Notice: Temporary Adjustment to Services
In response to county and state health officials, we have been ordered to temporarily close our shelters to the public. Effective immediately, our adoption services will be carried out virtually until the county-wide shelter-in-place order is lifted.
We are not taking this action because of any concern that someone in our organization was exposed to the virus. Instead, we are following the recommendation of local public health departments and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In the meantime, we are continuing to ensure that our animals receive the same high standard of care that we consistently strive to provide. This includes daily exercise and enrichment and where possible, temporary placement in foster homes.
Animal Adoptions and Meet-and-Greets
We have launched a virtual adoption process so that we still may be able to move pets into permanent homes. All interactions will be done either online or by phone to minimize human contact. Visit petsinneed.org/virtualadoptions to learn more.
Programs
All corporate and youth programs are temporarily suspended.
We will continue to follow public health recommendations set by San Mateo and Santa Clara counties and the state. If county and state orders affect these plans, we will adjust accordingly and update this page.
Stray Animals, Lost Animals and Owner Surrender
If you have found a stray pet in Palo Alto, Los Altos or Los Altos Hills, please call (650) 329-2413 to notify Palo Alto Animal Control.
If you would like to report or reclaim your lost pet, please email rmeisels@petsinneed.org. Include a description of your pet, a clear photo, and the date, time and location he or she was lost. You will then receive a response within 24 hours.
Pet Licensing
Pet licensing renewals will be processed via email or postal mail for the time being. Please do not visit the shelter to renew your pet’s license.
New Late Fee Schedule:
For any licensing that was due March or April 2020, late fees will be applied starting August 1, 2020.
For any licensing that was due May or June 2020, late fees will applied starting September 1, 2020.
For any licensing due July 1, 2020 or later, the regular late fee applied.
Please email bkortvely@petsinneed.org with any licensing-related questions or concerns.
Statement on Cleaning Protocols
We always follow stringent cleaning protocols and have stepped up our efforts even further to ensure the health and safety of visitors, staff and volunteers. In addition to the daily sanitization of our facilities, we have added more hand sanitizing stations and are frequently wiping down common surfaces with disinfecting wipes.
Pets and the Coronavirus
There has been no case of a U.S. animal having been infected with the novel coronavirus, and no evidence that pets can spread the virus to humans.
If you have questions or need assistance, please contact us at info@petsinneed.org or (650) 496-5971.
We are closely following news and updates from the County of Santa Clara Department of Public Health and San Mateo County Health and adjusting our operations as necessary. If any additional changes to our operations are made, we will provide up-to-date information on this page.