About Us
Animal Services
Animal Outfitters Pet Supply Store
Behavior & Training
Membership/Donations
Education
Foster Care Program
Special Human Animal Relationships (SHARE)
Volunteer
How long has The Marin Humane Society been around?
The MHS was founded in 1907 and moved to its current location in 1968.
How long do animals stay up for adoption?
There is no time limit for adoption animals. Most of our animals are adopted within a week or two, if not sooner. Dogs and cats who are available for adoption for an extended time are monitored closely and given enrichment activities to keep their stress to a minimum.
Are you a "No-Kill" Shelter?
The Marin Humane Society discourages the use of the phrase “no kill” as the term is very misleading.
What we can tell you is that the Marin Humane Society is in a very fortunate position that we never have to euthanize an animal for lack of space and no adoptable animal is ever given a time limit.
At the same time, we have a responsibility to ensure that we do not place dangerous animals in the community and that no animal suffers from a medical condition that goes beyond our ability to provide treatment. We are lucky to be able to treat many conditions here in our Veterinary Clinic that would doom the life of an animal in another shelter. We perform amputations when needed, remove tumors, set broken limbs, and often treat contagious conditions. We are also lucky to have a nationally renowned behavior & training staff who work on behavior modification for adoption animals.
How can our rescue group be part of the Pet Partnership Program?
Our program is limited to the shelters and rescue groups that have a surplus of healthy animals in their shelters. We have limited the groups to 501 (c)(3)s and assist those groups that are overpopulated. Our goal is to select animals who are in high demand at our own shelter. The more animals we can take and place, the fewer animals die needlessly. Please call (415) 506-6265 for more information.
I can no longer keep my pet. Can I bring him to MHS to be adopted?
We always recommend that you surrender your pet to a shelter only as your last option. Notify friends, family members, neighbors and coworkers that you need to rehome your pet. This type of networking can have very positive results. If you have a purebred dog, there are some breed-specific rescue organizations that may be able to help you place your pet. The Marin Humane Society has a Private Adoption Book. You may list your pet for adoption in this book by filling out a "Pet Profile." Please include a photograph of your pet. People who come to the shelter looking for an animal to adopt are welcome to look through our Private Adoption Books. If they see an animal they are interested in adopting, they will contact the guardian of that animal. The guardian is responsible for screening the potential adoptive parents and making adoption arrangements.
If you must surrender your pet to the shelter, we recommend you call us first to discuss the situation. Our Customer Care Technicians may have some other options to offer that you haven't yet considered. You will be asked important questions about why you must relinquish your animal, and any health or temperament issues your pet may have. We will discuss with you our adoption and euthanasia policies, and the fees to surrender your pet. If you bring your pet to the shelter for surrender, you will be asked to fill out a Guardian's Questionnaire giving us valuable information regarding your pet's history. Additionally, it is very helpful for us if you bring any vet records you may have for your pet.
There is no guarantee that your pet will be adopted. We have a very successful adoption program, but not every animal surrendered to us becomes a candidate for adoption. In most cases, the best chance of finding a new home for your pet will be through your networking efforts. Please call (415) 883-4621 for more information.
My dog or cat is missing. What should I do?
Come to the shelter to see if your missing pet has been turned in as a stray. If your pet is not here, you can fill out a Lost Animal report and attach a photograph of your pet to the report. This will be kept in a binder as reference for staff and for people who have found a lost animal. In addition, you can take a Lost Animal poster, fill it out, photocopy it, and post the copies around your neighborhood. We have a Lost Animal Recording that lists all of the strays brought into the shelter in the past 48 hours. Please call (415) 883-4621, x377 for cats, x378 for dogs, and x379 for other animals. This recording is updated daily at 6 p.m. We recommend that people call the recording daily, and come into the shelter every 2–3 days to view the stray animals and review the Found Animal reports. Please call (415) 506-6222 for more information.
What do I need to get a dog license?
In order to issue a dog license, we need a copy of a current rabies vaccination certificate. If your dog has been spayed or neutered, written verification of alteration is required to qualify for the discounted fee. The guardian may come to the shelter to purchase a dog license or the paperwork may be mailed to the shelter along with payment. A dog license application can be downloaded. Please call (415) 506-6220 for more information.
