Mission Cats Foundation Weekly Roundup: September 30 through October 6, 2026

Coverage window: Wednesday, September 30 through Tuesday, October 6, 2026.

1. Community Pet Welfare Spotlight: Housing and Pet Retention

For many Bay Area renters, a pet policy can determine whether a family stays together. A new California measure could make those policies easier to understand before a renter pays an application fee.

SB 1296, the Pet Policy Transparency Act, passed the Legislature in late August 2026. Senator Maria Elena Durazo authored the bill, with Assemblymembers Matt Haney and Isaac G. Bryan as co-authors. As of September 21, the bill was awaiting action by Governor Gavin Newsom. The Governor’s constitutional deadline to sign or veto remaining end-of-session bills is September 30. Readers should confirm the outcome directly with the state before relying on the measure. (Michelson Center for Public Policy) [1]

If signed, SB 1296 would require landlords to clearly disclose their pet policy in digital advertisements, rental applications, and lease agreements. A landlord who allows pets would also need to provide a copy or summary of the policy or pet addendum with the rental application. The policy would need to identify information such as prohibitions, fees, deposits, and restrictions.

The measure would also require a landlord to refund a prospective tenant’s application fee within seven business days of a written request if the landlord failed to disclose the pet policy and the applicant is no longer eligible or declines to proceed because of the policy. (California Senate Judiciary Committee) [2]

SB 1296 would not require housing providers to accept pets. It would not dictate the content of a pet policy. It is a transparency measure, not an access mandate. If signed, the measure would become operative on April 1, 2027. [1][2]

Until the state confirms the bill’s status and any future implementation details, renters can take practical steps:

Ask for the full pet policy in writing before paying an application fee.
Get pet rent, deposits, weight or breed limits, and any addendum in writing before signing.
Keep vaccination records, spay or neuter records, and a current photo ready.
If your pet is an assistance animal, ask about the reasonable accommodation process instead of relying on the standard pet policy.
Ask questions early. Do not wait until a notice arrives or a deadline is close.

Housing pressure is one of the most common reasons people surrender pets. Clear information can help guardians plan, compare housing options, and avoid preventable surprises. Mission Cats Foundation works to keep people and pets together by supporting vulnerable guardians with essential pet care.

For more Bay Area assistance, visit the MCF Bay Area pet resource guide.

2. Resources for Pet Owners in Need

Pets In Need Pet Pantry

Location: Ecumenical Hunger Program, 2411 Pulgas Avenue, East Palo Alto.
Eligibility: Pet owners facing financial hardship.
Cost: Free supplemental pet food, while supplies last.
Hours: Wednesday, September 30, 2 to 4 p.m., or until supplies run out.
Contact and registration: No registration details were listed. Confirm before traveling by calling 650-496-5971.
Provider: Pets In Need Pet Pantry. [3]

Berkeley Humane Pet Food Pantry

Location: 936 Carleton Street, Berkeley.
Eligibility: Open to the public. The pantry cannot provide food for feral cat colony caretakers because of demand.
Cost: Free two-week supply of dog or cat food. Specific brands, formulas, or flavors are not guaranteed.
Hours: Sunday, October 4, 10 a.m. to noon.
Contact and registration: No appointment is needed. Service is first come, first served.
Provider: Berkeley Humane. [4]

Humane Society Silicon Valley Pet Pantry

Location: Animal Community Center, 901 Ames Avenue, Milpitas.
Eligibility: Santa Clara County residents experiencing financial instability. Bring identification.
Cost: Free set amount of non-prescription pet food, subject to supply.
Hours: Thursday through Sunday, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Pick up is available once every 30 days after applying.
Contact and registration: Apply in person before the first pickup. Email petpantry@hssv.org or call (408) 262-2133, extension 110.
Provider: Humane Society Silicon Valley. [5]

Peninsula Humane Society and SPCA Food Bank

Location: Coyote Point, San Mateo County.
Eligibility: San Mateo County residents experiencing financial hardship who use the food for personal companion animals.
Cost: Supplemental food. Brand and type are not guaranteed.
Hours: The food bank is currently at capacity and is not offering immediate distribution.
Contact and registration: Join the waitlist through the PHS/SPCA Food Bank page. Questions may be directed to TZoz@phs-spca.org or 650-340-7022, extension 370.
Note: Confirm status before making plans. [6]

Contra Costa Humane Society AniMeals

Location: Upcoming distributions after this coverage window are Thursday, October 8, 2 to 3 p.m., at 655 California Avenue, Pittsburg, and Friday, October 9, noon to 1 p.m., at 1301 Alhambra Avenue, Martinez.
Eligibility: Low-income families and seniors in Contra Costa County.
Cost: Free supplemental pet food.
Hours: See the listed distribution dates and times.
Contact and registration: Confirm details through the AniMeals program page.
Program note: AniMeals distributes more than 40,000 pounds of food annually to over 5,000 pet owners. [7]

