The Valley Animal Center Blog

Register this week only to receive a $5 off vaccinations coupon as a special bonus!

2010-08-30T09:32:00.000-07:00

We have recently moved the Wiggle Waggle Walk to Saturday, September 11th . So make sure to change this date in your calendar. We appreciate the continued support for this event and are anxious to waggle with you all! For questions about the 11th Annual Wiggle Waggle Walk, contact our administration office at (559) 233-8690

Happy Fourth of July from the Valley Animal Center!

2010-07-02T14:38:00.001-07:00

Happy Fourth of July from the Valley Animal Center!

We hope you and your pets have a safe holiday! Here are some of our favorite safety tips to keep Fourth of July fun for everyone:

Keep your pets inside! The loud noises and bright lights of fireworks spook animals and can cause them to run away from home to seek shelter. Keep your animals indoors, and make sure your dog is on a leash at all times, even in your own backyard, when you let them out to relieve themselves.

Make sure your pets have plenty of water! The hot weather all weekend is sure to have your pets drinking more water than normal, so make sure to keep filling their bowls up!

Make sure your pet is microchipped! Accidents happen, and should they get lost on the Fourth a microchip ID is your best bet to ensure they are returned to you. Having your pet microchipped allows shelters and veterinary offices to scan your pet's information and contact you if they are lost.

If your pet isn't microchipped, take advantage of our Fourth of July special now through July 3rd to get your pet microchipped for only $15! Or, come in after the holiday and get your pet microchipped for our regular, low-cost price of only $25.

Microchipped is done daily in the Dog and Cat Adoption Centers from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm. For more information, call 559-233-8554.

And remember,

Happy Fourth of July from all of us at the Valley Animal Center!

*Update - Wiggle Waggle Walk Date Change!

2010-06-16T13:58:00.000-07:00

Join the Valley Animal Center for our 11th Annual Wiggle Waggle Walk!

We have recently moved the Wiggle Waggle Walk to Saturday, September 11^th . So make sure to change this date in your calendar. We appreciate the continued support for this event and are anxious to waggle with you all! For questions about the 11th Annual Wiggle Waggle Walk, contact our administration office at (559) 233-8690

You're Invited to Celebrate Flag Day with the Valley Animal Center

2010-06-07T15:59:00.000-07:00

Join Us for a Special Flag Day Celebration at the Valley Animal Center!

When: Flag Day - Monday, June 14th at 10 am

Where: Valley Animal Center - 3934 N. Hayston Ave., Fresno, CA 93726

What: Join us as we raise our shelter's new flag in an official ceremony conducted by John Catillo, Eagle Scout Candidate who raised the funds for the flag and oversaw it's erection as his Scout Project to quality for his Eagle Scout award

Thank You Clovis North and Dog Training Volunteers!

2010-05-24T13:16:00.000-07:00

Everyone Had Fun! Another Successful Shelter Dog Training Day at the Valley Animal Center!

Students from Clovis North High School joined Valley Animal Center volunteers and trainer Glenn Farris from Alpha K9 Training at the shelter this Saturday for a fun, two-hour dog training seminar with our shelter animals. In addition to obedience training, the lucky shelter pups got plenty of exercise, and lots of love and treats!

If you want to be a part of the fun next time, mark your calendars for the Valley Animal Center's next Volunteer Orientation Meeting so you can get involved, too!

Volunteer Orientation at the Valley Animal Center
(Open to anyone age 12 or older!)

Wednesday, June 16th
5:30 - 7:00 pm
at the Valley Animal Center
3934 N. Hayston Ave.

The presentation begins promptly at 5:30 pm - so don't be late! For more information on volunteering, contact Volunteer Coordinator Brittnee Maxfield at brittnee.maxfield@valleyanimal.org or call the Administrative Office at 559-233-8690.

Warm Hearts for Cold Noses Cruises Sets Sail Again!

2010-05-20T11:21:00.000-07:00

Join us on the Carnival Spirit as We Set Sail for Mexico on January 23rd!

A PORTION OF YOUR CRUISE FARE WILL BENEFIT THE VALLEY ANIMAL CENTER!

Check out our itenerary for this 5 Day Baja Cruise!

SUNDAY JAN. 23 SAN DEIGO DEPART AT 4:00PM
MONDAY JAN 24 FUN DAY AT SEA
TUESDAY JAN 25 CABO 8:00AM - 5:00PM
WEDNESDAY JAN 26 CABO 7:00AM 3:00PM
THURSDAY FUNDAY AT SEA
FRIDAY SAN DIEGO RETURN AT 8:00AM

No passports are required for this cruise!

Pricing Information:

INTERIOR STATEROOM ONLY $369.00

BALCONY STATEROOM ONLY $509.00

Deposit to hold room only $100 - payment plan available! Final payment isn't due til November of 2010!