There is an injured deer on my property. What should I do?
If the deer is mobile, even if it is injured or sick, we often need to leave it alone. Many deer in Marin County are able to recover from serious injuries or disease. The stress of being pursued by humans can cause further injury or even death to a deer. If the deer is not mobile, we will immediately send an Animal Services Officer to evaluate the situation. It is considered an emergency call, and we respond as quickly as possible. Please call (415) 883-4621, x 1, or 415 309-6339 after hours.
What if there is a dead wild animal on my property?
We pick up dead wildlife 7 days a week. There is a charge of $40 for small wild animals under 50 lbs., such as raccoons, opossums, skunks and squirrels. The charge for wild animals over 50 lbs., such as deer is $75. In order to arrange for a pick-up, call the front office at (415) 883-4621 during regular business hours.
My neighbor's dog barks all of the time. Who can help with that problem?
Your local police department or the sheriff's department handles barking complaints because they are a violation of the noise nuisance ordinance. If the officer determines that the dog is barking because of a situation of abuse, neglect, or cruelty, they will call us for assistance. Many cases of continual barking can be resolved. We recommend the dog's guardian contact our Behavior & Training department for a consultation. In addition, there is a County Mediation Service that can help people come together and develop solutions for problems such as this.
What do I do if a dog or a cat bites me?
First, contact your physician or health care provider for medical advice. Cat bites, especially, are likely to become infected. Secondly, contact the Humane Society to report the bite. As a precaution for rabies, the State of California requires that any animal that bites a person and breaks the skin must be quarantined for 10 days from the date of the bite. Even if the animal has a current rabies vaccination, they must go through the quarantine. An animal can be quarantined at the guardian's home, at a vet hospital or at the shelter. The purpose of the quarantine is to observe the animal's health condition during 10 days following the bite. This is to ensure the victim that the animal is free from rabies. Please call (415) 506-6240 for more information.
Animal Outfitters Pet Supply Store
Does the shelter receive any money from purchases in the store?
Yes, all of the profits from the store go to the shelter. Please contact Animal Outfitters or call (415) 506-6229.
Are there any bones or toys in the store that are safe for me to leave alone with my pet?
All of our products are tested for safety. Also, we evaluate new products on our own animals and in training programs, and get feedback. However, we recommend that you never leave your dog alone with a bone — small pieces can break off and become a choking hazard.
Please contact Animal Outfitters or call (415) 506-6229.
Is there a toy available that my dog can't destroy?
No. All dogs toys, even the "toughest," do have some weakness that a determined dog may exploit. We can recommend some more durable toys.
Please contact Animal Outfitters or call (415) 506-6229.
Dogs
How can I housetrain my dog?
As with housetraining, the key to all behavior modifications is patience and consistency. Regardless of whether the dog is a puppy or adult, you should take — not put — him outside every couple of hours, wait for him to eliminate, and praise him when he does. When you are not able to watch him like a hawk, he should be placed in a confined area where an accident is no big deal. If you catch him IN THE ACT, you can say "oops" or "no," and quickly take him outside to finish. If you find a puddle or a pile, just clean it up. Dogs don't remember what they did when, and it does no good to take him to it and punish him.
Please contact our Behavior & Training Department or call (415) 506-6280.
How can I stop my dog from barking?
You probably can't stop her. Barking is a natural behavior. You can, however, control the barking. First you control the dog's environment — don't leave her outside to bark as often and as long as she wants to. Second, if she is outside and barks, call her immediately and bring her inside, or go outside and find out what she's barking at. Third, if she has set up a "lookout" — a deck or picture window from which she barks, don't let her have access to the lookout, or cover it. Citronella bark-deterring collars should be a last resort since, with enough provocation, dogs will bark while wearing them. We do not recommend electronic-shock-collars because we believe they are cruel.
Please contact our Behavior & Training Department or call (415) 506-6280.
What do you teach in class?
Our classes are all taught by using positive reinforcement. We teach people how to teach their dogs good manners, such as not jumping up on people, sit, down, stay, wait at doors, leave it (don't touch), loose-leash walking and how to come when called (recall). We have a variety of classes — from basic to intermediate to advanced to just for fun.
Please contact our Behavior & Training Department or call (415) 506-6280.
My dog won't come when called. How do I teach him?
