The Humane Society of the North Bay is a private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation that was established in 1986 to offer shelter and adoption services for homeless animals. We were formerly known as the Benicia-Vallejo Humane Society.
We are a no-kill shelter.
For nearly four decades we have found permanent homes for thousands of homeless cats and dogs. HSNB has witnessed many joyous reunions.
Although we have a contract with the City of Vallejo to shelter stray animals found in the community, we are not a city shelter, nor are we managed by, affiliated with, or financially supported by any local, county, state or national organizations.
Our funding comes almost entirely from donations by generous individuals and local businesses. We welcome grant opportunities of all kinds, special event fundraisers, monthly donation commitments, and estate and memorial bequests.
Meet the HSNB Team
Kristin Eddy, Shelter Director
Kristin Eddy started her career as an award-winning journalist covering national and international assignments for the Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, and Atlanta Journal-Constitution. In 2006, she moved to Northern California to lead the communications for Caymus Vineyards. She has since held various public relations, marketing strategy, and writing roles for the wine hospitality industry. Kristin became involved with the HSNB in 2008 as a volunteer and has been committed to the cats and dogs ever since. She has managed multiple community outreach programs, events, and fundraising campaigns for the shelter. She has served in a variety of leadership roles on our board of directors. Kristin took on the role of Shelter Director in June 2021 and is responsible for the day-to-day management of the HSNB including animal care, staff management, community involvement, and PR and communications.
Laurel Johnson, Office Manager
Laurel Johnson grew up in the military and has lived all over the U.S. moving from the east to west coast six times. She grew up with a family St. Bernard named Heidi and has loved giant breeds ever since. Her family has included four Great Pyrenees, and a funny little terrier mix named Jonesy. Laurel loves to travel and has visited 26 states and 17 countries and counting. When not managing our office or traveling, Laurel enjoys time with friends and family, reading, watching movies, and gardening.
Jamianessa Davis – Adoption, Foster, Rescue Coordinator
Volunteers
Here is a picture of some of our volunteers in August 2022. Interested in volunteering? Apply here.
Board of Directors
The HSNB Board of Directors is an actively engaged working board composed of members of the community who govern the organization. Directors serve without compensation in a volunteer capacity and are elected through invitation by currently serving members.
The Board meets the second Thursday of every month. To address the Board, please call the shelter at (707) 645-7905, leave your name and phone number, and that you want to speak to the board, and we will get in touch to discuss adding you to the agenda.
Openings on the Board
We are currently recruiting for open positions on our Board of Directors. We are seeking applicants with a desire to be actively involved in governing the shelter. We are especially interested in recruiting new members with expertise in finance and accounting, strategic planning, fundraising, grant writing, capital campaigns, community outreach and more. Previous nonprofit board experience a big plus.
We invite all qualified candidates to apply by completing the Board of Directors application.
Applicants will be contacted by a member of the executive committee for a briefing and initial interview. Successful candidates will then be asked to attend two monthly board meetings to interview with the full board. Upon board approval, successful candidates will be notified by the HSNB board president.
Executive Committee
President
Brenda Mooney
Vice President
Linda Overton
Treasurer
Joseph Hayden
Secretary
Elle Yoko Suzuki
Directors
Director
Lena Roslan
Director
Carol Stillson
Advisory Board
Advisory Board
Nancy Hoffman
Advisory Board
Lisa Nicole Szucs
Advisory Board
James Carl Stern
Advisory Board
Tara Maffeo
Advisory Board
Matt Dimech
Advisory Board
Anthony Marschak
Carlene Coury
Advisory Board
Matt Kennedy
Morgan Elgebali
Our core services include:
- Shelter for cats & dogs who are lost, abandoned, neglected or surrendered by families no longer able to care for them
- Adoption into loving, permanent homes
- Foster opportunities for cats & dogs too young, ill, or poorly socialized to be ready for adoption
- Returning lost pets to their owners (RTO)
- Microchipping of cats and dogs
The HSNB is not affiliated with, nor financially supported by, any other humane society, animal welfare group, or national organization. We are an independent organization and do not receive funding from either the Humane Society of America or The Humane Society of the United States.
The HSNB is a 501(c)3 Non-Profit Organization. Our tax ID # is 94-3041601.
Donations are deductible to the extent allowed by law.
We do not offer:
- Veterinary, vaccination, or spay/neuter services for privately-owned pets
- Boarding services
- Euthanasia
- Removal of deceased animals from roadways and property.