3. Emergency and Crisis Support

Check recalls before feeding

The FDA recall database listed several active pet food or supplement recalls as of September 21, 2026. These include Fi dog supplements from lots 26118 and 26159, recalled September 3 for possible Salmonella; Northwest Naturals raw chicken products, recalled August 28 for possible Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes; and Oma’s Pride Woof Complete Canine Chicken Recipe, six-pound bag, lot BB012729, recalled August 17 for possible Salmonella. GO Raw LLC also expanded a voluntary recall of Quest Diet cat food products and issued a stop sale of all Quest products because of low thiamine, or vitamin B1. (FDA) [8]

Stop feeding any product that matches a recalled lot. Follow FDA or manufacturer instructions for disposal and refunds. Contact a veterinarian if a pet develops vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or neurological signs. Check the FDA recalls and withdrawals database before feeding stored products.

Prepare for fire evacuation

The Lucas Fire in Lake and Mendocino counties reached 100 percent containment on September 21, and remaining Lake County evacuation orders were lifted. October remains one of California’s most dangerous fire months.

Prepare a pet go-bag with seven days of food and water, medications, veterinary records, a leash, harness, carrier, sanitation supplies, and a recent photo. Confirm microchip registration details. Identify two pet-friendly places outside your area. Never leave a pet tied or confined outdoors during an evacuation.

The East Bay SPCA also took in five dogs from the Lake County shelter to relieve pressure created by the fire. (SFGate) [9]

4. Community Cat and Rescue Initiatives

San Francisco SPCA Community Cats

Trap-Neuter-Return, or TNR, means humanely trapping outdoor community cats, having them sterilized and vaccinated, and returning them to their territory.

The San Francisco SPCA provides free TNR for San Francisco County community cats. Cats from outside the county receive a heavily subsidized rate of $50 per cat.

Location: 201 Alabama Street, San Francisco.
Eligibility: Community cats from San Francisco County, or cats from outside the county at the subsidized rate.
Cost: Free for San Francisco cats, $50 per cat from outside the county.
Hours: Appointments Tuesday through Saturday. Humane trap rentals are available Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a refundable deposit.
Contact and registration: Text 415-554-3084 for an appointment.
Provider: San Francisco SPCA Community Cats. [10]

San José Animal Care and Services TNR

This program serves community cats trapped in San José, Saratoga, Cupertino, and Milpitas.

Appointments: Monday appointments are available, and requests are submitted through the online form on Thursdays.
Trap loans: Refundable deposits are $50 for a small trap and $75 for a large trap.
Contact and registration: Use the San José TNR program page. [11]

Kitten intake remains elevated into October in many California communities. Bay Area Cats offers recurring TNR workshops. Its most recent workshop was September 20 at The Dancing Cat in San José. Check the site for the next date. Ohlone Humane Society in Fremont also runs a TNR volunteer program with its own orientation.

Foster homes remain the binding constraint for kittens under eight weeks old. These kittens need round-the-clock feeding. A short foster commitment can make space for more animals in need.

5. Volunteer and Giving Opportunities

Valley Humane Society New Volunteer Orientation

Location: 3670 Nevada Street, Pleasanton.
Date and hours: Tuesday, October 6, 5 to 6:30 p.m.
Eligibility: Ages 16 and up.
Cost: Free to attend.
Registration: Advance registration is encouraged through the organization’s Eventbrite page.
Contact: (925) 426-8656 or info@valleyhumane.org.
Roles: Cat care, dog walking and socialization, adoption events, AniMeals, front desk support, and foster care.
Provider: Valley Humane Society. [12]

Foster a kitten or litter

East Bay SPCA and Humane Society Silicon Valley provide foster supplies, medical support, and guidance. Tri-Valley Animal Rescue runs a kitten foster program. Itty Bitty Orphan Kitty Rescue in San José also lists an ongoing need for kitten foster homes. Feeding a litter for a few weeks can free shelter space and give young kittens a safer start.

Organize a food or supply drive

Contra Costa Humane Society publishes an AniMeals wish list. Berkeley Humane, East Bay SPCA, and Humane Society Silicon Valley accept pet food and supply donations. Corporate teams and neighborhood groups can organize a drive after confirming current needs with the provider.

Support Mission Cats Foundation

Support Mission Cats Foundation’s no-cost pet care for vulnerable guardians through the approved PayPal donation link. This is the only donation link authorized for Mission Cats Foundation.

