Wednesday, August 26 through Tuesday, September 1, 2026
This cats foundation weekly roundup connects Bay Area pet owners, volunteers, donors, and community partners with practical support. This week includes the final days of Clear the Shelters, food distribution, community cat services, emergency veterinary financial assistance, and prevention information for feline panleukopenia.
Community Pet Welfare Spotlight: Cats Foundation Weekly Roundup
The final week of Clear the Shelters runs through Monday, August 31. Bay Area shelters and rescues are waiving or reducing adoption fees during the campaign, but each organization sets its own eligibility rules, adoption process, and animal-specific limits. Check the provider’s current listing before traveling. NBC Bay Area [4]
The campaign matters beyond adoption numbers. A full shelter can limit the space available for animals who need urgent placement, medical care, or reunification with their families. Events such as Berkeley Humane’s Bark (& Meow) Around the Block and local adoption days give residents a chance to adopt, foster, volunteer, or make a targeted donation. Adoption should still be based on a household’s ability to provide stable care after the promotion ends.
This week also calls for caution around feline panleukopenia, sometimes called feline distemper. It is a highly contagious viral disease that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, lethargy, and sudden death. Kittens and unvaccinated cats face the greatest risk. The disease can spread through infected animals, fecal material, contaminated equipment, clothing, and surfaces. City of Hayward [1]
Hayward Animal Services suspended intake of healthy, friendly, and feral cats for 21 days, effective August 16, 2026, after confirmed feline panleukopenia in the community. Do not bring a stray cat directly to the shelter during this suspension. Call 510-293-7200 or visit Hayward Animal Services for instructions. Residents managing community cats should book Trap-Neuter-Return, or TNR, appointments instead of arriving without guidance. [1]
Napa County Animal Shelter reported 28 kittens in isolation as of July 16. The shelter asked residents to foster healthy found kittens when it is safe and appropriate, rather than bringing them directly into the shelter. Contact the shelter at 707-253-4382 for guidance, foster information, or help determining what to do next. Isabel Beer, The Press Democrat [2]
FVRCP vaccination is the most effective prevention for feline panleukopenia. Ask a licensed veterinarian whether your cat is current on the vaccine and whether the schedule fits the cat’s age, health, and exposure risk. Keep newly found or newly adopted cats separated from resident pets until a veterinarian or shelter professional provides guidance. Wash hands, clean carriers and equipment, and seek veterinary care promptly if a cat becomes lethargic, stops eating, vomits, or develops diarrhea. The American Veterinary Medical Association identifies vaccination as central to prevention. [3]
Resources for Pet Owners in Need
These recurring or scheduled services can help households protect a pet’s nutrition and stability. Confirm availability, supplies, and eligibility before leaving home.
1. Pets In Need Pet Pantry at Ecumenical Hunger Program
Location: 2411 Pulgas Avenue, East Palo Alto.
Eligibility: Community members seeking cat or dog food. The provider does not state additional eligibility requirements in the supplied listing.
Cost: Free food distribution. Supplies may be limited.
Hours: Wednesday, August 26, 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Contact/registration: No registration stated. Confirm the date and supply status with Pets In Need before traveling. [5]
2. Berkeley Humane Pet Food Pantry
Location: 936 Carleton Street, Berkeley.
Eligibility: Open to the public. The pantry cannot provide food for feral colony caretakers because of high demand and limited supplies.
Cost: Free. A two-week supply is distributed first come, first served.
Hours: Sunday, September 6, 10:00 a.m. to noon. This is a recurring monthly service.
Contact/registration: No appointment or registration is required. Review the Berkeley Humane pantry rules before attending. [6]
3. East Bay SPCA Pet Food Pantry
Location: 8323 Baldwin Street, Oakland.
Eligibility: Alameda or Contra Costa County residents who can provide proof of financial need. Pets must be spayed or neutered and vaccinated.
Cost: Free. Registered households receive approximately five pounds of dry food for a cat. Wet food may be available.
Hours: Tuesday, September 15, noon to 2:00 p.m.
Contact/registration: Registration opens Monday, September 7, at 10:00 a.m. and closes Friday, September 11, or when full. Register through the East Bay SPCA Pet Food Pantry. [7]
4. Contra Costa Humane Society AniMeals, Martinez
Location: Boys and Girls Club parking lot, 1301 Alhambra Avenue, Martinez.
Eligibility: Low-income families and seniors in Contra Costa County who need supplemental pet food.
Cost: Free.
Hours: Friday, August 28, noon to 1:00 p.m. AniMeals is recurring on the second and fourth Friday of each month.
Contact/registration: Confirm current distribution details through the Contra Costa Humane Society AniMeals Program. No registration requirement is stated for the Martinez distribution. [8]
Emergency and Crisis Support
Sage Compassion for Animals
Location: Serves Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, and Sonoma counties.
Eligibility: Income-based assistance for life-threatening or life-compromising veterinary crises.
Cost: Financial assistance may help with eligible veterinary care. Applicants must pay the initial examination fee.
Hours: Application availability varies.
