Mission Statement Our mission is to contribute to a better life for animals and to inspire public awareness of animals' needs.
- To provide a safe haven for homeless animals
- To secure permanent, loving and responsible homes for animals
- To work toward ending the problem of pet over-population
- To serve as a source of public education and assistance regarding the responsibilities of animal stewardship
Ways we achieve our Mission Shelter We provide a secure environment for the animals with full medical care. The dogs are housed in comfortable indoor/outdoor kennels and the cats reside in condos with shelves and hide-outs. The floors are heated to keep out the winter chill and all dogs have a bed or blanket. The youngest motherless puppies and kittens are fostered to a home and in some cases, fostered to a willing mother. Although we do not have sufficient kennel space for every homeless animal, we maintain the Shelter at full capacity to save as many lives as possible. Separate isolations areas are available for incoming or ill cats, kittens and puppies.
Adoptions We work to maximize our Adoptions in numerous ways; our mobile van can be found in Mendocino Village every weekend the State Parks allows us. Our available pets are listed on the internet and Petfinders.com and highlighted weekly on local radio stations and newspapers. We also work with Breed and non-Breed Rescue Groups outside our area to help find good homes.
Spay/Neuter We spay and neuter all animals before adoption in our In-House Surgery, unless it is medically impossible. We know this will benefit the community by decreasing future puppies and kittens. For those unable to afford spay and neuter services; we provide Low Cost Spay & Neuter Services. We also work to creatively educate our community at every opportunity.
Medical Care Full medical care is provided to all our animals; we test for disease and treat when medically possible, including heartworm and major injuries. Our animals also receive all preventative vaccinations. We strive to ensure every animal is a healthy pet before adoption. We also provide emergency care for injured lost and homeless animals.
Training & Education We have been increasing our education and training programs to improve the care of pets in the home and to decrease the return rate. The well-mannered dog is less likely to be left at a Shelter. The low-cost dog training is open to all dogs with 100% of the proceeds going to Shelter care. The accompanied materials are also published on the internet for quick reference. A certificate for free classes is given to new adopters.
History Mendocino Coast Humane Society was created by Coastal residents who wanted a "no-kill" alternative to the County's Animal Control. To increase adoptions, the Mobile Pet Adoption truck was purchased in 1998 and can be seen every weekend on the headlands in Mendocino Village, weather permitting. The new Shelter was completed in July 2001 with the help of many donors and the tireless efforts of staff and volunteers. The Shelter provides a warm, comfortable and secure home for our animals. Improvements to the Shelter property have continued, including an in-house surgery, large outside kennels, additional kennel facilities for isolation and kittens/puppies, noise abatement panels in the dog kennel area, a grassy, fenced exercise lawn for daytime exercise, and the kitty cottage.