East Bay SPCA

5÷18÷2016
Here is a tale of 2 dogs.
Dog #1, AKA the lucky dog. In the summer of 2014 we decided to get another rescue dog. We looked @ a rescue group that we had a previous timely & kind response regarding dog we found in 2013. We met w/​the fostered dog [a Tibetan Spaniel [Tibbie] mix] & even though he had «issues» about gnawing on hands & resource guarding we decided to adopt him.
With some work, he has become a GREAT dog & is a total joy. With the adoption we got the paperwork from S.F. Animal Care & Control; it showed that he had not passed the behavior test & was deemed not adoptable/@ risk to be euthanized. But AC&C [by its notes] had set about a plan to try to find a rescue organization that would take him; after several attempts [& rejections] they kept @ it & he was taken in by Grateful Dog Rescue.
Dog #2…the unlucky/​dead dog. Recently, I found out about the Oakland Facebook for lost/​found dogs. I scrolled down the page to see if I could find any additional information about a dog we are currently fostering through OAS when I came upon an April 21^st listing of a dog @ EBSPCA that looked exactly like our Tibetan Spaniel mix & the age was estimated to be the same @ 3 yrs & under 20 lbs; we thought maybe littermates.
We immediately called EBSPCA [05/​13 – a Friday early afternoon], but as has been my experience[s] in the past, no one answered; we left a message inquiring about this dog.
On Monday, we received a call stating the pup had been euthanized over the previous weekend. The dog apparently had a problem w/​biting; there was no reference to any attempt to get a rescue group to take him.
If we had had the option, I am reasonably sure that we could have [1] taken him directly or [2] worked through a rescue group to foster him.
Strongly, I believe this 3 yr old pup had a chance to be saved – actually answering the phone during regular business hours would have been a nice start. Knowing our Tibbie, there was a potential for joy for both this pup & an owner. My husband & I are both are a torn-​up about this; we look @ our happy dog & see how it could have gone w/​this EBSPCA pup.
The reason I am writing, is in my experience w/​EBSPCA & as a former significant donor to EBSPCA, I have experienced this same ineptitude in trying to get a deemed not adoptable dog to a rescue group. Luckily in the previous experience, we were able to get the dog [young pitty] out of EBSPCA & found him a great home.
Our dog got lucky to get placed @ SF AC&C; this poor pup was not lucky… it went to EBSPCA.

This review is for veterinarian services of SPCA. It can be a hit or miss. Seems like when you bring in your pet with a condition such as allergies or ear infection, some of their vets can be VERY condescending and judge mental. Please do not assume that I cannot «afford» any of your recommended services or medication for my pet because that is a huge assumption. Our pets are like family in this household. Will be looking for a new vet.

I adopted my black cat here about a year ago and always take my cat here for get services. They alwere super friendly and were quite knowledgeable about all the cats they had up for adoption. I highly highly recommend this place for anyone looking for a cat/​dog companion.

If you don’t have it, get pet insurance. Like any business the Spca has to get paid. The first thing they do is give you a high and low quote for your visit. Then they ask you to pay the high end quote. If it ends up costing less they do reimburse you. I took my dog in about a year ago and they quickly found the issue and I got out for less than one thousand dollars. A year later the issue came back with a vengeance. $ 3000 later it’s the same issue only this time they told me a simple change in diet will fix it. Two stars off for failing to tell me how to fix it a year ago, the first time. One star off for the totally awkward way they handle making you pay up front.
In the end I had to take my dog to the emergency vet because the Spca doesn’t have ²⁴⁄₇ facilities. Why am I giving them any stars? I guess in the end my dog is alive and well.
Don’t get a pet if you are poor. You really don’t want to be in a position of paying your rent or saving your dog.

