The East Bay SPCA is committed to the welfare of cats and dogs in Alameda and Contra Costa counties. The nonprofit strives to eliminate animal cruelty, neglect, and overpopulation by providing programs and education that support people and companion animals. The group was founded in 1874 as an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to the prevention of cruelty to local animals and is not affiliated with, nor does it  receive funds from, any other SPCA, Humane Society, or animal welfare organization.

“While adoptions are at the core of what we do, our vast programs and services that strive to strengthen the human-animal bond make us unique,” says Marketing Manager Kelcy Spaete, who has been a foster volunteer for five years.

The East Bay SPCA has two adoption centers, in Dublin and Oakland; two spay neuter centers, in Dublin and Oakland;  a full service veterinary clinic in Oakland; Humane Education programs to teach youth compassion for living things, a Behavior and Training department to support shelter and public animals through behavior modification and training classes, and Humane Advocacy programs to help keep people and animals together.

The nonprofit’s Humane Education program is quite extensive, according to Spaete. These programs are designed to promote stewardship and compassion for all living things. Programs typically include camp, birthday parties, tours, scout workshops, and school presentations. Through its Humane Advocacy programs, the East Bay SPCA offers free pet food through its Pet Food Pantry drive-through for owners in need at its Oakland Spay Neuter Center. The nonprofit has distributed an estimated 20,000 pounds of pet food to 1,200 households since the Shelter in Place order began in March.

“During this challenging and unprecedented time, we are thrilled to be able to continue adoptions safely through appointments and matchmaking,” notes Spaete. “Pets are such a joy for people in general but now more than ever. It’s extremely touching to hear the amazing experiences people have shared about adopting during this time and what joy and stress relief animals bring to people.”

In 2008, the East Bay SPCA launched its Humane Advocacy program as part of its mission to help prevent cruelty to animals and save lives. The nonprofit believes that most cruelty and neglect is unintentional, due largely to lack of resources and/or animal care education. The Humane Advocacy program matches low-income East Bay residents with discounted services, including spay/neuter, vaccines, veterinary care, and free pet food through its Pet Food Pantry.

“Intervention at an early stage can greatly improve the lives of animals and their owners,” says Spaete. “We are incredibly proud to have a full-time social worker on staff who serves as our Manager of Humane Advocacy for both people and animals.”

Currently, the Dublin facility is closed due to Covid-19. The East Bay SPCA is open by appointment and offers adoptions, select youth programs, group and private dog training, and vet services through its Oakland Center only. It also continues to welcome donations to support its work and encourages supporters to participate in its annual events. They include the group’s Growl, Meow & Wine signature fundraiser, a Tails of the Town event in Dublin usually held in the autumn, and an Adopt-a-thon in Oakland held in the summer.

This month, on Saturday, October 31, between 1 and 3 PM, pet lovers are invited to a Meow & Howl-O-Ween Drive-Thru at both the Dublin and Oakland locations. Costumed families and pets can drive by for a fun “pupstop” featuring candy and non-food treats for children, an East Bay SPCA activity book to take home, and more. Attendees must stay in their cars and keep masks on during the event.

For more information about the East Bay SPCA, please visit eastbayspca.org.

For more information about the Meow & Howl-O-Ween Drive-Thru event, please visit eastbayspca.org/halloween.