6. Bay Area Animal Welfare Calendar

Wednesday, September 30: Pets In Need Pet Pantry, East Palo Alto, 2 to 4 p.m. Confirm before traveling.
Thursday, October 1 through Sunday, October 4: Humane Society Silicon Valley Pet Pantry pickup window, Milpitas, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. daily. Apply before the first pickup.
Friday, October 2: Town Cats adoption hours, Pet Food Express Blossom Hill, 1152 Blossom Hill Road, San José, 4 to 7 p.m.
Saturday, October 3: Peninsula Humane Society and SPCA low-cost vaccination clinic, Coyote Point Shelter, 9 to 10:50 a.m. Appointment required.
Saturday, October 3: Valley Humane Society dog adoptions at the Pleasanton Farmers’ Market, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Saturday, October 3: HDBnQ Rescue dog and cat adoption event, Pet Food Express, 6925 Mission Street, Daly City. The rescue lists first-Saturday events from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Some third-party listings show different hours. Confirm before traveling and email events@hdbnqrescue.org to ask which pets will attend.
Sunday, October 4: Berkeley Humane Pet Food Pantry, 936 Carleton Street, Berkeley, 10 a.m. to noon. No appointment needed.
Sunday, October 4: Town Cats adoption event, Petco Blossom Hill, noon to 2 p.m.
Monday, October 5: Humane Society of Sonoma County free vaccine clinic, 5345 Highway 12 West, Santa Rosa, 2 to 4 p.m. First come, first served, with a maximum of 35 clients. Free feline HCP and canine DA2PP vaccines, microchipping, and a pet food pantry are listed. [13]
Tuesday, October 6: Valley Humane Society New Volunteer Orientation, Pleasanton, 5 to 6:30 p.m.

Upcoming previews: AniMeals Pittsburg on October 8 and Martinez on October 9. Joybound FoodShare Pantry and free vaccine and microchip clinic on October 10 in Contra Costa County, with location confirmation required through Joybound. East Bay SPCA Pet Food Pantry on October 20 in Oakland, with registration October 12 through 16 or until full. San Francisco SPCA mobile vaccine clinic on Saturday, October 17, 9 a.m. to noon, at Southeast Family Health Center, 2403 Keith Street, San Francisco. Appointments open the Wednesday before.

Please confirm dates, hours, eligibility, supplies, and appointment requirements directly with each provider before traveling.

Support MCF’s work

Mission Cats Foundation provides no-cost pet care for vulnerable guardians, including seniors, low-income households, persons with disabilities, and unhoused community members. Visit the MCF homepage to learn more, request support, or connect with the Foundation.

Donate through the approved PayPal link: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/HMM3V395UXZWL

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.

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.

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.

Sources

[1] Michelson Center for Public Policy, “California Legislature Passes Historic Pet Policy Transparency Act, Sending SB 1296 to Governor Newsom,” August 28, 2026, https://www.michelsonpolicy.org/news/california-legislature-passes-historic-pet-policy-transparency-act-sending-sb-1296-to-governor-newsom, Accessed September 21, 2026.

[2] California Senate Judiciary Committee, “SB 1296, Durazo, Real Property: Rentals: Pet Policy,” April 2026, https://sjud.senate.ca.gov/system/files/2026-04/sb-1296-durazo-sjud-analysis.pdf, Accessed September 21, 2026.

[3] Pets In Need, “Pet Pantry,” 2026, https://petsinneed.org/petpantry/, Accessed September 21, 2026.

[4] Berkeley Humane, “Pet Food Pantry,” updated December 16, 2025, https://berkeleyhumane.org/free-pet-food-pantry/, Accessed September 21, 2026.

[5] Humane Society Silicon Valley, “Pet Pantry,” 2026, https://www.hssv.org/pet-pantry/, Accessed September 21, 2026.

[6] Peninsula Humane Society and SPCA, “Pet Food Bank,” 2026, https://phs-spca.org/foodbank/, Accessed September 21, 2026.

[7] Contra Costa Humane Society, “AniMeals Program,” 2026, https://cchumane.org/programs/animeals-2/, Accessed September 21, 2026.

[8] U.S. Food and Drug Administration, “Recalls, Market Withdrawals, and Safety Alerts,” 2026, https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts, Accessed September 21, 2026.

[9] SFGate, “East Bay SPCA Takes in Five Dogs as Lucas Fire Strains Lake County Shelter,” September 19, 2026, https://www.sfgate.com/, Accessed September 21, 2026.

[10] San Francisco SPCA, “Community Cats,” 2026, https://www.sfspca.org/about/impact-results/community-cats/, Accessed September 21, 2026.

[11] San José Animal Care and Services, “Trap-Neuter-Return,” 2026, https://www.sanjoseca.gov/your-government/departments-offices/animal-care-services/services/tnr, Accessed September 21, 2026.

[12] Valley Humane Society, “Volunteer,” 2026, https://valleyhumane.org/volunteer/, Accessed September 21, 2026.

[13] Humane Society of Sonoma County, “Free Vaccine Clinic,” 2026, https://humanesocietysoco.org/tl/medical-programs/free-vaccine-clinic/, Accessed September 21, 2026.