus). Volunteering in other events simply enabled me to offer my time to many worthwhile causes to sustain the organization, and be surrounded by animals too! Behind every activity in every session of every program lies meticulous planning, consideration, and care on behalf of the education department. Many people my age seek to help animals, and all of these programs provides opportunities to directly help the animals (such as making needed supplies), forge new friendship with peers with the same passion and drive, become empowered to educate others about the plight of homeless animals, and of course, playing with the animals! I have never seen a sad face in these programs, except when it comes time to leave. I will be forever grateful for the role HSSV has played in my life, as without it, I wholeheartedly believe that my senses of leadership and responsibility would not be as they are today. So is HSSV a "Great Nonprofit?" My answer is yes, and everything more. When it comes down to everything this organization does to impact both human and animal lives, the word "great" simply doesn't do it justice.

I believe in the Humane Society of Silicon Valley for several reasons. First off, it truly supports the welfare of animals. Secondly, whenever I am there, I have a smile on my face because of what a welcoming place it is. Last but not least, all the volunteers at HSSV are so dedicated and passionate about what they are doing. I fully support and believe in the mission of the HSSV an would choose this humane society out of any others.

My son attends a monthly class for kids. They learn about so many things related to animal habits, care, how they are treated in the community, how the children can be helpful in the community towards animals, and they do craft proejcts. My son loves it so much, we had his birthday party there too. We also adopted a cat from HSSV, which was a very easy process. Everyone there loves animals and treats the animals and the humans with great respect and courtesy. I love this place!

I have always had an interest in animals and in giving back to society, but with every organization I tried to join, I was told I was too young. When I came to know of the HSSV however, I was able to join their Compassion In Action program right away, subsequently volunteering at their summer camp for kids, and now being on their Youth Advisory Board for a year (and going into my next year). Not only are its facilities the cleanest I've ever seen, but it is the best place where so many animals can be taken care of at once. Furthermore, it has a variety of activities for everyone, allowing each and every one of us to find where our interest in giving (to animals) lies. I am a very proud member of the Humane Society and the extreme success that it is today.

My girls took a six-month class there and they absolutely loved it. They have learned so much, from handling the kittens, to petting dogs, to making toys for the kittens, etc. They are so happy to go there. The staff is friendly, lets us know what they have done, and what to expect before each class (we receive an email). I am considering becoming a volunteer there myself! We will continue going next school year. It's great to see such amazing, selfless, dedicated staff and volunteers there.

I believe that through volunteering one can help elevate their community. My experience at HSSV was powerful in the sense that I felt the passion that everybody had for the animals and could connect with them. I am eager to continue to volunteer and help these great animals with other great people who have a passion like me.

I started off at the Humane Society to fulfill requirements for school, but almost immediately I fell in love with volunteering at it. It's been a wonderful experience being able to work with animals and help the students in the CIA program learn what the program has to offer! I can't wait until my next opportunity to volunteer here.

As a student volunteer, it's hard to make the time to focus on both schoolwork and community service, but rearranging my schedule for the purpose of the Humane Society's Compassion in Action program was worth the effort. During the short amount of time I spent in this 8-session time, the message of the HSSV was clear. The team there is so compassionate and so loving, I felt welcomed and I couldn't wait to come back to see what more this shelter had to offer to the people and the animals. The facility was clean, the smiles on the staffs' and volunteers' faces were welcoming, and the animals in safe hands couldn't have made me feel happier for them. I cannot wait to come back soon to see how far those animals have progressed, thanks to the Humane Society of the Silicon Valley.

I've been a donor, supporter, and client of HSSV. There really is no way to sufficiently describe this place. It is not like any "animal shelter" you have ever seen or visited. Go take a tour--you'll be moved by the work they do.