Absolutely love this place! the volunteers were wonderful as were the staff :) I adopted my little kitty Jane from here and she is the apple of my eye. The paperwork process was painless and easy, everything was explained thoroughly and the facility itself was well maintained. Also, if you adopt from here, they give you free exams at their vet for your first visit. The vet service was wonderful as well. The vet was very sweet with my kitty and explained all the shots she needed in detail. Thanks guys :)

The best! Went in with kitty who had a bite mark. The vet treated that and we did urinary test which confirmed stones. The vet staff and receptionists were fantastic about helping me get back in touch with vet to talk about prognosis and get me a special cat food. Having a senior cat and moving around a lot has given me a lot of interactions with vets. This clinic was comfortable, efficient and no pressure. Will be back! The wait was a little long– even with an appointment, but no more than a normal doctor’s office. I understand that special care of owners and pets can be unpredictable in timing

My 12 week old puppy suddenly got sick at 2 in the morning foaming in her mouth, could stand up straight, her eyes were rapidly moving left to right, her head was literally spinning. When I explained to the teller, she didn’t help me and she was uninterested and seemed careless of the situation. RUDE RUDE RUDE! I called by being referred suggesting this location had a payment plan. They didn’t have one. And when I was talking to the teller on the phone she WAS YAWNING!!! Very unprofessional. Although, they did refer me to a more affordable clinic.

I will never use the Oakland SPCA vet services again! I had used them for over 15 years without a problem. Then on sept 15 my adult daughter and I took a new kitten we had gotten over 10 days earlier in for an ear problem (he did not have ringworm before going); by sept 20 we had ringworm where our arms and legs had touched the waiting room chairs and we had given ringworm to all 5 of our cats. When I called to cancel our recheck appt. I informed the receptionist we had gotten ringworm at the facility, her response was «Oh, that’s too bad.» Are you kidding me!!! I am spending hundreds of dollars on medication, creams and shampoo and having to give 5 cats baths! I will have to get replace 5 cat trees (at least $ 500). And I may have to get rid of carpets and some furniture, that cost is just too high to contemplate and we can just do without. I am having to clean incessantly, too. I am disabled so this is beyond difficult for me and horrible for our family.
Furthermore, when you are informed that ringworm is present in your facility cleaning with anti-​fungal cleaners needs to be done immediately to stop the spread of disease! And you need to train the constant stream of new personnel to clean better in the first place!
The mission of the SPCA is to provide low cost quality care to animals. The Oakland SPCA seems to have lost sight of that since building the new hospital building. Your mission should not be making money, upselling medications and services so you can charge pet insurances. I should not have to have pet insurance to be able to afford to use your vet services. And you still need to clean properly no matter what else you do.

I’ve been taking my dogs here for more than 10 years and I’ve usually been a happy customer. Recently I feel like the prices have gone up and the staff have come off really rude. You would think they would be more friendly when you’re taking your pets that are ill to them. How can you expect them to care for your pets well when they’re rude to you and don’t even reply when you ask how they’re doing that day? They’re in the customer service position, not me. Regardless, I hope these previous instances were random off days they had since I’ve been coming for years.
They stress the fact that you NEED to be here at least ⁵⁄₁₀ minutes early or else they cancel your appointment. You get here on time and then they make YOU wait at least 15 minutes after your appointment to see you…

I’m really happy with the vet services I had here for my cat. A few years ago my cat had a mystery ailment that had her with jaundice and loss of weight. The doctors took her in right away and even without knowing the cause, gave her the right kind of treatment that cured her in less than 2 weeks. Very thankful.
I love how they tell you all of your options, inform you of the cost, and seem completely honest and upfront with you. I feel like you have more control over the cost of the treatments. I’ve recently went to a vet closer to where I live, and I immediately regretted that decision. I’m definitely coming back here.

Wow this place is beautiful. It is so nice and well maintained.
They have a good sized fenced doggy park that we were able to hang out in with our current dog while meeting with a potential new dog.
They spent about an hour with us talking about the dog and seeing how our dogs were interacting. They really tried very hard to try to match us with dog that fit us and our current dog.

On a quest to find a new family member for «Clear the Shelters Day,» we found this shelter and were happy we did. Very friendly atmosphere, extremely clean and sectionalized to see all the beautiful pets available (there weren’t many… WHICH IS A GOOD THING! Means many pets found homes today). We found a kitty we wanted to bring home, and they even have rooms to play with the pet before you take it home. Filed some paperwork, had a good interview to know what to expect with the kitty, and we’re now happy parents to a new pet.

Dr. Metcalf is amazing. Though we weren’t able to save our wonderful Jack Jack in the end she was a wonderful support. She is the epitome of someone who loves their job and the population they safe (our furry friends). Thank you Dr. Metcalf. She even called me a week after we had to put him to sleep to check on me. That made me cry all over again but because I was so touched by the sentiment. Wonderful service.

