In response to massive need in the community, HSSV’s Pet Pantry program ramps up its efforts to prevent pet surrender due to hardship- supporting 875 pets in 400 households to ensure that families who love their pets can continue to care for them regardless of financial ability.  

With extensive experience in Shelter Medicine, Dr. Cristie Kamiya is one of a handful of residency-trained Shelter Veterinarians in the country. Dr. Kamiya joined Humane Society Silicon Valley as Vice President, Medical Operations in November 2012, then in July 2014, stepped in to her current role as Chief of Shelter Medicine to oversee medical and shelter operations.

Novello first served on HSSV’s Board of Directors before being appointed President succeeding Christine Benninger, who retired in 2010 after 17 years of service.    

WeCARE was formed to increase adoptions and spay/neuter surgeries, increase communication between organizations and to heighten community-wide awareness about saving healthy and treatable animals.   WeCare partners include Humane Society Silicon Valley, City of Palo Alto Animal Services, San Jose Animal Care Center, County of Santa Clara Animal Shelter, Silicon Valley Animal Control Authority, and Town Cats.  

The new $57,000 shelter facility opens at Lafayette Street. 80 dogs and 20 cats move to the new site. The shelter is touted as ‘modern in every respect’.

Looking to the future, we will continue to expand our impact by saving more animals, keeping vulnerable families together, and helping shelters across the nation do the same.  

HSSV becomes the first shelter to meet the 543 guidelines for the Standards of Care in Animal Shelters put forth by the Association of Shelter Veterinarians.  

HSSV also becomes the first animal community center in the nation to receive Gold LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. The first shelter of its kind, HSSV’s Animal Community Center changed the paradigm from warehousing animals to being a safe and welcoming place for pets and people.  

In the early 2000s, we made a strategic shift from protecting people to rescuing animals. This is the foundation of our lifesaving mission.

We were founded as the Humane Society of Santa Clara Valley – a sanctuary for retired horses. For decades, our primary function was animal control.