TO RESERVE YOUR CABIN TODAY CALL
TERRI OF DESTINATIONS CRUISES & VACATIONS
Destinations@att.net
559-289-3454
559-229-0313

or visit her website: http://destinationscv.com/

Pennies 4 Pets - A Big Success!

2010-05-17T20:27:00.000-07:00

Pennies 4 Pets Supporters Raise $40,000 for the Valley Animal Center!

Thank you to everyone who made donations or volunteered to collect change during the Valley Animal Center's Pennies for Pets Change Campaign which wrapped up earlier this month!

We have received approximately $40,000 towards our $50,000 goal for the shelter. And if you still have change to donate - it's not too late! Bring your donations by the Valley Animal Center anytime between 9 am and 5 pm Monday - Friday, and between 10:00 am and 4:30 pm Saturdays and Sundays.

Highlights from the 2010 Pennies 4 Pets Fundraiser:

Valley Animal Center volunteers talked to hundreds of guests at Big Hat Days in Old Town Clovis - promoting the fundraiser and helping some of our Adorable Adoptables find homes!

Crocker the dog was featured on ABC 30's Valley Focus, and found a loving home after working hard to promote the Pennies 4 Pets campaign.

Garfield Elementary School raised more than $900 for the animals! Go Cubs - thank you for your continued support!

The Valley Animal Center joined Gnarly Charlie from KISS Country for fun live radio remotes, collecting donations for the animals while helping the station raffle off the ever-coveted Taylor Swift concert tickets!

And last but not least...

The Paw Party with Event Sponsor Union Bank was a huge success!

Thank you to everyone who volunteered collecting change on the street corners, and to everyone who brought their donations to the 2010 fundraiser into the Fashion Fair Mall branch during the party on May 1st. We really appreciate all of your support!

Pennies 4 Pets!

2010-03-31T16:23:00.000-07:00

Get ready, get set, and get some change! The Valley Animal Center’s annual change drive is kicking off on April 10th, and we want YOU to get involved with the Pennies 4 Pets Change Campaign by collecting change, cash, and even checks from your friends and family to benefit our shelter animals. Joining you in supporting the animals is 7th year Event Sponsor Union Bank.

Not only is Union Bank supporting us as our Event Sponsor, but they are making it easy for you to donate to the shelter. They are opening their bank branches so that you may use their change machines to process change to donate to our Union Bank “Pennies for Pets” savings account.

The New Good Dog Training Fund

2010-02-05T13:01:00.000-08:00

It is the mission of the Valley Animal Center to provide quality care to dogs and cats as they await adoption into a forever home of their own. As a no-kill shelter, we remain committed to ensuring that treatable and adoptable animals are given every chance at being adopted, regardless of how long that may take…

Petey first came to the Valley Animal Center in July of 2009. This year-old pup was half Labrador, half Pit Bull, and all adorable. Everyone was sure that Petey would be swooped up quickly into a loving home of his own because he was too charming with his all-white coat and that darling black spot over one eye, reminiscent of the original Petey from The Little Rascals.

However, it soon became apparent that getting Petey adopted would be more of a challenge than originally anticipated. And now, after being adopted and returned not once, not twice, but three times, poor Petey has found himself in a bit of a pickle.

Petey is not mean, Petey is not aggressive, Petey is not dumb. Petey’s problem is that he is not conscious of his own strength. Petey is a playful little puppy in a big dog’s body.

Clearly, Petey needed a little help in realizing his full potential as man’s best friend (which indeed he is). And so, after brainstorming, the staff at Valley Animal Center decided the only option was to find a trainer who could work with Petey one-on-one and teach Petey how to be the good obedient boy we all know he can be.

Steve Fulmer of K9 Graduates was up to the task and has been meeting with Petey to cure him of his bad habits, while also teaching us humans how to properly encourage Petey to be all that he can be. Petey’s training had barely gotten underway when a few kind supporters, through word of mouth, made donations to the unofficially titled “Petey Fund” to help subsidize Petey’s training.

As it turns out, Petey can sit and heel pretty well. He also is learning that jumping on people is not preferred behavior, and we are quickly turning big Petey into a well-behaved gentleman. Petey is again available for adoption, and we are hoping that this next time will be his last, as he deserves a nice place to call his own.

To reinforce Petey’s learned skills and obedience, trainer Steve Fulmer has offered continued complimentary lessons once Petey is adopted into a home.

Of course, Petey is not the only dog who has ever had a difficult time getting adopted due to issues of problem behaviors or excessive strength. At the Valley Animal Center we have several special dogs who are being held back by a behavioral quirk.

In an effort to help all the “Peteys” out there, the Valley Animal Center has started a program in which our difficult-to-adopt dogs will receive structured training to resolve their issues and ensure adopters that with continued care and reinforcement, these dogs will make amazing pets.