A class would be our first recommendation. If you can't take one, then realize that practice makes perfect. It takes thousands of repetitions to create a reliable recall. Every time you call your dog, it should be a positive experience for him. If you call him to you to punish him, he will be unlikely to come again. If you call him when it's time to go home from the dog park, he may decide that he'll just wait a bit. So practice your positive reinforcement (and it must be reinforcing to your dog — not just you) all over the place. In the dog park, call him and then let him go back and play some more. In the backyard, call him, give him a treat, and then let him go back outside.
Please contact our Behavior & Training Department or call (415) 506-6280.
My dog likes other dogs when she's off of her leash, but she lunges and barks at them when she's on leash. What should I do?
This is a very common behavior problem. Making an appointment for a behavior consultation or hiring a trainer best solves it. The dog is frustrated and you have to learn how to teach the dog appropriate body language.
Please contact our Behavior & Training Department or call (415) 506-6280.
I've called and called the behavior helpline and haven't talked to a real live person yet. How can I reach you?
We receive 50 or more calls per day and spend a great deal of time playing phone tag. You can email your question to Behavior and we might be able to answer you more quickly. You can also set up a behavior consultation or class through email, and enroll in a class via the web. Otherwise, giving us a daytime phone number and your most available time to talk is the best way to get hold of us.
Please contact our Behavior & Training Department or call (415) 506-6280.
Cats
My cat has litterbox problems. He either misses the litterbox or uses other places in my house. What can I do?
Cats can be pretty picky about their elimination habits. Try the following:
- Make sure you clean the litterbox every day, and change the litter once a week
- Change the litter to a completely different type or add another litterbox (with different litter), and leave it near the old one
- Add another litterbox in a different place, a place where he has eliminated
- Make sure the following criteria is met: The litterbox is in a private place and there is an escape route, in case the cat feels threatened
- Feed or play with the cat in the area where he has been eliminating
Please contact our Behavior & Training Department or call (415) 506-6280.
My cat is spraying. What can I do?
Spraying is usually a response to a perceived intrusion or threat. Most spraying is near doors, windows or along outside walls. You can purchase a product at your vet's that sometimes discourages spraying. Otherwise, if the spraying is below a window, for instance, you may wish to cover the window temporarily, or not allow the cat access to it. Chances are, another cat is wandering onto your cat's property when you're not looking.
Please contact our Behavior & Training Department or call (415) 506-6280.
My cat is scratching my furniture to death. What can I do?
Cats aren't really sharpening their claws when they scratch your furniture — they're marking their territory, just as they are when they spray. They usually pick furniture that is in the middle of the room and is, thus, very visible to the eyes of other cats (even if there are no other cats!). The best solution is to temporarily cover the piece of furniture with some plastic or even aluminum foil, and then move it from its normal location. Place a scratching post where the furniture was for a couple of weeks. Make it as attractive as you can, using catnip or treats. When the cat has begun using it instead of the couch, then slowly move it (over a period of days) to where you want it.
Please contact our Behavior & Training Department or call (415) 506-6280.
My cat attacks me when I'm petting her. Why, and what can I do?
The cat is probably confused. She likes being petted, but gets over-aroused too easily and then lashes out. When she seeks attention, try petting her under her threshold — if she bites after 10 pets, then only pet her eight times, for instance. Wait until she asks for attention again, then do the same. Gradually increase the number of times you stroke her until she becomes more tolerant of your attention.
Please contact our Behavior & Training Department or call (415) 506-6280.
My cat brings me home dead mice. What can I do about that?
Your cat thinks you're a rather inept kitten. She's trying to help you learn how to hunt. Unfortunately, the only real solution is to put a bell on the cat so that birds and other small creatures are warned when she's nearby. Keeping your cat indoors, especially at night, is not only much safer for your cat, but also much safer for small wildlife.
Please contact our Behavior & Training Department or call (415) 506-6280.
My cat attacks me from under the bookcase or chest of drawers. What is going on?
Your cat thinks that you are prey! You might consider temporarily placing books under the furniture while you modify his behavior. He needs to have an outlet for his instincts. Make up some little balls out of crushed aluminum foil and put them in your pocket. When the cat begins to crouch or look like he's stalking you, then throw one or two of the balls across his line of vision. Your goal is to make him chase the little balls, not you. You can also put ping-pong balls in the bathtub for him to chase, or get a "cat dancer" and set it in a drawer so it hangs down and draws his attention.