Contact/registration: Apply through Sage Compassion for Animals. A veterinarian treatment estimate is required. Funding is limited, and approval is not guaranteed. [9]
Pet Poison Helpline
Location: Phone service available to pet guardians throughout the Bay Area.
Eligibility: Anyone whose pet may have ingested a poisonous substance.
Cost: Fees apply.
Hours: Call immediately after a possible poisoning.
Contact/registration: 855-764-7661. Do not wait for symptoms to worsen. Contact a veterinarian or the official Pet Poison Helpline site for current instructions. [10]
Community Cat and Rescue Initiatives
SF SPCA Community Cats Program
Location: 201 Alabama Street, San Francisco.
Eligibility: Free TNR appointments for San Francisco community cats. Cats from outside San Francisco cost $50 per cat.
Cost: Free for eligible San Francisco community cats. Humane trap rentals require a refundable deposit.
Hours: TNR drop-off at 10:00 a.m. and pickup at 5:00 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. Trap rentals are available Tuesday through Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Contact/registration: Text 415-554-3084 for an appointment. Review the SF SPCA Community Cats Program before trapping. [11]
Full Circle Cats, Feral Change Program
Location: Clinics and support services operate across the Bay Area.
Eligibility: Primarily caretakers of unowned, free-roaming cats.
Cost: Free and donation-based spay and neuter appointments. Trap loans are free and do not require a deposit.
Hours: Clinic and workshop schedules vary.
Contact/registration: Request help, equipment, workshops, and trapping guidance through Full Circle Cats. [12]
Humane Society Silicon Valley and South Bay alternatives
Location: Humane Society Silicon Valley, San Jose, with alternative providers across Santa Clara and San Mateo counties.
Eligibility: Community cat caretakers should confirm geographic and program requirements.
Cost: Varies by provider.
Hours: HSSV community cat spay and neuter appointments are temporarily paused.
Contact/registration: Email medicalcenter@hssv.org. Ask about current alternatives, including Animal Fix Clinic, County of Santa Clara Animal Services, and Peninsula Humane Society. San José Animal Care and Services offers TNR on Mondays and Thursdays. Monday service is appointment-based only as of August 17, 2026. Confirm current requirements at San José Animal Care and Services. [13] [14]
Volunteer and Giving Opportunities
Valley Humane Society New Volunteer Orientation
Location: 3670 Nevada Street, Pleasanton.
Eligibility: Ages 16 and older. Volunteers must complete required training and make a regular commitment.
Cost: Free orientation.
Hours: Tuesday, September 8, 5:00 to 6:30 p.m.
Contact/registration: Register through the Eventbrite orientation listing and call 925-426-8656 with questions. [15]
SF SPCA Community Cats Volunteer Meetings
Location: San Francisco, in person.
Eligibility: People interested in supporting community cat services. Specific roles may require additional training.
Cost: No meeting cost is stated.
Hours: Meeting dates vary.
Contact/registration: Register through the SF SPCA Community Cats page. Text 415-554-3084 to receive program updates. [11]
Muttville Senior Dog Rescue
Location: San Francisco.
Eligibility: Volunteers who can commit approximately three hours each week for at least six months. Foster requirements vary.
Cost: No volunteer fee is stated.
Hours: Volunteer shifts vary by role.
Contact/registration: Complete the Muttville volunteer questionnaire. [16]
Support no-cost pet care through Mission Cats Foundation
Mission Cats Foundation provides no-cost pet care support for vulnerable households and their companion animals. Donations help sustain food assistance, basic pet upkeep, and emergency veterinary care. Give through the approved Mission Cats Foundation donation link. Mission Cats Foundation is separate from Mission Cats In-Home Care and McFadden-Finch Holdings Company.
Bay Area Animal Welfare Calendar
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Wednesday, August 26: Pets In Need Pet Pantry at Ecumenical Hunger Program, 2411 Pulgas Avenue, East Palo Alto, 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Confirm before traveling. [5]
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Friday, August 28: Contra Costa Humane Society AniMeals, 1301 Alhambra Avenue, Martinez, noon to 1:00 p.m. [8]
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Saturday, August 29: Bark (& Meow) Around the Block at Berkeley Humane, 2700 Ninth Street, Berkeley, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The event lists more than 30 shelters and 300 or more adoptable animals. Most adoption fees are waived or reduced. Berkeley Humane [17]
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Saturday, August 29: Clear the Shelters at County of Santa Clara Animal Services, 12425 Monterey Road, San Martin, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The supplied listing includes a pet parade at 10:30 a.m. Confirm the event directly with County of Santa Clara Animal Services. [4]
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Saturday, August 29: Joybound Clear the Shelters free adult dog and cat adoptions, 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek, 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Adoption fees are waived for adult dogs and cats six months and older. Adoptions are first come, first served. Joybound [4]
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Saturday, August 29: Muttville free adoptions throughout August, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., San Francisco. Adoptions are free for the month of August. Review adoption requirements before visiting. [16]
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Saturday, September 5: Peninsula Humane Society vaccination and microchip clinic, 12 Airport Boulevard, San Mateo, 9:00 to 10:50 a.m., by appointment. Vaccines cost $15 each. Microchips cost $30. Signups opened August 22 at noon. Call 650-340-7022 ext. 332 for the waitlist. Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA [18]
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Sunday, September 6: Berkeley Humane Pet Food Pantry, 936 Carleton Street, Berkeley, 10:00 a.m. to noon. No appointment is required. Supplies are first come, first served. [6]
Published weekly by Mission Cats Foundation. MCF supports the well-being of pets and the people who care for them, with a focus on seniors, low-income households, persons with disabilities, and unhoused community members. To donate, volunteer, request support, or submit a resource for future editions, visit www.missioncatsfoundation.org.