The adoption service center was great. Friendly and helpful people. I deduct a star for the front desk service. The woman checking in at the Cat area was on the phone when I came up. She did tell me she would be a minute but not in a polite way. No greeting. Just, «I’ll be with you in a minute» in a brusque tone, as if I didn’t matter.
I can tolerate a lot but when it comes to first impressions while receiving customer service I give back what I get. She was dismissive until she felt ready to deal with me and that does not feel good.
The medical staff is good but doesn’t really offer much feedback.
Overall, communication skills need to be improved upon. I’m an introverted person myself but I make an effort to interact like a human being. It would hurt for the staff to do the same.

Their drop-​in vaccine clinic (located at the Spay/​Neuter Center) on Tues & Sat from 10a-​2p is a steal! It is super helpful if you’ve recently adopted a puppy or kitten since they need a series of vaccines at a young age.
As an ex-​employee of the EBSPCA’s shelter, I am rating the internal operations of the shelter. The staff members that I worked with in 2014 were very caring and genuinely amazing people. They truly cared for the well-​being of the animals in the shelter. They did their very best (when it’s all you have left) to make the time those animals spent on our premises as stress-​free, comfortable and happy as possible.
The management however failed at supporting the staff who tirelessly went above and beyond the call of duty to treat, rehabilitate and secure homes for the homeless animals of the East Bay. I truly hope that has changed and that well-​educated, well-​intentioned management have now improved work conditions.
Skip the Shop and Adopt!
Spay/​Neuter your pets!
Talk to your pets, they’re listening.

I adopted a cat from here about 4 months ago and it was a great, stress free experience to get the greatest cat I’ve ever met (seriously, I don’t know why they didn’t have this guy on a Must See Kitties list). You get so much for fifty dollars! I also love that it’s a no-​kill. The only caveat is when I took him to his vet she said is probably not 2 years old as they told me but rather 4, no big deal but I felt like I suddenly lost two years with him.

I’ve been here 4 – 5 times. The first time, we fell in love with a cat. Waited a week and came back to adopt her. The shelter was very accommodating of the fact that we were a little late past closing time, as we had already filled out the paperwork to meet the cat, and there was a Raiders game (so, you know, people walking around the freeway offramp).
The cats are well cared for – there’s often at least one person cleaning up and socializing them. Periodically they get taken out of their small spaces and get to hang out in a larger room, full of toys and other cats. They put similarly-​tempered cats together.
We’ve also looked at the dogs – which is admittedly a little more heartbreaking. They’re often stressed and sad, but I think that is much more about being in a shelter at all. Caretakers walk them frequently, but the moment the doggie goes back inside, it’s back to sadsville.
Mostly, though, I’m grateful for how transparent the shelter is. We looked at a dog and they informed us that he had dental problems, which would need near-​immediate attention, and would likely cost $ 300+. Basically they want to know that you know the commitment you’re making, and you’re equipped to deal with taking care of a pet. If you’re not, they have resources available. They also give you some coupons for local pet businesses, and a free check-​up at the clinic to be used within 3 months of adoption.

Some shelters are scary and unfriendly places. The east bay SPCA is not — it’s my favorite place to come and meet new family members! We adopted our lovely cat Mow-​mow there. The staff is friendly and cares a lot about animals; they’re also really fantastic people and adoption is a breeze. Please support their good work!

Love this place! Just recently adopted a dog from here and super glad I did. She’s an angel. The staff are all super friendly and knowledgeable. A+++ will be back even if just for a visit :)

This review is for the shelter and not the clinic. I’ve read some bad reviews about the clinic, so I’ve actually taken my cat elsewhere. However, the shelter was the best place that I’ve gone to not just play with the animals but also adopt.
The facilities are clean, welcoming, and the staff are knowledgeable and friendly.
I’ve went at least three times in one week before I adopted my Leelu. The first day I went they actually did not have more then ten cats, many of them older. They actually got some cats transferred from the Dublin/​Pleasanton shelter and I got to play with many of them the second time I came.
Overall experience was great, easy, and it’s a perfect place to come adopt. I’m extremely happy with my choice (which took a while to decide! The staff is very patient). I tell everyone to go here if they’re looking for a cat or dog.
They also do have discounts on the older animals that are in the second chance program (something like that) so definitely take a look at the cuddly older animals.