Please contact our Behavior & Training Department or call (415) 506-6280.
I had two cats and one died. I'd like to get a companion for the one who is left. Should I?
Maybe. If you do, get a kitten of the opposite sex, and keep the kitten in his or her own room for up to three weeks. Feed the cat and the kitten so they can smell each other, but not see each other (for instance, under a separating door) and use the same grooming tools which with to groom them both. When it's time to introduce them, make sure they both have an escape route into their own territories. And realize that cats are not naturally gregarious, so they may not like each other, or they may even dislike each other.
Please contact our Behavior & Training Department or call (415) 506-6280.
How can I help the animals?
- Financial Support – The Marin Humane Society welcomes your financial support. For your convenience, if you wish to make a monthly contribution, we can arrange an electronic fund transfer directly from your checking account. Don't forget that a matching gift program at your workplace will double your donation to the animals! If you would like to Donate, please call (415) 506-6231.
- Volunteering – If you have spare time and think you would like to volunteer at MHS, contact our Volunteer Coordinator at (415) 506-6267 for rewarding volunteer opportunities.
- Thrift Shop Donations – In addition, the MHS Auxiliary operates a thrift store in San Anselmo and accepts small donated household items. For more information on Thrift Store hours and location, contact the Thrift Shop at (415) 459-5787.
However you choose to help, your support of the animals is greatly appreciated!
Please contact our Development Department or call (415) 506-6231.
How can I become a member of The Marin Humane Society?
Regular yearly memberships begin at $35, with a special senior/youth discounted membership of $25. Once you become a MHS member, you will be entitled to special discounts for dog training classes and for purchases at Animal Outfitters (the MHS pet supply store). You will also receive an invitation to the Annual Meeting & Luncheon. In addition, you will be sent copies of the award-winning publication, Animal Chronicles.
For more information about membership, please contact Membership or call (415) 506-6259.
How can I make a donation in memory of my family member or pet?
Memorial contributions can be made by mail or over the phone with a credit card. If you send in your donation, please indicate the name of the loved one and designate a family member (with address) to whom you would like us to send an acknowledgement. If you wish to make a donation by phone with your credit card, please call (415) 506-6231.
Can I donate my old vehicle to the animals?
Yes! The Marin Humane Society does accept donated vehicles: all vehicles must be in running condition and less than 15 years old. If you have a vehicle you would like to donate, please contact All Bay Vehicle Donations at (877) 700-GIVE.
Thank you for your support of the animals and The Marin Humane Society. If you have any questions, please contact Development at (415) 506-6257.
Why do you provide Humane Education?
At the Marin Humane Society, we are guided by an ethic of compassion and are delighted to share a humane philosophy with our community, especially children. Studies have shown that children who are compassionate toward animals tend to mature into adults who are concerned and compassionate about the world and those with whom they share it. We provide a variety of opportunities to learn about animals and work with us to enrich their lives.
Please contact our Education Department or call (415) 506-6288.
Do you have volunteer opportunities for students?
We have our Animal Care Club for middle school students, Roots & Shoots for high school students and an internship program for high school students who have been a part of our animal service clubs. Once interns complete their schedule they are assigned as student volunteers. Many students of all ages call us about community service; we have some suggestions on our website on how they can do this work independent of us to fulfill their community service requirements. Learn more here.
Please contact our Education Department or call (415) 506-6288.
My children are great with animals. Can they volunteer as dog walkers or cat socializers?
We know that most children are very capable of walking dogs and socializing cats on their own. However, many of our animals require special handling because some have not been socialized or may have behavioral issues so they require experienced handlers. Our top priority is safety, of the animals and of the people working with them. Therefore, our volunteer opportunities working directly with animals are for adults (over 18). These adults go through a training process before assuming their volunteer responsibilities and commit to at least one year in their position.
Please contact our Education Department or call (415) 506-6288.
What types of educational programs do you offer?
