Did you know Hayward has its own animal shelter, which is run as a branch of the Hayward Police Department? The Hayward Animal Shelter is an organization that assists animals in need. While they await adoption or reunion with their guardians, animals at the shelter are provided with a safe, healthy, and loving environment. The animals at the shelter are either strays or have been surrendered by their owners. Cats, dogs, rabbits, and other small animals are among them. The shelter also has a number of special needs animals, which require extra care and commitment due to neglect.

The shelter staff is dedicated to making all animals’ lives better during their stay and giving them the best chance of being adopted. Potential pet owners are encouraged to review their lifestyle before adopting an animal from a shelter to ensure they are ready for the commitment. Potential owners should think about their hours away from the house, the ages of any children, allergies, and general expenses.

Overcrowding is a prevalent issue during the summer and winter months. The shelter only has capacity for 83 dogs and 110 cats; and the limits are constantly challenged every breeding season for dogs and cats.

The shelter is staffed seven days a week by a team of employees who are assisted by volunteers. Volunteers play an important role in assisting the animals by exercising, socializing, and grooming them. If you are interested in a volunteer position at the shelter, there is a volunteer information session in late March to early April. As the shelter is a division of the Hayward Police Department, volunteers are to go through a background check and an orientation following the information session. If you are interested in volunteering, please visit www. haywardanimals.com to see if there is a volunteer information session coming up soon!

The Hayward Animal Shelter also helps those who have lost their animals by providing a lost pet form and other resources, such as www.petharbor.com. If you are looking for a pet or have lost a pet, the Hayward Animal Shelter is a great place to start. To find out more, visit their website or contact the shelter. The address for the Hayward Animal Shelter is 16 Barnes Ct, Hayward, CA 94544 and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 1PM to 5PM.