I have volunteered for the HSSV for about a year and a half as a dog socializer and assistant to behavior staff. They have a fabulous training program to promote consistency in handling of dogs across all the volunteers, and although many dogs are adopted quite quickly, I have seen the incredible difference HSSV staff and volunteers can make working with an animal over time. One dog in particular went from 75 pounds of jumping up, dragging people on leash, overwhelming exuberance to a dog who could sit to be leashed, walk nicely, knew basic commands, and was a pleasure to be around. And it was all done with only positive reinforcement, and a dog with only positive associations with people. These folks take in overflow from other shelters, and dogs that need more work than other shelters can give (medical or behavioral), and love them till they can find their "forever homes." The facility itself is marvelous, with two dog parks (for big and little) and daycare, and summer camp programs, and lots of beautiful animals to visit. I love having "TLC a dog" as part of my volunteer duties!

I've volunteered for HSSV for 6 years. The staff and other volunteers are there to save and enhance lives, not only for the animal guests, but for people, too. With the new Animal Community Center in Milpitas, they are creating new bonds with people in the community. Because they have so many different volunteer opportunities, there's something for everyone. And the animals that are up for adoption are behavior and medically tested and microchipped. Come experience it for yourself.

Absolutely amazing agency!! I started as a volunteer and then joined the staff. Everyone there is dedicated to saving animal lives and making their lives better. They also have a wonderful Education program. My heart belongs to HSSV!

Humane Society Silicon Valley's Animal Community Center is a beautiful facility for animals and people who love them. The leaders and board members of this organization are awesome -- dedicated, visionary, compassionate, innovative and great communicators. A true asset to the community.

My first experience with HSSV was in 2006, when I visited their old facility in hopes of adopting a dog. While my husband and I did not end up adopting my dog through HSSV but through another shelter, the staff were friendly, professional, and thorough in their advice. After we adopted our dog, we revisited HSSV to purchase new puppy supplies (based off their very helpful new puppy checklist) from their well-stocked pet store. What's great about their store is that all proceeds benefit the shelter, so your purchases are going back to helping more animals. I made a pet supplies donation last year when we moved and had the chance to visit the brand new facilities in Milpitas. I was very impressed with the care and attention that was put into the design! The building is bright, clean, and open. It was clear that the dogs, cats, and critters we saw were quite comfortable in their temporary homes. Overall, HSSV is a great local organization with staff and supporters that care deeply about the animals they serve.

I am passionate about animals, but need to know that the organizations I support are also well-run and will steward my dollars well. Over the past several years, I have been impressed by the efficiency of HSSV's expenditures and the ratio that they spend on administrative costs. I feel good that the majority of my giving actually goes to programs, even though I know that administrative costs are necessary. I also am very impressed with the new facility and how welcoming it feels. It's QUIET there and the animals seem much less stressed out than at the older facility in Santa Clara. I love the education programs at HSSV and that snazzy Community Room that is rentable by corporations and groups. What an innovative way to invite the community into the center - and who knows!? When people come to the center, I'm sure more animals get adopted!

HSSV is a wonderful organization, with lots of kind and caring staff and volunteers. Their new facility is fantastic, and if I come back as an animal in my second life, in need of getting adopted, I hope I land a spot in HSSV.

I have never seen such a loving and well organized volunteer organization. I am a dog socializer with HSSV and from the very first day I felt the love and sincerity the team of employees and volunteers feel for the animals. The wonderful conditions the animals are kept in, cared for and how each person involved with this organization feels responsible for the animals. The dogs have individual rooms with music playing to calm them, clean quarters with food and a great deal of TLC. The cats have their own royal rooms with amply space and corners for them to feel comfortable. I am extremely impressed and honored to be a part of such a noble organization.

A good friend of mine recently told me about a wonderful experience her son had at HSSV. Her son's girlfriend had been so very upset for weeks because she felt she could no longer keep her 2 year old doberman mix because of issues at her apartment etc. etc. After exhausting all possibilities for finding another family to take her dog, they decided to give their dog up a certain animal shelter on the Peninsula. But they couldn't bring themselves to leave the dog at this particular shelter because the staff was not at all sympathetic, the staff was quite abrupt and very blunt in telling this couple that they would very likely not keep the dog more than a few days before putting it to sleep, and they weren't willing to study the dog for adoption suitability. So the couple brought the dog home, thank goodness! Fortunately the boy's mother, my good friend, found out what was going on and, because of her knowledge of HSSV through me, asked them "Why didn't you go to the Humane Society Silicon Valley?!?". They did the next day. Their experience could not have been better. The staff was courteous and compassionate and professional. This couple left feeling so very positive that HSSV would do everything possible to find their dog a new home and in the meantime, would make sure it was well cared for. They were finally at peace with their decision and could move on. But I am certain they will return to HSSV when the time is right for them to adopt a pet!

