Pets in Need (For the City of Palo Alto)
Connecting Hearts, Completing Homes
Our mission is to provide animals with loving care and lasting homes while partnering with our community to advance a no-kill legacy. We strive to create a future where pets and their human companions are treated with care, compassion, and respect.
Our History and Our Mission
Founded in 1965 as the Lost Animal Registry, we have spent over six decades dedicated to serving animals and their people. Today, we are proud to operate shelters in Redwood City and Palo Alto, where we continue our work of providing high-quality care and finding permanent, loving families for animals in need.
How We Provide Care
We believe in excellence across all aspects of our work, including providing a comfortable, stress-free environment for the animals in our care. Our staff are Fear Free certified, and we utilize positive, force-free training to ensure every animal is treated with dignity. Whether through our rescue efforts or our community veterinary clinics, our goal is to support the health and well-being of every pet we serve.
A Meaningful Connection
Adoption is a joyful journey, and our team is here to help you find a partner who fits your life perfectly. Through our thoughtful counseling process, we share a pet's medical and behavioral history to help you feel confident and prepared for your new best friend. We believe that when you adopt, you are not just getting a pet—you are welcoming a new family member into your heart and home.
Join Our Journey
Ready to meet your new best friend? We invite you to browse our available animals online or visit us at our Redwood City or Palo Alto locations to experience our mission in action. Come see how we are connecting hearts and completing homes every single day.
- Friendly and attentive staff
- Efficient adoption and vaccination processes
10/7 - A day in the life at Pets in Need
Town Crier Editorial Intern Zoe Parker spent the day at Pets In Need to learn a bit about what they do and the animals they help. Here are a few
6/2 - Dog adoption fees waived during capacity crisis
Pets In Need is waiving adoption fees for dogs over four months old this week at its shelters in Palo Alto and Redwood City. The move is in response to
9/29 - PET OF THE WEEK: PACO 🐾 We didn’t realize how much we ALL needed this Dolly Parton pep talk today. Especially Paco. This sweet boy has been waiting far too long for his loving family, and sometimes it’s easy to get discouraged. But we’re here to remind Paco that he IS enough. He’s smart, gentle, affectionate, eager to please, and has SO much love to give. Just look at him showing off his skills! Sit? Nailed it. Stay? You got it. Being the goodest boy? Effortless. 🥹 Paco is the ultimate sidekick, whether you’re heading out on an adventure, running errands, or snuggling on the couch. All he’s missing is someone to share it all with. We know his people are out there. People who will see just how special he is and wonder how they ever lived without him. Paco, don’t give up. Your happily ever after is still coming. ❤️ Help us share and find Paco’s family! He’ll be waiting at our Redwood City shelter.
Watch on Instagram
9/23 - We’re still not over this PAW-TY! 🐾🎉 It’s been a week since Party Like An Animal took over The Ameswell, and these beautiful photos from our friend Steven Rice have us reliving all the fun! From furry friends and the photo booth to Los Trancolizers, a lively auction and paddles flying high, our community showed up BIG for animals who depend on us. To everyone who sponsored, attended, bid, donated, volunteered or cheered us on: THANK YOU! Your generosity means more care, more second chances, and more happy tails. Missed the party or want to keep the good going? It’s not too late to make a gift. Every donation makes a difference! Help us reach our $200,000 goal with a gift at PetsInNeed.org!
Watch on Instagram