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. Donors should consult their tax advisor regarding their individual circumstances.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute veterinary, medical, legal, financial, tax, housing, social-service, emergency, or other professional advice. Programs, resources, eligibility requirements, costs, dates, and availability may change. Readers should verify current information directly with the relevant provider and consult a licensed veterinarian or other qualified professional before acting. References to Mission Cats Foundation, outside organizations, services, or resources do not imply a guarantee of assistance, funding, availability, endorsement, partnership, or outcome.
Sources
[1] City of Hayward, “Confirmed Feline Panleukopenia in the community,” City of Hayward, August 2026, https://www.hayward-ca.gov/discover/news/aug16/confirmed-feline-panleukopenia-community-0, Accessed August 24, 2026.
[2] Isabel Beer, “Napa County Animal Shelter seeks fosters for kittens amid panleukopenia outbreak,” The Press Democrat, July 17, 2026, https://www.pressdemocrat.com/2026/07/17/napa-county-animal-shelter-seeks-fosters-for-kittens-amid-panleukopenia-outbreak/, Accessed August 24, 2026.
[3] American Veterinary Medical Association, “Feline panleukopenia,” AVMA, n.d., https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/feline-panleukopenia, Accessed August 24, 2026.
[4] NBC Bay Area, “Bay Area shelters participating in Clear the Shelters,” NBC Bay Area, 2026, https://www.nbcbayarea.com/community/bay-area-shelters-participating-in-clear-the-shelters/4123022/, Accessed August 24, 2026.
[5] Pets In Need, “Pet Pantry,” Pets In Need, n.d., https://petsinneed.org/petpantry/, Accessed August 24, 2026.
[6] Berkeley Humane, “Pet Food Pantry,” Berkeley Humane, updated December 16, 2025, https://berkeleyhumane.org/free-pet-food-pantry, Accessed August 24, 2026.
[7] East Bay SPCA, “Pet Food Pantry,” East Bay SPCA, n.d., https://eastbayspca.org/resources/pet-food-pantry, Accessed August 24, 2026.
[8] Contra Costa Humane Society, “AniMeals Program,” Contra Costa Humane Society, n.d., https://cchumane.org/programs/animeals-2/, Accessed August 24, 2026.
[9] Sage Compassion for Animals, “Our Mission,” Sage Compassion for Animals, n.d., https://sagec4a.org/, Accessed August 24, 2026.
[10] Pet Poison Helpline, "Contact Pet Poison Helpline," Pet Poison Helpline, https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/contact/, Accessed August 24, 2026.
[11] San Francisco SPCA, “Community Cats,” San Francisco SPCA, n.d., https://www.sfspca.org/about/impact-results/community-cats/, Accessed August 24, 2026.
[12] Full Circle Cats, “Feral Change,” Full Circle Cats, n.d., https://www.fullcirclecats.org/feral-change/, Accessed August 24, 2026.
[13] Humane Society Silicon Valley, “Community Cat Spay and Neuter Program,” Humane Society Silicon Valley, n.d., https://www.hssv.org/services/community-cat-spay-neuter-program/, Accessed August 24, 2026.
[14] City of San José, “Trap-Neuter-Return,” San José Animal Care and Services, 2026, https://www.sanjoseca.gov/your-government/departments-offices/animal-care-services/services/tnr, Accessed August 24, 2026.
[15] Valley Humane Society, “Volunteer,” Valley Humane Society, 2026, https://www.valleyhumane.org/volunteer/, Accessed August 24, 2026.
[16] Muttville Senior Dog Rescue, “Volunteer,” Muttville Senior Dog Rescue, n.d., https://muttville.org/volunteer, Accessed August 24, 2026.
[17] Berkeley Humane, “Bark and Meow Around the Block,” Berkeley Humane, 2026, https://berkeleyhumane.org/events/bark-and-meow/, Accessed August 24, 2026.
[18] Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA, “Vaccination Clinics,” Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA, n.d., https://phs-spca.org/vaccination-clinics/, Accessed August 24, 2026.
Social Sharing Assets
Meta title: Mission Cats Foundation Weekly Roundup: August 26 – September 1, 2026
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Bay Area pet owners can find food pantries, adoption events, TNR services, vaccination support, and emergency veterinary resources in this week’s Mission Cats Foundation roundup.
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