I am a volunteer at HSSV. I have never seen an organization so committed to animal welfare. Our family has a personal experience to share. About 6 years ago we finally gave in to our 12 year old and agreed to adopt a pet. We went to HSSV and out of all the loving animals my daughter fell in love with a 9 year old mutt. She had her own story. She was at her third shelter and had not been considered adoptable by the other shelters because of her age. HSSV saved her from euthanasia by giving her a chance at their shelter. Our dog is now 15 years old and she has grown old with us. She walks slowly, sleeps most of the day, but she loves us with all her heart and we are glad that HSSV saved her for us.

These people are seriously dedicated to their mission - To Save and Enhance Lives! Positive spirit and enthusiasm are matched by their appreciation for their volunteers. As a volunteer dog socializer they provided training, resources, and flexibility to allow me to help these wonderful animals at my own pace, and on my own schedule. I've been able to make a difference in my community (four-legged, and two-legged), and I sincerely thank Humane Society Silicon Valley for that!!

I've volunteered for HSSV for almost a year now. The physical shelter itself is what every shelter should strive to be: a community center. It's certified green and everything has been designed with the animals' happiness in mind. For example, the cats aren't cramped in little cages, but have huge rooms to explore and live in. I mentioned the facility first because I think it is representative of the organization as a whole: progressive, professional, and a leader in the community. While other shelters get by doing what they've always done, I truly feel that HSSV is always looking towards the future. The animal community and it's problems aren't static - they are constantly evolving. We need more animal welfare agencies like HSSV, who constantly innovate to stay in tune with what is going on in the community. The one thing I think HSSV should continue to improve is its live save rate, the percentage of orphaned animals who leave HSSV alive. Congratulations to HSSV staff for December 2009's highest live save rate of 91%. Now let's get it into the upper 90's, where an organization of HSSV's caliber should be. My wish is that this review inspires you to donate, support and volunteer for HSSV, and--as you should with any animal shelter--critically examine the organization's save rate and ask tough questions about it.

Mouser was the first kitten I adopted from HSSV and that was over 30 years ago. Most recently I adopted one of my foster kittens, Wiggums. Since adopting Wiggums, he's had some play aggression issues. I contacted the Animal Behavior team at HSSV and they gave me great ideas and tips on how to handle his behavior. Their advice has been invaluable and Wiggums' behavior has improved. I'm also a volunteer at HSSV, socializing cats, fostering kittens and helping out during special events. HSSV is a great organization. They go the extra mile to care for and love every animal that enters the facility. The highly educated and trained staff has created a unique environment dedicated to educating the community and saving lives. My life has been enriched through my involvement with HSSV.

I started fostering kittens for HSSV 10 years ago. I have seen first hand how much care, both loving and medical these animals get. Many shelters would not spend the time and money to save some of these who are weakened by parasites & illness. The animals they adopt out are sweet, loving & playful. Both my cats came from hssv.

I became involved with HSSV as a donor a few years back. My husband and I were favorably impressed with the staff and management and their dedication to improving the lives of the animals they serve.We consider our donations well directed to the care and adoption of wonderful pets and their potential owners and have a deep sense of pride in being able to support such a special organization.

I waited to get involved with a non-profit until I found one that I thought was exceptionally well-managed. When I was introduced to HSSV, I knew this was an organization I wanted to be involved with. The leadership and the staff are passionate, committed, and extremely competent. The new animal community center which HSSV opened in Milipitas is the best evidence of their efforts. It is truly a wonderful place for animals and for people to interact with animals in need. Come visit and have a look. I think you'll be impressed.