The Marin Humane Society's Education Department offers tours of the shelter and education programs/field trips at the shelter, as well as classroom visits to Marin County schools. We also provide week-long Animal Care day camps each summer. Education Department volunteers and staff are able to work with a variety of students in many different settings, after school programs, special day classes working with differently abled children, and education projects for at-risk youth. All volunteers, both people and animals, in the programs are required to take a 6 week class to prepare them to be ambassadors for the humane society.
We have several specialized tours for scouts, including a Daisy Rose Petal Tour, a Brownie Animal Try-it Tour and have worked with scouts on their silver and gold awards. We can create special animal related education programs for teachers and groups as requested.
We also have a special reading program called SHARE a Book. Volunteer teams, dog and person, work closely with teachers, reading specialists and librarians allowing children to read with dogs. Click here to read more.
Please contact our Education Department or call (415) 506-6288.
Can I celebrate my birthday at the Marin Humane Society?
Yes. We schedule humane birthday parties on weekends August – May (we do not have parties during the summer months because of our summer camp). Children aged 5 and up can have their party here with a maximum of 12 guests. The party can be a dog, cat or small companion animal theme and includes special animal guests, a tour of the campus, game and craft.
Please contact our Education Department or call (415) 506-6288.
How much do you charge for your education programs?
We do not charge a fee for our shelter tours, field trips and school programs. Our birthday parties and summer camp have fees and we gratefully accept donations of any items from our wish list.
Please contact our Education Department or call (415) 506-6288.
What is the goal of the foster program?
The Marin Humane Society's Foster Program is devoted to at-risk animals with adoption potential. The program's goal is to rehabilitate as many animals as the shelter can reasonably handle and to make them available for adoption. Nearly 60% of all the kittens adopted in 2000 were fostered first; 30% of all the adult cats spent some time in foster; and 10% of the dogs and 20% of the puppies benefited from what the Foster Program had to offer them. Being a foster parent is like being a grandparent — all the enjoyment of playing with or raising animals without the lifetime responsibility!
Please call (415) 506-6250.
Why is foster care necessary?
Even with our dedicated staff and volunteers, for some animals, a shelter setting still falls short of what they need to become ready for adoption. We cannot replace the care and attention that a home setting provides. We foster kittens and puppies less than 8 weeks of age to give them important socialization and nurturing. We foster adult dogs and cats if they need some time to recuperate from any medical condition we might be treating. We also need foster care for small companion animals to determine if they are adoptable.
Foster care also helps when it comes time to assess an animal for adoption. Each animal comes back from its foster home with an individualized evaluation that is shared with a potential adopter to illuminate what life with a particular animal will be like.
Please call (415) 506-6250.
How do I become a foster parent?
If you are interested in our Foster Program, please attend one of the monthly Volunteer Orientations, and then schedule an interview with our Volunteer Coordinator. After completing a Foster Program application, schedule an appointment by calling (415) 506-6250. You will become part of the solution!
What's the time commitment?
Foster care may last from one week to one month or more. The length of foster care depends on each animal's situation. We also need transitional foster homes to house dogs for 5–7 days while shelter staff prepares them for the adoption kennels. These homes will make room at the shelter so that we can bring more hope to unwanted dogs. If you have space in your home for small, healthy adult dogs weighing less than 30 pounds, please call (415) 506-6250.
Why should I foster an animal?
Too often, young or injured animals are abandoned or forgotten. By caring for these animals in the comfort and security of your home, you are able to give deserving animals a second chance at a good life.
Please call (415) 506-6250.
Is it expensive to be a foster parent?
Foster parents bear no out-of-pocket expenses. The Marin Humane Society furnishes all necessary supplies, including blankets, food, medicine, etc. Foster volunteers contribute their time, home and love.
Please call (415) 506-6250.
What is the risk to my animals at home if I foster?
We try to minimize the risk by identifying your household's needs, maintaining separate areas for foster animals to be housed, and a case-by-case review of whether an animal is appropriate to foster in a particular home.
Please call (415) 506-6250.
What if my foster animal needs medical care?
If you feel that a foster animal is in need of veterinary attention, call the foster care department immediately. The Marin Humane Society's veterinarian usually provides all the medical attention for a foster animal.
Please call (415) 506-6250.
What if I fall in love with my foster animal and want to adopt him or her?