Great experience here at the ebspca oakland clinic today. Super sweet and helpful vet assistants and a very informative vet. The vet thoroughly examined my big 5yr old pit bull, and explained everything to me wonderfully.
Loved the fact that they give an estimate and sit down to talk with you about what you want to pay for. Other vets always told me what I should get (even if it wasn’t needed), charged me for everything they thought I needed, and expected me to have the money for all of it. They don’t try to sell you anything you don’t need here!
Also my boy isn’t good with other dogs so they had us wait outside on the bench instead of the waiting room. We waited for about 10 – 15 minutes and then they let us in and out through a side door. I really appreciated this because it isn’t easy trying to calm down a 77lb dog who isn’t food driven. They even let me pay for everything inside the room we were seen in. Overall fantastic experience and exam for a decent price. This is now my boy’s go to vet :0)

Took my cat here to day and was very happy about the experience. I have been searching for a clinic for the last two months to take her for a check up. There are a few places near my apartment but all were very expensive, and not so good reviews. After asking a few of my friends who also have cats, they told me that SPCA has veterinary services that are very good and very cost effective.
I looked it up read some of the reviews and made an appointment. It was very convenient to make an appointment and find. The clerks were very friendly. My cat doesn’t do very well with strangers so I was a little worried how she would be being handled by the Vet Assistant and Vet. Both were super friendly and professional. My cat even let them pick her up.
The overall visit was great. I got her checked out and shots up to date. Each shot was $ 15 dollars. Very affordable for me with a job that hours change weekly. My cat wasn’t very happy about the shots but the assistant was very quick and understanding which I think made it a lot less dramatic for my pet.
I would definitely recommend this Clinic for general check-​ups and vaccinations.
con:Had an appointment for 9:15 didn’t go in until about 9:35. But would wait again.

Our son wanted a cat for Christmas so we decided to visit the SPCA today. The staff here are very courteous, knowledgeable, and friendly. The facilities are clean and the animals are healthy. The ages of the cats and dogs seem to start from just a couple months old. We asked about adopting a cat and we were shown where the cats were. Passed by the assortment of dogs and puppies and other people hoping to adopt a pet. We saw that they had about 15 cats and kittens of different ages, sizes, and shades. Joaquin found a white with orange patches and fluffy («It’s SO FLUFFY!) one that was a sibling to one that had been put on hold. We were taken to a «Get Acquainted» room to meet our soon-​to-​be new addition to the family. They say spending a few minutes with a small kitten does wonders to the soul. And you know what? They’re right! This frisky two-​month big-​pawed energy fluffy fluff got to us the second she peeked her whiskers out of that carrier! So, we adopted her! Signed all the necessary paperwork, paid the adoption fee, and walked out of the shelter with Joaquin’s new pet Thank you to the East Bay SPCA for the Christmas gift of more responsibility. You guys rock!

This review is way overdue. Full disclosure– I used to volunteer here. That said, here’s the bottom line for the East Bay SPCA: This facility is extremely well furnished, well staffed, and well run. You will be hard pressed to find a better shelter that is run so smoothly and professionally, both as a pet owner, volunteer, or potential adopter.
All staff here are knowledgeable, friendly and well versed with the animals. There are no crazy social justice warrior types here, only people who care for animals and want to make sure that they have good homes, and that people who want to adopt get the right dogs.
The East Bay SCPA is not a no-​kill shelter, the concept is preposterous on its face. EBSPCA euthanizes in cases of extreme aggression and unadoptability or severe sickness and pain only. I have seen dogs here for so long, and they are kept and taken care of.
Volunteers all know how to handle dogs and teach dogs to behave and encourage positive behaviors here, and aren’t just crazy cat ladies/​men who think that animals are more important than people.
The facility just went through a major remodel– everything is clean, well-​lit, modern, and most of all, built for the comfort of the animals. EBSPCA uses its funds wisely, and their capacity has increased. Well trained staff, professional arrangements, and high quality care for the dogs makes this place one of the best places to go to find a dog, combined with very affordable adoption rates, well under $ 200 for a puppy.
I can’t recommend this place enough, it literally makes every other operation I’ve seen seem like something out of a war-​torn country ravaged by decades of violence and conflict.

Amazing place
They ate redoing the facility and while it is a little chaotic right now it
beautiful when it is all done. For once tax money well spent.