PHS Logo
Adopt
About Us Services and Programs Adopt Volunteer Events Donate Wildlife
 

Our Philosophy

Be a Good Human Companion

Benefits of adopting older animals

Why mixed breeds make great companion animals

So You Want to Adopt a Puppy....

Available Dogs

Available Cats

Available Small Animals (rabbits, guinea pigs, etc.)

Available Other Animals (reptiles, farm animals, etc.)

Download Adoption Profile Forms

Adoption Fees

Happy Tails


Be a Good Human Companion

Being a good caregiver for your animal takes time, understanding and care. More than anything else, your animal wants affection. They may act like food is their "best friend," but nothing beats a loving touch and gentle voice.

You will lengthen the life of your companion animal and improve his or her quality of life by:

  • Sterilizing - have your companion animal spayed or neutered. This will be the best decision you make. Altering your animal reduces or eliminates the risk of several forms of life-threatening cancer and reduces your animal's desire to fight with other animals and roam (decreasing chances of auto accidents). If cats are neutered young, they may never develop "spraying" behavior. Basically, the only behavior changes you'll notice after having your animal "fixed" are positive ones. Contact our Spay/Neuter Clinic today for an appointment, 650/340-7025.
  • Identifying, licensing and microchipping - make sure your animal is wearing identification. It may save his or her life. Consider this startling fact: 99 out of 100 lost cats wear no identification. Of the cats we receive, we are only able to reunite them with their owners 5% of the time, compared to 50% for dogs. The reason: owners are much more likely to ID their dog than they are their cat.
  • Training - most dogs "surrendered" or turned in to PHS/SPCA by their owners have received no obedience training. Obedience training classes are inexpensive and will make you and your dog happier. And you can teach an old dog new tricks! It's never too late for obedience classes.
  • Exercise - dogs and cats need plenty of opportunities for exercise. If you have a cat, keep many toys and scratching posts around. All dogs -- not just big sporting breeds -- need to run. When left alone, even in a situation with more than one dog together, dogs will not exercise themselves.
  • Socializing - make sure your dog or cat is a part of the family and not simply left outside all day and brought in at night. Dogs and cats, like humans, need more than food, water and shelter.

Finally, if your companion animal becomes lost, immediately check all local animal shelters on a daily basis. Don't wait and think, "Oh, he's done this before. He'll be back in a day or two." Sometimes waiting that extra day could cost your animal's life.


 

Home | About Us | Our Services | Adopt an Animal | Volunteer | Events
Resource Library | Site Map | Job Opportunities | Contact the Webmaster



12 Airport Boulevard
San Mateo, CA 94401
650.340.7022