To help this program take off, the Valley Animal Center is greatly appreciative of any and all donations that are given to The "Good Dog" Training Fund. Donations to the Valley Animal Center are tax-deductible, and can be made on our website, through mail at P.O. Box 706, Fresno 93712, or in person at 3934 N Hayston Ave, Fresno 93726, if you would like to come by and give a pat to Petey and the other dogs.

Petey thanks you for your support and well wishes, as do all of us here at the Valley Animal Center.

Happy New Year from the Valley Animal Center!

2010-01-04T12:44:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year from the Valley Animal Center!

In need of a New Year's resolution? Help Us End the Pet Overpopulation Crisis in 2010!

Looking to make a New Year's Resolution that will make a positive impact on the Fresno Community? Resolve to help animals in 2010! This year, make your resolution a part of the fight to end euthanasia in animal control facilities. Here's four easy ways that you can help!

Resolve to Adopt a Pet!

Adopting a pet enriches your life - and adopting a pet from the Valley Animal Center or any local shelter saves another deserving animal from euthanasia in local animal control facilities. The Valley Animal Center has over 400 cats and dogs to choose from. Come see us seven days a week from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm!

Resolve to Spay or Neuter Your Pet!

We all know that spaying and neutering is the only was to prevent unwanted puppies and kittens from being born, but did you know that the Valley Animal Center offers a low-cost spay, neuter, and vaccination clinic where spay and neuter surgeries start at just $35? For more information, or to schedule an appointment for your pet, call 559-233-8554.

Resolve to Volunteer to Help Shelter Animals!

Interested in volunteering to help shelter animals in your community? Attend our next Volunteer Orientation Meeting on January 13th from 5:30 to 7:00 pm. For more information, call the Administrative Office at 559-233-8690.

Resolve to Educate Others About the Pet Overpopulation Crisis!

Unfortunately, many Valley residents are completely unaware of the pet overpopulation crisis in our own hometown. Resolve to spread the word, send a link to our website or blog to friends and family, and make a difference in the life of many deserving animals this year!

See our New Year's Resolution Ideas in Fresno Scene Magazine here!

Join us for Kitty Christmas this Friday!

2009-12-01T11:13:00.000-08:00

Kitty Christmas and Merry Mutts is Friday, December 4th from 4 to 8 pm!

Hello to all of the Valley Animal Center’s friends and colleagues!

You're invited to our Kitty Christmas and Merry Mutts Holiday Open House, this Friday, December 4th. The party will be going on from 4 to 8 pm, and we’d love to see you here celebrating the season with our shelter animals!

As always, your admission to the event is a donation to the shelter or a gift for the animals from our Holiday Wish List, which includes all of the supplies we need to take care of the dogs and cats every day. Your donations of paper towels, bleach, laundry detergent, and toys help us provide the best possible care for each deserving pet. And with over 400 pets to care for, it’s easy to see how we can use 40 pounds of laundry detergent each week!

Once you’re here at our shelter (right off the 168 Freeway at 3934 N. Hayston Ave.), you can enjoy a visit with the animals, yummy appetizers, and delicious wines provided by our friends at Water 2 Wine in Clovis. We’ve also got a huge assortment of holiday raffles going on, so please come and check them out!

Warmest Wishes for Your Holiday Season,

The Valley Animal Center Staff

Get your Raffle Tickets!

2009-11-17T15:32:00.000-08:00

Attention Kitty Cat Caregivers!

If you've got a furry feline at home, check out this AWESOME raffle prize to be awarded at the Valley Animal Center's Kitty Christmas and Merry Mutts Holiday Open House on Friday, December 4th!

This one-0f-a-kind Feline Fantasies cat tree was made especially for Kitty Christmas by VAC Volunteers Tom and Tina Ellis. For only $1, you can purchase a ticket to win this amazing feline play area. The winner will be drawn at 7:30 pm on Friday, December 4th during our Kitty Christmas event.

In case you haven't joined us before, Kitty Christmas and Merry Mutts is the Valley Animal Center's annual holiday open house where we extend our shelter hours for one special evening full of holiday cheer.

From 4 to 8 pm, we'll be serving appetizers, delicious wines, and giving tours of the shelter. Your admission to this event is a gift for the animals from our Holiday Wish List, or a cash donation to the shelter. For more information, contact the Administrative Office at 559-233-8690.

We're in 9th Place - Help Us Make the Top 5 to Win $20,000!

2009-10-20T09:45:00.000-07:00

The Valley Animal Center in is 9th Place in the Tom's of Maine Contest to Win $20,000!

