cards
Powered by paypal

Community Action Roundup: Cat Yoga (Lodi) and Dungeons & Doggos (Sacramento)

Wednesday, June 24, through Tuesday, June 30, 2026

The strength of the Bay Area pet community lies in its diversity and its willingness to show up for animals in creative ways. This week, we see that spirit in action through unique fundraisers that blend personal hobbies with a shared mission. From yoga mats in Lodi to character sheets in Sacramento, these events do more than just raise funds; they build a safety net for the people and pets who need it most. At Mission Cats Foundation, we know that supporting the human-animal bond requires meeting people where they are, whether that is in a community garden or at a gaming table.

Community Pet Welfare Spotlight

The concept of playful philanthropy is transforming how we support animal welfare in Northern California. Traditional fundraising often relies on gala events that can feel distant from the communities they serve. However, the rise of community-led events like kitten yoga and tabletop gaming tournaments reflects a shift toward inclusive, accessible support systems. These events invite people from all walks of life to participate in the welfare ecosystem, ensuring that the burden of care is shared across a broad, diverse base [1].

For the populations Mission Cats Foundation serves: seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those experiencing economic hardship: these creative fundraisers are a lifeline. The proceeds often go directly toward the "safety net" services that prevent pet surrender. When a senior citizen in Oakland is faced with a choice between their own medication and their cat's dental surgery, it is the community's collective action that provides a third option. By participating in a Cat Yoga session in Lodi or a Dungeons & Doggos campaign in Sacramento, donors are directly funding emergency veterinary grants and pet food pantries [2].

Furthermore, these events serve as critical touchpoints for education. A person attending a yoga class might learn about the importance of early spay/neuter programs or the specific needs of senior cats. This "soft entry" into animal welfare helps destigmatize the need for assistance. We believe that everyone deserves the companionship of a pet, regardless of their financial status. When we make philanthropy fun and accessible, we broaden the circle of people committed to social justice in the animal welfare space. These events celebrate the joy of the human-animal bond while acknowledging the serious responsibility we have to protect it in vulnerable neighborhoods [3].

A person of color practicing yoga while a small orange kitten playfully bats at their mat.

Resources for Pet Owners in Need

Accessing pet care should not be a struggle. If you or a neighbor are facing challenges in providing food or medical care for a companion animal, the following resources are available in the Bay Area this week.

Full Belly Bus Free Pop-Up Clinic
This mobile service provides essential veterinary care to the pets of unhoused and low-income individuals in San Francisco.

Joybound People & Pets FoodShare Pantry
Providing free pet food to qualified residents to ensure no animal goes hungry due to financial constraints.

Paw Fund Vaccine and Wellness Clinic
Offering free vaccines and low-cost basic health exams for pets in the East Bay community.

Mission Cats Foundation Emergency Voucher Program
We provide limited emergency vouchers for urgent veterinary care and essential supplies for seniors and disabled individuals in Oakland.

Emergency and Crisis Support

As we move into late June, the Bay Area often experiences its first significant heat waves. For our unhoused neighbors and those living in older housing without air conditioning, this poses a serious risk to pets.

Heat Safety for Pets
With temperatures in the East Bay expected to reach the mid-80s this weekend, ensure your pets have constant access to shade and fresh water. Avoid walking dogs on asphalt between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM. If your pet shows signs of heatstroke: such as heavy panting, glazed eyes, or rapid heart rate: apply cool (not cold) water to their fur and contact an emergency vet immediately.

Oakland Animal Services Crisis Support
If you are facing a housing crisis that threatens your ability to keep your pet, contact Oakland Animal Services (OAS) for resources on temporary boarding or surrendering only as a last resort.

Community Cat and Rescue Initiatives

Community cats are an integral part of our urban landscape. Supporting the caretakers who manage these colonies is essential for humane population control and the health of the cats.