There is a 90-day waiting period for all new volunteers before they are allowed to adopt. This is to help with the initial feeling of overwhelm and enthusiasm that new volunteers experience. After that, if you do decide the animal you are fostering is perfect for your home, you would simply enter into our adoption process.
Please call (415) 506-6250.
What if my friend wants to adopt my foster animal?
If a friend or family member wants to adopt your foster animal, you will be asked to give the name, description and control number of the animal to the friend, and then direct them to download and fax an Adoption Application to the Adoption Department or to drop in for an application. As long as the animal in foster care is not already on hold by a potential adopter, and if the animal completes the health and behavior evaluation and is a suitable match for the friend, then the adoption will be completed. We encourage foster parents to trust the Adoption Department to do the adoption work.
Please call (415) 506-6250.
SHARE
(Special Human-Animal Relationships)
I am interested in volunteering in your Animal Assisted Therapy Program. How do I get started?
Our Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) program is part of our SHARE (special human animal relationships) program. Volunteers and their dogs are required to take a class called Your Dog to SHARE to prepare them to be a part of the program. The Your Dog to SHARE class consists of learning to read your dog's body language, safety skills for you and your dog, mock visits with introduction to equipment (wheelchairs, walkers, etc.), bed visits, interaction with a group of children, a panel discussion, homework that includes field trips and shadow visits with other active, experienced volunteers and an offsite graduation at a senior community/ rehabilitation center.
All dogs coming into the SHARE class need to have good solid basic skills, i.e., sit, down, stay, recall. The Marin Humane Society's Good Citizenship Test for Dogs is part of the class, so your dog must be able to pass this test. There are other skills that are a must for AAT. These skills are excellent loose leash walking, with distractions. The wait command is a must and very important, a wait at all doors, thresholds, etc. and greeting people politely (no jumping or too much excitement). We also use the touch command for a variety of ways to help control and maneuver dogs in small spaces. And the leave it command is a great skill for the safety of your dog. If your dog has achieved these skills through Family Dog classes (usually by taking Family Dog 1, 2 & 3) or by work independent of our classes then they are ready. If you come into the class and your dog is not ready it can be very frustrating. You need to be confident that your dog is going to be well behaved and able to pay attention to your direction, so the AAT visits will be successful. These required skills will not be taught in class.
If you go on to volunteer for the humane society your dog must be spayed or neutered and you will need to have a health certificate completed for your dog. Our classes prepare you to volunteer with the Marin Humane Society. You and your dog would be volunteering as a SHARE AAT team when assigned by the SHARE program.
SHARE volunteer teams visit a variety of facilities throughout Marin, including a variety of senior communities, independent living and skilled care, acute care and rehabilitation hospitals, schools, libraries and individual in-home visits.
To get started as a volunteer for The Marin Humane Society, you will need to attend one our volunteer orientations. Please contact our Volunteer Services Department or call (415) 506-6266 for a volunteer recruitment packet. After this orientation, you can register for the Your Dog to SHARE class through Behavior & Training.
If you have any questions about the this program you can contact SHARE or call (415) 506-6264.
I want my dog to be certified as an Animal- Assisted Therapy animal; how can I do this?
The volunteer animals in our SHARE program have completed the SHARE class and are approved to volunteer in the Marin Humane Society’s program. Our classes do not "certify” your animal to visit anywhere at anytime. All SHARE volunteer teams are assigned by the program to visit different venues, senior communities, skilled care facilities, acute care and rehabilitation hospitals, schools, libraries, and in homes. Then and only then they are working as volunteer for the humane society.
Most programs "certify" your pet specifically for their program. The Delta Society has a program called Pet Partners and they certify pets to be a part of their national program, and they then assign you to a facility in your area.
Please contact SHARE or call (415) 506-6264.
What is the difference between a therapy dog and a service dog?
From the Delta Society www.deltasociety.org
Service Animals are legally defined (Americans With Disabilities Act, 1990) and are trained to meet the disability-related needs of their handlers who have disabilities. Federal laws protect the rights of individuals with disabilities to be accompanied by their service animals in public places. Service animals are not considered 'pets'.
Therapy Animals are not legally defined by federal law, but some states have laws defining therapy animals. They provide people with contact to animals, but are not limited to working with people who have disabilities. They are usually the personal pets of their handlers, and work with their handlers to provide services to others. Federal laws have no provisions for people to be accompanied by therapy animals in places of public accommodation that have "no pets" policies. Therapy animals usually are not service animals.