I adopted my cat Sunny from this organization. They were wonderful! I told them I was looking for a cat to adopt and they showed me all the different cats and kittens that were available. They were very patient and kind and answered all my questions. I wanted to adopt any cat that was considered hard to adopt (e.g., blind, old, sick, etc.) because it would just be me and the cat (no other animals or kids to compete with) and I wanted to rescue an especially needy one. They showed me a cat named Sweetpea (I renamed her Sunny). They had taken very good notes on her so that I could see what she was all about. And I remember something in particular. When I told them I wanted to adopt her, they asked me to reach in the cage and get her and hold her. I opened the door and petted her and she was very friendly. She didn't look like she wanted to be picked up and I said that to the volunteer. They said to go ahead and hold her gently. So I did, and then I put her back in the cage. It really impressed me, because I think they wanted to make sure I would be loving and gentle with her. Whatever their reason, I got a really good vibe from it. I had to wait three days to adopt her so that she could be spayed. When I came to pick her up I went to the front desk. The volunteer said "You are here to pick up an animal you are adopting, right?" And I said "Yes, how did you know?" And she said "You have that really happy look about you." That was great; they are very in tune to people and animals there. They did a great job of interviewing me to try and make sure the adoption would work out well for both me and the cat. They gave me all kinds of useful information when I picked her up to take her home. Sunny has been with me for eight years and it has been wonderful! I highly recommend this organization!

I adopted my first dog from HSSV about 6 years ago. I am grateful everyday that I have her in my life. I was very impressed with the staff at HSSV during my adoption process. The staff is professional and cares about their animals. I recently started volunteering and see from the inside how much work goes into caring for the animals.

I've been a volunteer since 2001. I started because I just wanted a "dog fix" and I stayed because of the incredible commitment to animals that this organization has. They are professional and caring. The new animal community center was built not just to look beautiful, but to turn the concept of animal sheltering on its ear and really get ahead of the homeless pet problem. I really appreciate that they make quality adoptions a priority, and give animals extra time and care when they need it.

I am a Preschool Director and Teacher and HSSV came to visit our classroom of 3- and 4-year-olds to teach them about how to care for pets and a little bit about what HSSV does. Our children were fully engaged in the dynamic presentation and the presenters were joyful to have in our classroom. The children still use the knowledge they learned from the HSSV presenters when we have dog visitors at our school.

I am a supporter and part of their ambassador team. I've also donated towards their capital campaign. The facility itself is absolutely amazing. That aside, their staff, mission, and impact on the community is already making a huge difference since opening their new location in Milpitas. HSSV reaches ~1,000 students per month as part of their education outreach program. They teach compassion, tolerance and respect. As children learn these attributes, our broader society benefits long-term.

I have been a board member of HSSV for four years and can not say enough good things about the job they do. They are extremely well managed and very progressive/cutting edge in their approach to animal welfare and improving the human-animal bond. Their new animal community center will serve as a model for animal welfare organizations throughout the country. This organization is a board member's dream and one all bay area animal lovers should get behind and support.

I have been a supporter since 1996. They are an organization that has really made a differnce for the animals in Santa Clara Valley. The new building in Milpitas is beautiful and I am impressed that not only have they improved the facility but also they have raised the bar for the care of the animals, my donation has made a difference in this organization. I read the stories about the animals like Katie and know that "I" helped them to save her life and find her a home!

Beautiful building for the animals! A fun place for family/friends to meet with their dogs in the doggie park! Wonderful educational programs for children of all ages. A MUST place to see and share.

The recently opened Animal Community Center sets a new standard for animal care in our country. It is an amazing "green" facility that provides so much for the community beyond being a great place to adopt a pet: you can play with your dog in the dog park, sign up for doggy day care, take advantage of the boarding and grooming services, or buy supplies at Whole Pet Foods. On top of that, HSSV has wonderful educational programs for children, does life-saving work helping feral cat colonies, and offers a number of services in their state of the art medical center.

These people are fantastic (especially Stephanie and Chris) and have an absolutely stunning new facility in Milpitas. Go down there and visit. You will be amazed.