The Valley Animal Center has been selected as one of the top 50 finalists in the Tom's of Maine "50 States of Good" contest to receive a $20,000 grant - and we need your to make it into the Top 5 and win $20,000! To enter the contest, we submitted a project proposal for a new program at the shelter called "Get Fit With Fido", and you can VOTE for our project every day to help us win!

The Idea

Put your best foot forward for homeless shelter dogs! Get Fit with Fido is an exercise program that includes a free, hour-long fitness walk to provide leash training to shelter dogs. Participants get fit, and fido gets a better chance of being adopted by learning obedience commands during the walk and the 2-hour dog training session immediately after.

Who Benefits

Valley residents who participate in this free program will benefit by receiving heart-healthy cardiovascular exercise, and their puppy partners will benefit, too. The dogs will receive exercise, valuable training, and gain increased exposure in the community, improving their chances of finding a forever home.

Objective

Get Fit with Fido will encourage fitness, community, and volunteerism; provide a free workout to citizens; and increase the number of dog adoptions in our no-kill shelter.

How YOU Can Help Bring This Project to Life

Visit the Tom's of Maine website, scroll down to find the Valley Animal Center's project Get Fit with Fido, and VOTE - once a day until October 30th! If you can't click the link above, paste this URL (http://www.tomsofmaine.com/community-involvement/project-sponsorships.aspx?tab=vote) into your web broswer to vote. Once you're there, set it to your home page so you can remember to vote for the dogs in our no-kill shelter every day! You can also make a big impact on our chances of winning by forwarding spreading the word to your friends, family, and coworkers!

Thanks in advance for your support. We are so excited for our shelter - and really hope our efforts together can bring this prize to the Fresno community!

Save the Date for Our Upcoming Events!

2009-10-07T13:58:00.001-07:00

Saturday, November 7th

Holiday Bake and Craft Sale and Santa Paws Photos

10 am to 2 pm at the Valley Animal Center

Start your holiday shopping early at the Valley Animal Center! Visit vendor booths full of unique crafts and gift ideas, enjoy tasty treats from our bake sale to benefit the animals, and bring your pet to have their photo taken with Santa in time for those holiday cards!

Saturday, November 14th

Community Shopping Day at Macy's Fashion Fair

All Day Long at Macy's in Fashion Fair Mall

Purchase your $10 Community Shopping Day Savings Pass from the Valley Animal Center's Administrative Office anytime before Macy's best sale of the year! All of the money from your savings pass goes directly to our shelter animals - and all of the savings on holiday gifts go straight into your pocket!

Wednesday, November 18th

Volunteer Orientation at the Valley Animal Center

5:30 - 7:00 pm at the Valley Animal Center

Interested in volunteering at the Valley Animal Center? Attend our last Volunteer Orientation meeting for 2009 so you can get started! This meeting is mandatory for all prospective volunteers, so don't miss your last change until after the holidays!

Friday, December 4th

Kitty Christmas and Merry Mutts Holiday Open House

4:00 - 8:00 pm at the Valley Animal Center

It's the most wonderful time of year at the Valley Animal Center! A gift for the animals from our Wish List is your admission to this fun, annual event. Guests will enjoy appetizers, spirits, tours of the shelter, holiday raffles, and more. We hope you can join us!

Help the Valley Animal Center Win $20,000!

2009-09-23T18:36:00.000-07:00

Help the Valley Animal Center Win $20,000!

The Valley Animal Center has been selected as one of the top 50 finalists in the Tom's of Maine "50 States of Good" contest to receive a $20,000 grant - and we need your help to win! To enter the contest, we submitted a project proposal for a new program at the shelter called "Get Fit With Fido", and you can VOTE for our project every day to help us win!

Who Benefits

Valley residents who participate in this free program will benefit by receiving heart-healthy cardiovascular exercise, and their puppy partners will benefit, too. The dogs will receive exercise, valuable training, and gain increased exposure in the community, improving their chances of finding a forever home.

Objective

Get Fit with Fido will encourage fitness, community, and volunteerism; provide a free workout to citizens; and increase the number of dog adoptions in our no-kill shelter.

How YOU Can Help Bring This Project to Life

Visit the Tom's of Maine website, scroll down to find the Valley Animal Center's project Get Fit with Fido, and VOTE - once a day until October 30th! If you can't click the link above, paste this URL (http://www.tomsofmaine.com/community-involvement/project-sponsorships.aspx?tab=vote) into your web broswer to vote. Once you're there, set it to your home page so you can remember to vote for the dogs in our no-kill shelter every day! You can also make a big impact on our chances of winning by forwarding spreading the word to your friends, family, and coworkers!

Thanks in advance for your support. We are so excited for our shelter - and really hope our efforts together can bring this prize to the Fresno community!

Congratulations to Jenny W.!

2009-09-21T16:34:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Jenny W. who won a $100 PETCO giftcard for signing up to receive the Valley Animal Center's FREE e-newsletter this weekend at Clovis Fest!

