Mission

To save and enhance lives, both four-legged and two-legged.

What We Do

Humane Society Silicon Valley (HSSV) has been serving people and pets since 1929, finding permanent loving homes for more than half a million pets. HSSV is leading the charge for animal welfare through progressive shelter medicine programs, community education programs and effective homeless animal prevention strategies.

HSSV's campus is the Animal Community Center in Milpitas, the first Gold Level LEED certified animal community center in the country, a place where people can come together to learn about, engage with, and celebrate animals. HSSV and its President, Carol Novello, have been granted the Maddie Hero Award from the premier animal-welfare endowment group Maddie's Fund, recognizing Carol and HSSV as innovative leaders in animal rescue.

HSSV became the first "model shelter" in the nation in 2017 by meeting all the Guidelines for Standards of Care put forth by the Association of Shelter Veterinarians. By meeting these standards, HSSV is saving more lives and providing the best care possible to ensure that animals stay mentally and physically healthy while in our shelter. We share best practices and transfer knowledge through shelter consults and presentations at national and international conferences. HSSV's Chief of Shelter Medicine, Dr. Cristie Kamiya, leader of this initiative, is one of a handful of veterinarians who have completed a residency program in the specialty field of shelter medicine.

With an unprecedented save rate of over 95%, HSSV is expanding its programs to help change the outcomes for communities across California with over 40 rescue partners.