Berkeley Animal Care Services - Berkeley, California

Claudia Orduño

Estoy muy agradecida por su ayuda, excelente servicio y amor a los animales, sus trabajadores muuy amables

Brenda Harrison

I was put through a 3rd degree when I brought a bedraggled stray kitten in for "rescue". I got the creeping sensation the poor thing would be euthenized. Not a good feelng at all. I will never bring another animal there. Almost kinder to just let it suffer outside. I should have left it where I found it. In fact, that's exactly what I was told by
the staff! I will tell everyone I know that Berkeley Animal "shelter" is a sham. They couldn't care
less.

Jo Dangerfield

Brought an injured seagull in and asked if they could help him . They took the bird and were super passive aggressive for no reason . I assumed they’d tell me something but after they for some took all my info … they told me nothing and said I was “ free to go “ . When I asked if I could call later to find out what happened , the man at the desk said “in all likelihood , we’re just going to euthanize it “ without even looking up from his screen or looking at the bird at all . I haven’t been able to sleep tonight because I feel really bad for taking that poor animal to these people. No courtesy , super rude for literally no reason at all

Alexandra Huff

If you care at all about what happens to the animal, don't bring them here to surrender. They are a kill shelter and put down a cat in less than 4hrs from when I surrendered without even calling to ask if I would pay the medical bill. I marked on the paper that I was possibly willing to adopt if the owner didn't show up but when I called 3hrs later to check in, they told me the cat was put down because his double eye infection and dehydration were too much to deal with. This happened TODAY. I WILL NEVER BRING AN ANIMAL HERE AGAIN, REGARDLESS OF THEIR CONDITION. I can understand that most people would not be willing to pay for the care needed, but I would have been. I am heartbroken by the death of this poor cat and wish I had spent a few more minutes holding him. I genuinely thought they would at least try to heal him but they didn't bother for half a second. DO NOT BRING ANY ANIMALS HERE. They also hung up on me while I was crying because my husband was making upset comments in the background like "why did you kill the cat without asking us, what kind of place is this?" I understand their job is rough but I was the one speaking to them on the phone, not my husband so it was just an extra slap in the face to be hung up on while trying to ask about the sweet cat I had dropped off earlier today. I wish i had never brought him there and had tried to hold on for an emergency appointment elsewhere. I feel like the worst human being now, thanks to this place.

sylvia sawislak

I just got off the phone with the horrible receptionist who didn’t give a flying heck about dogs or animals. I told her that there is a missing black dog who got hit by a car last night and am wondering if it was brought in and she responded by saying, “there were multiple dogs brought in last night” and I asked if she can please check for me and she said “I don’t know one black dog from another”. EXTREMELY UNHELPFUL AND NOT SYMPATHETIC.

E

This is a pound and the dogs here are in need of rescue. I’ve adopted two dogs from here. They are here for a short time and are not trained by the staff, who sometimes miss labels dogs.

One of my dogs had a special handler and was treated like a bad dog but, inside was a sweet lover of people and other dogs who hadn’t been socialized. One walk with her, her handler and my other dog and I knew I could train her. I look for a dog that can quickly take direction and who’s attention I can redirect.

Both dogs have needed my time and training but, quickly became sweet, loving companions. I don’t believe they have the space, time with the dogs or recourses to change dogs around so this responsibility falls on us the new parents.

Sadly 13yrs later I did have to bring one of my dogs here upon his passing and they did handle it quickly, without sentimentality and told us clearly what to do next. We received the ashes about a month or less later and now he is with us forever.

These dogs have come from all types of situations from street living to abuse they need some care and to learn to trust their new environment.
There are some great dogs here.

Natacha Jeanty

I have yet to adopt a dog, but everyone is always pleasant and helpful when I visit. I appreciate the opportunity to observe the temperament of the dogs in an on-leash and outdoor space.

The facility is, for the most clean, and allows for pressure free observations.

fidencio morales

*Update*Ms. Taggy passed peacefully in November of 2022. She was 12 years old.
*Update 2019* Taggy adopted her human in 2011 and she is doing extraordinarily well. Taggy loves midnight cuddles, pate tuna, and sleeps nearly 19 hours out of the day. Thank you, Berkeley Animal Care Services for giving me the greatest gift of all - companionship.

Post from 2013: Taggy, aka, Penelope is very happy!