If you haven't signed up for VAC eNews yet, visit our homepage to sign up!

Thank You for Supporting the Valley Animal Center!

2009-09-04T15:30:00.000-07:00

There are a variety of fun ways to help the homeless pets of the Valley Animal Center! Check out these great ideas from Frenso residents!

Happy Birthday to Cierra!

Cierra and her friends know how to throw a party! For her Disco-themed 13th Birthday celebration, Cierra asked friends to gather items from the Valley Animal Center's wish list in lieu of presents. Her big heart was a big help to our shelter animals!

Keeping It Casual!

The staff at TRISTAR Risk Management knows that helping the community is a great way to boost company morale. So, on Fridays, their awesome office team gets together for "Casual Fridays", where they pay $10 to charity for the opportunity to "dress down" at work. Thanks to all of the office team who kept it casual on behalf of the homeless dogs and cats in our shelter!

Support the Valley Animal Center through the S.H.A.R.E.S. Program!

2009-08-14T16:34:00.000-07:00

Support the Valley Animal Center Every Time You go to the Supermarket!

With the S.H.A.R.E.S. Card, every time you purchase your groceries at Save Mart, Food Maxx, or any other store in the Save Mart family, Valley Animal Center benefits!

Ask how you can get your own S.H.A.R.E.S. Card and start contributing today!

For more information or to request your card, contact the Valley Animal Center’s Administrative Office at (559) 233-8690 or email info@valleyanimal.org.

Some restrictions apply. Visit the Save Mart S.H.A.R.E.S. Program website for details.

Valley Animal Center Dog Bathing Station - Now Open!

2009-07-21T12:12:00.000-07:00

The Valley Animal Center’s Dog Bathing Station:
Now Open to Dogs 2 - 40 lbs

What We Offer

Regular Bath  Flea/Tick Bath  Conditioner
Ear Cleaning  Teeth Cleaning  Nail Trim
Pet Perfume

Please call the Dog Adoption Center to schedule an appointment at (559) 233-8717
Ask for Debra Baker!

Bathing appointments will begin August 13, 2009

See our available packages below:

PKG 1 $25.00

Regular Bath
Conditioner
Teeth Brushed
Pet Perfume

PKG 2 $35.00

Regular Bath
Conditioner
Teeth Brushed
Nail Trim
Pet Perfume

PKG 3 $45.00

Flea/Tick Bath
Conditioner
Ears Cleaned
Teeth Brushed
Nail Trim
Pet Perfume

Coming Soon.... E-News from the Valley Animal Center!

2009-07-17T12:21:00.000-07:00

The Valley Animal Center is going GREEN, and the dogs and cats of our shelter want your email address so we can send you the latest and greatest Valley Animal Center news! Use the signup form below, and keep an eye out for our e-newsletter in your inbox, soon!

Wellness Wednesdays - Low Cost Health Exams... for Your Pet!

2009-06-15T15:48:00.000-07:00

With budgets tightening in every household, the Valley Animal Center knows that giving your pet the care they need may sometimes be challenging. But did you know we have a Low-Cost Spay and Neuter Clinic right here at our shelter? Our clinic can provide you with a wide variety of services at a reduced cost, ensuring you can provide your precious pet with all the things they need.

One of the newest services offered in our clinic is low-cost health exams during our "Wellness Wednesdays". For only $25, your pet can visit our Veterinarian for their complete annual exam. Should the clinic staff find anything wrong, we can help you with low-cost treatment options, too. For more information, call the shelter staff at 559-233-8554 between 10:00 am and 4:30 pm, any day of the week!

Cat Food Recall Announced

2009-06-01T15:07:00.000-07:00

Attention Finicky Felines and Protective Pet Parents!

The FDA has announced a voluntary recall of NUTRO dry cat food products. If your kitty is enjoying NUTRO kibble, please review this information immediately to ensure your pet is healthy and happy.

And remember... the Valley Animal Center's spay, neuter, and vaccination clinic is now offering low-cost Pet Wellness Exams! For only $25, your pet can visit our Veterinarian, ensuring they have a clean bill of health. To schedule an appointment, contact the Cat Adoption Center at 559-233-8554, or visit our website for more information.

Don't Forget to Submit Your Photos!

2009-05-26T16:43:00.000-07:00

The Deadline to the Valley Animal Center's Pet Calendar Contest is Approaching Fast...

Don't Forget to Send Us Your Photos!

Up until July 31st, the Valley Animal Center will be accepting pet photographs for our 2010 Pet Photo Calendar. For just $10, you can enter a photo of your pet for a chance to be one of the 12 featured pets of the month. And, even if your pet isn't one of our 12 special stars, their photo will be featured somewhere in the calendar. Calendars will be available for purchase in October, or can be preordered at the Valley Animal Center for $12 (+ $4 shipping if you would like your calendar mailed to you).