Contact Recology Vallejo for assistance: (707) 552-3110 - Care for animals including birds, rodents, rabbits, snakes, turtles or non-domestic animals.
- For abandoned or injured wildlife, please contact the Suisun Wildlife Center at 1171 Kellogg St., Suisun City, CA 94585, (707) 429-4295.
- For all other animals, you can check the internet for rescues and sanctuaries near by that specialize in their care.
Our No-Kill Policy
HSNB provides adoption and sheltering services for dogs and cats of all ages, breeds, and temperaments. Once accepted into our shelter, no animal is EVER euthanized for space or length of stay. If a behavior or health condition develops that makes the shelter environment too stressful or unhealthy for the animal to stay at HSNB, we seek a foster, trainer, “adoption-guaranteed” rescue or shelter partner for transfer. ONLY in the case of animals whose health degrades to the point that to prolong life would cause suffering, or if the animal has proven to be dangerous and ultimately untransferable, HSNB will arrange to have the animal humanely euthanized by a licensed veterinarian.
How do animals come to HSNB?
Owners surrender their pets or the animals are found as strays, or they sometimes are rescued from abusive or neglectful situations. Based on space availability, financial resources, and/or the opportunity to place animals in temporary foster homes, HSNB accepts as many animals as possible into our adoption program.
How do you evaluate animals for adoption potential?
We evaluate all animals as candidates for adoption based on a professional assessment of temperament, behavior and general health. We do take in older animals, orphaned kittens and puppies, and those with treatable medical issues.
Do you keep animals with serious medical conditions?
Occasionally we keep animals with permanent disabilities or longer-term medical conditions because we have available space at HSNB or foster homes willing to care for them until they’re strong enough for adoption. The number of “special needs” animals we’re able to keep is wholly dependent upon donations for the costly medical care required.
If I surrender my animal, can I make sure that it stays with HSNB?
HSNB makes decisions on which animals to keep based on temperament evaluations, health and kennel/cage availability. Please be aware that the friendly animal you surrender may, in the difficult shelter environment, develop behavior or health problems that can make it unadoptable.
How long do you keep an animal available for adoption?
There is no time limit on their length of stay. Unless they become seriously ill, or develop extreme behavioral problems, chosen animals stay at HSNB until we find them a home. We work hard to avoid these situations from occurring by reducing the risks for spread of disease, and reducing environmental stress. Serious illnesses are diagnosed by a licensed veterinarian. Extreme behavioral problems are diagnosed by a qualified, trained animal behavior consultant. Even when an animal becomes seriously ill, or has extreme behavioral problems, we try to find a foster or rescue willing to rehabilitate the animal. When an animal develops these issues, all staff and the board of directors shall be notified. Animals that are seriously ill, and that are suffering, may be humanely euthanized by a licensed veterinarian.
If HSNB decides not to keep my animal for adoption, can I take it back?
If you have surrendered your animal to our care, it becomes the “property” of HSNB. You will need to start a new application process for adoption, including paying fees for any medical procedures or microchipping we have provided.
What happens to animals that aren’t chosen to stay at HSNB?
It’s a sad fact that not enough people spay/neuter their pets, allowing unchecked breeding that results in an overwhelming number of homeless animals. In addition, some pet owners don’t honor their commitment to their pets and leave them on the streets as strays, or surrender them to the shelter either because they’re no longer able to care for them or simply don’t want the responsibility.
As a small non-profit organization, HSNB faces continual financial challenges and space limitations. Hundreds of animals arrive at HSNB each month, especially during kitten season, and there are many times when we simply don’t have any kennel or cage space available. In those times we look for rescue groups and shelter partners to pull them into their program, or foster families for temporary housing. If those options aren’t available, the animals are sent on to the Solano County shelter, which has its own adoption program.
How can I help?
- PLEASE, spay and neuter your pets – and encourage your family, friends, neighbors and coworkers to do the same.
- Don’t buy pets – ADOPT! In addition to our adorable mutts and beautiful mixed breed cats, we often get purebred animals surrendered to our shelter.
- If you can’t adopt right now, consider becoming a temporary foster family while we wait for a kennel to open up.
- We always need (and appreciate!) volunteers to walk dogs, socialize cats, clean kennels, do laundry, or transport animals to vet appointments and adoption events. If you have a couple of spare hours, come down to the shelter and join our extended family.
In the end, saving animals from euthanasia comes down to people taking responsibility for their pets. Ending pet-overpopulation is an ongoing and active partnership in our community. Together we can save more lives!