Fix Our Ferals TNR Support
Fix Our Ferals provides low-cost spay and neuter services for community cats in the East Bay. They also offer trap rentals and advice for first-time colony caretakers.

Island Cat Resources and Adoption (ICRA)
ICRA is currently seeking foster homes in Alameda and Oakland for kittens rescued from community cat colonies. Fostering is a vital step in socializing these kittens for adoption.

Volunteer and Giving Opportunities

Your time and resources directly impact the lives of animals in our community. Here are four ways to get involved this week.

Support Mission Cats Foundation
A gift of any size helps us provide food and medical care for pets belonging to seniors and low-income families. Your donations ensure that no one has to choose between their own needs and the needs of their beloved companion.

Foster for Oakland Animal Services
OAS is currently at high capacity. Fostering a dog or cat for even two weeks can save a life and provide valuable data on the pet's behavior in a home setting.

Volunteer at PALS Haven
If you are attending the Cat Yoga event in Lodi, consider staying to help with cleaning or socialization. PALS Haven relies on volunteers to maintain a high standard of care for their adoptable cats.

In-Kind Donations for Senior Pet Care
We are currently in need of high-quality senior cat food (wet and dry) and unscented litter for our distribution kits.

A young volunteer handing a bag of cat food to an elderly man, highlighting the respectful and warm community interaction.

Bay Area Animal Welfare Calendar

Plan your week with these upcoming community events and workshops.

Paws for a Cause: Pet Pride Parade
Celebrate diversity and the human-animal bond at this pet-friendly parade in San Francisco.

Kitten Yoga '26 at PALS Haven
Enjoy a relaxing yoga session surrounded by adoptable kittens. All proceeds benefit PALS Haven animal rescue.

3rd Annual Dungeons & Doggos Charity Event
Join a tabletop RPG adventure to raise funds for Sacramento-area animal welfare. Meet friendly dogs and win prizes.

A diverse group of friends playing a tabletop RPG game while a friendly dog rests nearby.

Muttville Senior Dog Rescue Volunteer Information Session
Learn how you can help senior dogs find their forever homes in this virtual orientation.

Berkeley Humane Pet Food Drive
Help stock the pantry for local families in need. They are specifically looking for unopened bags of dog and cat food.

The events in Lodi and Sacramento this week are powerful reminders that animal welfare is a community effort. Whether you are holding a yoga pose or rolling a twenty-sided die, your participation creates real change for pets and the people who love them. We encourage you to share this roundup with your neighbors and join us in strengthening the Bay Area's animal welfare network. Together, we can ensure that every pet remains in a loving home, regardless of the challenges their owners may face.

Mission Cats Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting vulnerable pets, expanding access to care, and improving outcomes for animals in need. Your support helps provide timely assistance, strengthen animal welfare efforts, and make a meaningful difference where help is needed most.

Mission Cats Foundation Lake Merritt Plaza 1999 Harrison Street, 18th Floor Oakland, CA 94612 Phone: (510) 941-1421 Website: www.missioncatsfoundation.org Email: missioncats@missioncatsfoundation.org Donate Link: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/HMM3V395UXZWL EIN: 88-2451640 CA FTB ID: 5075903/000

Mission Cats Foundation is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Contributions may be tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.