See your precious pet in our calendar!

For more information about the Valley Animal Center's Pet Photo Contest, call the Administrative Office at 559-233-8690, or email info@valleyanimal.orfg to request an entry form.

Hurry - contest ends July 31st!

Your Dog Could Be America's Next Dog Model!

2009-05-18T10:00:00.000-07:00

Does Your Canine Companion Have What it Takes to be "America's Next Dog Model"?

Find out - apply your pooch to compete in the "America's Next Dog Model" at the Valley Animal Center's 17th Annual Cool Cats and Doggie Divas event on Saturday, July 11th!

This year, the Valley Animal Center will be holding this fun annual event at Grand Occasions of Fresno from 5 to 10 pm on July 11th, 2009. As always, this special night will include a cocktails and a gourmet dinner, incredible silent and live auctions, live music, and of course, the “America’s Next Dog Model” fashion show.

Local canines are encouraged to download an application, and apply to be a model in the show. Applications will be accepted until June 1st, and will be reviewed by a panel of judges who will select the canine contenders in the contest. Winning models will be notified by June 3rd, and then can begin collecting pledges for the Valley Animal Center to become "America's Next Dog Model". Canine models will also be elligible for the "Best Dressed" and "Miss/Mr. Congeniality" awards.

If you would like your pampered pooch to be featured in the fashion show, please visit our website to download an application. Hurry - applications are due June 1st!

For more information, contact the Valley Animal Center's Administrative Office at 559-233-8690.

Thank You Valley Students!

2009-05-07T14:32:00.000-07:00

Character Counts When Caring for Animals!

Thank you to local students for your compassionate care for our animals!

The Valley Animal Center is so proud of all of the students who participated in our 2009 "Caring Counts When Caring for Animals" contest during our Annual Change Campaign. Today, the Valley Animal Center was presented a check for $2,132.50 from Clark Intermediate School in Clovis. The Clark Students raised the most money of any school group in the history of the Change Campaign, thanks to the hard work of Rosemary Graff and her Auxilary Education class!

We are so proud of all of the schools who collected spare change for our animals, and wanted to extend a special thank you to Susan Hoffman's class at Garfield Elementary School, Michelle Stilson and the first grade teachers at Harvest Elementary, Laura Cardin and the Alta Sierra Intermediate Ecology Club, Century Elementary, and all of the other schools and students who helped collect change for our animals!

Thank you to Miss Hoffamn's Class at Garfield Elementary who raised over $1,500 for the shelter!

In addition to school visits, the Valley Animal Center is now offering field trips for local students. For more information, please contact the Administrative Office at 559-233-8690.

Thank you students and teachers!!

Thank You Volunteers and Legacy Society Members!

2009-04-27T13:46:00.000-07:00

Thank You Volunteers and Charter Legacy Society Members!

Volunteers and Charter Legacy Society Members enjoying a special appreciation event

Earlier this month, the Valley Animal Center hosted a special after-hours event to honor the Volunteers and Legacy Society members who have helped make our organization's dreams a reality since the begining.

Charter Members of the Valley Animal Center Legacy Society

Special awards were presented to these outstanding Volunteers, and the Legacy Society Charter Members were introduced. We are especially grateful to these individuals who have included the Valley Animal Center in their estate plans to ensure that our animals are cared for in the years to come.

If you are interested in joining the Valley Animal Center Legacy Society, or would like more information about planning your estate, please contact Director of Development Kelly Joos at (559) 233-8690, or email kelly.joos@valleyanimal.org.

The Shelter Staff with the Valley Animal Center's Youth Volunteer Humane Hero Nominee, Riley

Even if you aren't ready to begin planning your estate, you can make a difference by volunteering in our shelter. If you are 12 or older, and want to become a volunteer, please attend our next Volunteer Orientation Meeting on Tuesday, April 28th from 5:30 - 7:00 pm. For more information, contact the Administrative Office at (559) 233-8690.

Shop Barnes and Noble to Support the Valley Animal Center this Saturday!

2009-03-20T09:57:00.000-07:00

If you love books and love animals, stop by Barnes and Noble this Saturday, March 21st, for the Valley Animal Center's Book Faire Fundraiser - and a free story time with the animals!

Barnes and Noble is supporting the 2009 Valley Animal Center Change Campaign by inviting us to their Rierpark store this Saturday. Shop anytime during the store's regular hours from 9 am to 11 pm with the voucher below, and 10% or more of your purchase will be donated to the Valley Animal Center!

If you have little ones at home, you might also want to check out the Valley Animal Center's free story time in the Children's Department from 11 am to 12 pm. Barnes and Noble staff will be reading animal stories aloud to children while they visit with our Change Campaign Spokesanimals Jackson and Cricket. Kids can even complete a free animal craft to take home!

So, don't forget to support our no-kill shelter by shopping Barnes and Noble this Saturday! Print out the voucher - and come see us in the store!

We've got a Real Hero at the Valley Animal Center

2009-03-12T13:18:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to our own American Red Cross Real Animal Rescue Hero –
Shelter Manager Ralph Elliott!

Ralph is being recognized as a Real Hero by the Fresno-Madera American Red Cross for rescuing frequent shelter visitor Jackson from a near-fatal choking on a rawhide treat in our office. Jackson (and the VAC staff) nominated Ralph to win this prestigious award, and he was chosen as the most heroic applicant!

Ralph Elliott is our hero!

Ralph will receive his award on Thursday, March 26th at the Real Heroes Celebration Dinner at Grand Occasions in Fresno. If you would like information about the event, please speak to a staff member, or call the Fresno-Madera American Red Cross at (559) 455-1000.

Jackson Says:

"Ralph is my hero! Be sure to congratulate him on
his big award from the Red Cross!"

You can be a hero, too! Learn Pet First Aid at the Valley Animal Center! Just ask a staff member for details!

Don't Miss the Change Campaign Kick-Off - Saturday March 7th!

2009-03-03T20:23:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year...

The Valley Animal Center's Change Campaign has begun, and we need your support collecting spare change for our shelter pets!

This Saturday, March 7th, the Valley Animal Center will be kicking off the Change Campaign at Union Bank's Fashion Fair branch located at 565 E. Shaw Ave.. Come see us from 10 am - 1 pm, and bring your change! The first 25 people who put their change into the Union Bank change machine will receive a free "Paw Patrol" t-shirts from the Valley Animal Center. The Union Bank staff (and their pets!) will also have special goodies to hand out to every person and pet who brings the coins to cash in for our shelter!

Thank you to 6th year event sponsor Union Bank!

Laurie West from Alice 96.7 will also be on hand to celebrate pets this Saturday, so come visit her, and the pets of the Valley Animal Center!

For more information about how you can help with the Change Campaign, or about this fun event, call the Valley Animal Center's Administrative Office at 559-233-8690.

We'll see you this Saturday!

Round-of-a-Paws to Girl Scout Troop #964!

2009-02-16T15:46:00.000-08:00

Round-of-a-Paws!

Thank you to the young ladies of Girl Scout Troop #964 for making beautiful blankets for the dogs and cats in our shelter! Our animals appreciate your hard work!

Do you have a Girl Scout Troop or group looking for a service project helping animals? Create blankets like Troop #964, or visit our website to download a copy of our Wish List. Your group can hold a supply drive to collect items our shelter needs each and every day, from paper towels to pet treats!

You can also visit the Valley Animal Center's booth at the Girl Scouts of Central California South's "World Thinking Day" at the Fresno Convention Center Exhibit Hall on Saturday, February 28th from 10 am to 3 pm! We hope to see you there!

Valentine Adopt-a-Thon - This Saturday!

2009-02-11T13:39:00.000-08:00

The Valley Animal Center wants YOU to find the Love of Your Life this Valentine's Day during our Valentine Adopt-a-Thon!

Animals from the Valley Animal Center will be available for adoption at the following locations this Saturday, February 14th!

Cricket Wireless – 6460 N. Blackstone Ave., Fresno, CA 93710 – 11 am to 3 pm

The Brass Unicorn – 845 E. Fern Ave., Fresno, CA 93728 – 11 am to 2 pm

Whitie’s Pets – 5215 N. Blackstone Ave., Fresno, CA 93710 – 11 am to 2 pm

Cheryl’s Fancy Critter Tags and Pet Boutique – 950 Herndon Ave., Clovis, CA 93612 – 11 am to 2 pm

The Valley Animal Center - 3934 N. Hayston Ave., Fresno, CA 93726 - 10 am - 4:30 pm

To help more animals find a home this February, we're offering $14 off the adoption fee for almost any pet - so come see us at any of these locations!

Thank you!

Special thanks go out to Cricket Wireless and Liberty Tax Services for arranging a super-special Valentine Adopt-a-Thon event at their Blackstone and Sierra location! Be sure to join us from 11 am to 3 pm for lots of fun and FREE activities, including a live radio remote with Radio Que Onda, KOND 92.1 from 11 am to 1 pm, free bounce house, and of course, pet adoptions! There will also be free barbequed hot dogs, cookies, sweets, and more courtesy of Liberty Tax Services. Don't miss the fun!

"Find the Love of YOUR Life" - adopt a pet this Valentine's Day!

Ready to Respond to Save Lives...

2009-02-04T12:13:00.000-08:00

Valley Animal Center Staff and Volunteers Join the Community Emergency Response Team!

