In the middle of Pasadena lies a sanctuary that devotes itself to educating its community and rehabilitating animals. It's a place that brings new beginnings to families, dogs, cats, critters, and even wildlife. The Pasadena Humane Society has been working to help animals in peril since 1903. Needless to say, they are more than just a shelter. Although adopting animals is their main focus, they offer events and programs including, pet food drives, free adoption events, fairs to educate the public, and safe, fear-free Animal Control.
A big part of Pasadena Humane is its extraordinary volunteer program. Volunteers range from 6 up to grannies who love reading to animals. The program has many people eager to help the organization and spread their cause. There are many different types of opportunities for everyone, including helping with animal enrichment activities, ambassador programs for walk-through weekends, and at-home crafts that you can turn in to help the animals' kennels feel cozy.
I started volunteering at the society out of the need for community service hours, but quickly realized that the service hours were just an added benefit of being with the shelter. I started as a kennel ambassador, helping guests make online appointments and configuring the kennels during walkthrough weekends. Next, moving to being a shelter greeter, and helping walk-ins. Every position has you learn vital communication skills, how to take control of situations and get an insight into what it would be like to work at Pasadena Humane.
Sarah, one of the volunteer coordinators was able to walk me through the process and her thoughts on the program.
“I would encourage anybody interested in animals to try our program, they’ll probably find something they’re interested in here.”
Volunteer services are much more than helping walk-in guests with the directory, you can read to animals, photograph them, and help with enrichment activities. There is a constant supply of openings for each position, and always a need for new volunteers. To apply for the program, all you have to do is make an account at the volunteer registration site and get approved! It’s a simple process to make such an impact.
The main part of the organization is, of course, their adoption services. Adopting can be daunting but there are adoption counselors to guide you through it. I was fortunate enough and got to sit down and talk with one about the process and what you should expect from it. Ivy Gonzalez has been working with the organization since 2018 when she was still a volunteer. She is currently the adoption coordinator and the main person running the adoption sector.
To be able to adopt from Pasadena Humane you have to get an appointment through their website. There are several options for which animal you are looking for, critters, cats, dogs, and an option for dogs over 40lbs.
The process before any animal is adopted is the most important part of ensuring the safety of the animals and whoever may adopt one. Usually, an animal is brought in as a stray by animal control or somebody who’s stumbled upon a lost animal. After the animal is taken in they will check for tags or a microchip. If no form of identification is found it will stay at the shelter on a five-day hold, in case the owner were to show up. After the hold is up they are available for adoption. The one catch is they must get vaccines appropriate to their age and be spayed/neutered before they leave the shelter.
On the corner of Del Mar and Raymond is their one-stop shop for your pet's needs. The Shelter Shop offers food, leashes, collars, and toys for whichever pet you adopt. Small hay treats for your guinea pig or rabbit, or a rawhide chew for your puppy to take home. The shop's employees also are always there to help answer your questions and direct you to where you need to be, or simply help you check out your items.
Training your dog can be a hassle but it is easy when you take your classes at Pasadena Humane. Their certified trainers take a playful and nurturing approach to the dogs they teach, making sure to include the owners' participation and learn the fundamentals to help their dog be a good one. Within this sector, they offer resources for animals with behavioral issues.
Among the many things that Pasadena Humane is, it’s also educating. They host many programs to educate the youth of their community about animal safety, and wildlife, and give them insight into how a shelter runs. In the summer they host a camp for animal-loving kids. They teach them animal behavior, to clicker training, and they even get to meet some of the current animal residents.
Community cats are in every neighborhood, and sometimes they have litters of kittens. There is a safe and simple way to deal with them to ensure they live a happy life. The Humane Society offers free and nonharmful traps for the cats. Once caught you can bring them to the shelter to be given a vet exam and be spayed/neutered. After everything is done, they'll be tagged and let back into the neighborhood they came from.
There are two dogs at Pasadena Humane currently that need a forever home. I was lucky enough to meet these dogs, and honestly, I don’t understand why they haven't found their forever homes yet.
Meet Dallas, a two-year-old American Staffordshire Terrier Mix, and the most playful dog you’ll ever meet. One thing about him is you'll always have a smile when you're with him, it's uncontrollable. He has tricks galore and his favorite is tossing his toys in the air and catching them. He’s a full-grown dog but still a puppy at heart and shows it well.
Drake is a three-year-old Siberian Husky, that is the biggest goofball you’ll ever meet. One thing he can’t resist is a pool, whether it's a backyard pool or a kiddie one, he’ll love to splash around in it. It has also been concluded he’s a better singer than the human Drake.
The Pasadena Humane Society is more than just another shelter or pound. It's a sanctuary that cares, educates, and rehabilitates. It brings animals a new start and another chance. All of their programs are exceptional. From a volunteer program offering opportunities for people of all ages to the adoption team carefully managing the safety of animals and their potential owners. Additionally, the shelter shop offers a one-stop shop for pet needs, and the training classes are playful and nurturing. Furthermore, the society hosts programs to educate the youth of the community about animal safety and welfare. Overall, the Pasadena Humane Society is a paradise for animals and humans alike, providing a safe and welcoming environment for all.