Sources

[1] PALS Haven, "Kitten Yoga '26 Event Details," June 2026, www.palshaven.org, Accessed June 23, 2026.
[2] Dungeons & Doggos, "3rd Annual RPG Charity Event," June 2026, www.dungeonsanddoggos.com, Accessed June 23, 2026.
[3] Full Belly Bus, "San Francisco Pop-Up Clinic Schedule," June 2026, www.fullbellybus.org, Accessed June 23, 2026.
[4] Joybound People & Pets, "FoodShare Pantry Requirements," June 2026, www.joybound.org, Accessed June 23, 2026.
[5] Paw Fund, "East Bay Wellness Clinics," June 2026, www.pawfund.org, Accessed June 23, 2026.
[6] Oakland Animal Services, "Emergency Housing and Pet Retention," June 2026, www.oaklandanimalservices.org, Accessed June 23, 2026.
[7] Expert Pet San Francisco, "Pet Pride Parade Listing," June 2026, www.eventbrite.com, Accessed June 23, 2026.
[8] Muttville Senior Dog Rescue, "Volunteer Orientation Calendar," June 2026, www.muttville.org, Accessed June 23, 2026.
[9] Fix Our Ferals, "TNR Services and Trap Rentals," June 2026, www.fixourferals.org, Accessed June 23, 2026.
[10] Island Cat Resources and Adoption, "Foster Program Overview," June 2026, www.icraeastbay.org, Accessed June 23, 2026.
[11] Berkeley Humane, "Pet Food Pantry Donations," June 2026, www.berkeleyhumane.org, Accessed June 23, 2026.
[12] California Department of Public Health, "Pet Safety During Heat Waves," June 2026, www.cdph.ca.gov, Accessed June 23, 2026.

Disclaimer: This article is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute veterinary, medical, legal, financial, or other professional advice. Reading or using this content does not create a client, advisory, fiduciary, or professional relationship with Mission Cats Foundation. Every pet, household, and circumstance is different. You should seek guidance from a licensed veterinarian or other qualified professional for advice specific to your situation. Mission Cats Foundation provides accurate, thoughtful, and current information but makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness, reliability, or suitability of any content. Reliance on any information in this article is at your own discretion. References to third-party websites, resources, organizations, products, or services are provided for convenience only and do not constitute endorsement unless expressly stated. Mission Cats Foundation is not responsible for the content, availability, or practices of third-party sources. Any testimonials, stories, case examples, or outcomes shared are illustrative only and are not a promise or guarantee of similar results.

Required Deliverables

Annotated Source List

  1. PALS Haven: Host for Cat Yoga; vital for Lodi-area feline rescue.
  2. Dungeons & Doggos: Specific Sacramento charity event mentioned in title.
  3. Full Belly Bus: Primary SF resource for unhoused pet owners.
  4. Joybound People & Pets: Major East Bay pet food resource.
  5. Paw Fund: Essential Berkeley wellness clinic for low-income residents.
  6. Oakland Animal Services: Primary municipal shelter for crisis support.
  7. Expert Pet SF: Host for the Pet Pride Parade.
  8. Muttville Senior Dog Rescue: Leading SF resource for senior dog welfare.
  9. Fix Our Ferals: Critical East Bay TNR resource.
  10. ICRA: Local Oakland/Alameda community cat rescue.
  11. Berkeley Humane: Key regional shelter and food pantry provider.
  12. CDPH: Official source for public health/heat safety guidelines.

Fact-Check List

  1. Cat Yoga Date: Saturday, June 27, 2026 (Source 1).
  2. D&D Event Date: Saturday, June 27, 2026 (Source 2).
  3. Full Belly Bus Hours: Sundays 10 AM – 1 PM (Source 3).
  4. Joybound Location: Mitchell Dr, Walnut Creek (Source 4).
  5. Paw Fund Location: 10th St & University Ave, Berkeley (Source 5).
  6. Pet Pride Parade Date: Wednesday, June 24, 2026 (Source 7).
  7. Muttville Orientation: Typically monthly sessions (Source 8).
  8. OAS Contact: (510) 535-5602 (Source 6).
  9. Mission Cats Foundation EIN: 88-2451640 (MCF Footer).
  10. Mission Cats Foundation Address: 1999 Harrison St, Oakland (MCF Footer).

Social Sharing Pull Quotes

  1. "When we make philanthropy fun and accessible, we broaden the circle of people committed to social justice in the animal welfare space."
  2. "The strength of the Bay Area pet community lies in its diversity and its willingness to show up for animals in creative ways."
  3. "No one should have to choose between their own medication and their pet's surgery. Community action provides a third option."

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *