berkeley humane blog

News, Advice, & Everything Pets

Berkeley Humane’s blog is filled with helpful tips and resources for our animal-loving community, as well as exciting news about our shelter’s animals, programs and events!

Expanding Access to Veterinary Care in Berkeley

As Berkeley Humane continues building the Bay Area Animal Resource Center (BAARC), we remain deeply committed to serving pets and the people who love them, especially during this time of transition. To help ensure continued access to affordable veterinary care in Berkeley, we’re proud to partner with Vets in Vans, a nonprofit mobile veterinary clinic serving communities across the Bay Area. Beginning March 23, 2026,

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Another Year of Happy Tails: Thank You for Making It Possible

As we look back on this past year at Berkeley Humane, one thing rises above everything else: families were formed, lives were changed, and love found its way home. This year, hundreds of animals found loving homes through Berkeley Humane. Behind each adoption is a network of support, donors, fosters, volunteers, and advocates who believe that every animal care, and a family to call their

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Donor-Advised Funds: Smart, Heartfelt Giving That Saves Lives

At Berkeley Humane, every act of generosity, big or small, helps transform the lives of animals and the people who love them. One of the most impactful ways our supporters make a difference is through Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs), a giving option that combines financial wisdom with deep compassion. What Is a Donor-Advised Fund? Think of a Donor-Advised Fund as a charitable giving account created to

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When the Unexpected Happens: Protecting Our Pets and Our Neighbors During Emergencies and Disasters

Living in California means we face our share of natural disasters, earthquakes, wildfires, landslides, tsunamis, extreme heat, high winds, utility outages, poor air quality, and flooding. While we can’t prevent these disasters and emergencies, we can prepare our families, our pets, and our community, because when we are all ready, we are all safer.  Berkeley Humane, in partnership with Berkeley Ready and Berkeley Animal Care

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Small tan puppy wearing bat wings costume on a purple background, photographed for Berkeley Humane’s aPAWcalypse Halloween pet adoption event.

aPAWcalypse: Bay Area Halloween Pet Adoption Event

Halloween is going to the dogs (and cats!) at Berkeley Humane’s 3rd Annual aPAWcalypse, happening Saturday, October 25, 2025, at PetSmart Pinole. This Halloween pet adoption event brings together costumes, community, and compassion — and it could be the day you meet your new best friend. Adoptable Pets in Costume at a Bay Area Halloween Adoption Event Dozens of adoptable cats and dogs will be

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Introducing FIREPaws — Fosters In Response to Emergencies

In times of disaster, animals are among the most vulnerable. When local shelters are overwhelmed and volunteers must focus on evacuating displaced animals, there is an urgent need for emergency foster caregivers who can step in and provide the safe, temporary homes that these animals desperately need. That’s why we are introducing FIREPaws — Fosters In Response to Emergencies. Berkeley Humane’s FIREPaws program is a critical

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A New Chapter Begins: BAARC at the Forefront of Berkeley Humane’s Growth and Innovation

Big and exciting changes are happening at Berkeley Humane! Construction is underway for our new facility, the Bay Area Animal Resource Center (BAARC)—a purpose-built comprehensive pet resource center that features state-of-the-art veterinary, adoption, training, and education programs for the community. As we embark (woof, woof) on this two-year-long journey to make BAARC a reality, we remain committed to serve the animals and the people who love

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Small corgi puppy sitting in a PetSmart shopping basket inside the pet supply aisle

A New Era for Pet Care Begins in Pinole

Berkeley Humane Opens Relocated Spay the Bay Clinic in PetSmart Affordable, life-saving veterinary care is now closer than ever for families in West Contra Costa County. Berkeley Humane has officially opened the doors to its newly relocated Spay the Bay clinic—now operating in PetSmart at 1380 Fitzgerald Drive in Pinole. This move marks a bold new chapter for the organization as it works to reimagine

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Keeping Pets Safe During 4th of July

Are you as excited as we are about July 4th festivities?!  We’re getting ready for fun in the sun, BBQ’ing with friends, and some much-needed downtime snuggling with our pets. However, with all of the people coming and going and the loud noises of fireworks and firecrackers, this is a time of year when many pets go missing after escaping from their homes. This Independence Day,

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A smiling man in sunglasses and a hat holds a small white dog wearing a bandana and a Pints for Paws beer glass, standing in front of festival tents at the 11th Annual Pints for Paws event.

Pints for Paws Is Back! Celebrate Fee-Waived Pet Adoptions + Craft Beer in Berkeley on June 7

Get ready, Bay Area—Pints for Paws Berkeley 2025 is almost here, and this year’s event is bigger, bolder, and even more pawsome than ever! On Saturday, June 7, Join us for a day full of adoptable pets, community spirit, and celebration—all while helping animals in need. It’s all happening in one spot, right here in West Berkeley, and we want you there! Two Big Reasons

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