A Companion Animal is not legally defined, but is accepted as another term for pet.
'Social/therapy' Animals have no legal definition. They often are animals that did not complete service animal or service dog training due to health, disposition, trainability, or other factors, and are made available as pets for people who have disabilities. These animals might or might not meet the definition of service animals.
Please visit the Delta Society website for more information about service dogs. www.deltasociety.org
I want to prepare my puppy to be a part of your program. What should I do?
The best way to prepare a puppy for visiting is to socialize, socialize, and socialize. Expose your puppy to a variety of places and people. (Be sure your puppy has had their required series of vaccinations.) Introduce the puppy to wheelchairs, canes and carts of any kind and, if possible, visit a senior community (with permission from the facility). Handle your puppy all the time, all over his/her body, and get your puppy used to being handled by other people besides you. Be sure to teach your puppy the polite way to greet people, no jumping up or too much excitement. Start taking classes with your puppy as soon as he/she is old enough. Classes will not only teach your puppy the basics, and good manners, it also is one of the best ways to bond with your canine companion. Read over how to get started as an animal assisted therapy team (question #1 in SHARE FAQ) and start working with those skills everyday with your puppy. It is important that your puppy has their “puppyhood” before they start to work. Depending on the individual dog, most are not ready for the SHARE classes until they are at least 18 months.
You may do all these things when your dog is a puppy and then your dog may still not be a good visiting animal. A dog's temperament is related to who they are as individuals, their genetics and their breed or mix of breeds. Some dogs are more interested in socializing with people versus with other dogs. But some are not. Hopefully your puppy will be as interested in becoming a SHARE animal assisted therapy team as you are.
Please contact SHARE or call (415) 506-6264.
Can the SHARE program help seniors take care of their pets?
The Side-by-Side program is the largest part of SHARE and is currently assisting 220 clients with 150 dogs, 196 cats and 38 birds. Side-by-Side matches support, volunteer efforts and donated services with qualified pet guardians in need. Assistance is offered in the form of pet food, veterinary care, grooming, regular visits to clients by volunteers, transportation to the veterinarian or groomer, dog walking, litter box cleaning, and emergency boarding of pets in the event of the hospitalization of clients. Networking with other service organizations in the county is vital to coordinating assistance to the growing number of older adults in Marin.
SHARE’s Side-by-Side program provides assistance to Marin County residents who are low-income seniors, living with HIV/AIDS, or receiving hospice care. For people who don't qualify for SHARE, we have information about financial assistance for pet guardians and emergency veterinary assistance.
Please contact SHARE or call (415) 506-6255 for assistance with the Side by Side program.
How do I become a volunteer?
Simply fill out the Volunteer Application. Once the application is received by the Volunteer Department, you will be contacted about attending a mandatory volunteer orientation. Following the orientation your application will be forwarded to the department supervisor of your interest. The department supervisor will contact you to set up an interview and/or training.
Please contact our Volunteer Services Department or call (415) 506-6267.
What kind of time commitment is required?
The commitment varies depending on the department in which you are helping — anywhere from 2–4 hours per week. Offsite jobs, like being a foster parent or helping out with the SHARE program, have varied time commitments depending on the needs of the department.
Please contact our Volunteer Services Department or call (415) 506-6267.
What is the age requirement for the adult volunteer program?
You must be at least 18 years old.
Please contact our Volunteer Services Department or call (415) 506-6267.
What area of volunteering has the greatest need?
Dog Pet Pals, Small Companion Animal Pet Pals, Foster Care and Animal Care.
Please contact our Volunteer Services Department or call (415) 506-6267.
Even though MHS asks for a one-year commitment, are there short-term opportunities available?
Yes, there are some exceptions based on need and job requirements.
Please contact our Volunteer Services Department or call (415) 506-6267.
Is there a training program for the MHS volunteer positions?
Each department provides necessary training and recommendations are made for special training requirements.
Please contact our Volunteer Services Department or call (415) 506-6267.
How many volunteers do you have?
We currently have almost 800 volunteers, but we always need more!
Please contact our Volunteer Services Department or call (415) 506-6267.