If you've noticed some commotion at the Valley Animal Center this month, you might be getting a glimpse of the first volunteer responders in the event of a major crisis in our own town.

The Valley Animal Center is excited to be hosting Community Emergency Response Team (C.E.R.T.) training at our facility, and for our staff and volunteers to be getting trained to respond to a disaster. This includes training on medical emergency support, search and rescue efforts, disaster support psychology, fire response (see picture below), and more

For more information on C.E.R.T. training, visit the Community Emergency Response Team of Fresno's website at http://www.certfresno.org/.

The C.E.R.T. students - including Director of Development Kelly Joos, Shelter Manager Ralph Elliott, Assistant Shelter Manager Lisa Gallyer, and VAC Volunteers Jackie Villicana and Ann Locey

Find the "Love of Your Life" this Valentine's Day!

2009-01-29T09:58:00.001-08:00

Looking for love in all the wrong places?

Can't find that special someone to warm your heart?

Come to the Valley Animal Center - the "Love of Your Life" is waiting to meet you!

This February, the Valley Animal Center wants you to fill your home and your heart with love by adopting a shelter pet. From February 1st through February 28th, you can take $14 off the adoption fee of any dog, puppy, cat, or kitten (excluding Senior, Special Needs, and Feral cats - available every day for the low fee of only $35). Curious who you might meet?

Cooper

I am a: Young, 1 year old, bachelor
Body type/Breed: Buff, athletic, Domestic Short Hair, Gray Tabby (Declawed)
Seeking: Some young ladies who aren’t afraid to show me a good time
Best qualities: Sweet face and Personality- a gentleman above the rest.
Turn-ons: Outgoing, active types, who don’t mind chilling out with the TV or good pillow talk

I’m a young guy who has gained plenty of maturity in my short life. I don’t care about age or children, I just want someone to love. I can be a great snuggle bug but would never admit that in public! I’m pretty open to any relationship, so why don’t we meet up and see what comes about? I’ll be here at Valley Animal Center- Room 2.

Coco

I am a: Young, 2 year old, Bachelorette
Body type/Breed: Slim, athletic, Pomeranian Mix
Seeking: Someone who will give me a ton of attention and would love to pamper me
Best Qualities: Outgoing, Excitable attitude, great smile and luxurious coat
Turn-ons: Younger, active types who are not afraid to shower a girl with plenty of pampering, affection, and love

Hello, my name is CoCo, I’m a sweet girl who loves to party and spend time going out and having a good time! In my free time I enjoy hanging out with someone who can give me plenty of attention! I’m a loving girl who just wants an honest chance at another relationship.

It's free to look!

Adoption Centers open Monday - Saturday, 10 am to 4:30 pm.

Come meet the love of your life - and take $14 off this February!

Round-of-a-Paws to Build-a-Bear Workshop Bear Hugs Foundation

2009-01-29T09:44:00.000-08:00

Round-of-a-Paws!

Thank you to the Build-a-Bear Workshop Bear Hugs Foundation for awarding a $1,000 grant to the Valley Animal Center!

The $1,000 grant will be used to provide for the care of the dogs and cats awaiting adoption in our shelter. From all of us (including our furry, four-legged friends) - THANK YOU!

The Build-A-Bear Workshop Bear Hugs Foundation is committed to making life more bearable for children, families and pets, in need of a helping paw. With the sale of each full-sized Bearemy’s Kennel Pals® friend -- a collection of Build‑A‑Bear Workshop® plush dogs -- one dollar is donated to domestic pet programs including local animal shelters, stray pet rescue and rehabilitation organizations, and pet education programs around the country such as the Valley Animal Center. To learn more, please visit http://www.buildabear.com/.

Disaster Training Workshop Held at the Valley Animal Center

2009-01-21T11:56:00.000-08:00

Photo: Lauren Shiebelhut, Adoption Counselor, works on the logistics of planning an emergency shelter with her group while Instructor Susan Keyes answers a question.

What an exciting weekend – and not just because of the inauguration! The Valley Animal Center hosted the Humane Society of the United States for Disaster Animal Response Team (D.A.R.T.) training from January 16th through 18th. 26 students, including four Valley Animal Center employees, attended the workshop.

Three intense days covering everything they would need to know to help animals in a disaster culminated in a very exciting and realistic tabletop exercise. Nadine Berumen, Adoption Counselor, said “I felt really inspired to be around so many people who feel as passionate about helping animals as I do. I’m even more motivated to practice my pet CPR and first aid!”

Assistant Shelter Manager Lisa Gallyer noted that although the tabletop exercise was frustrating at times, “It really helped me to focus on what happens during a disaster. I learned a lot and hopefully will be prepared to help if something goes wrong in our community.”

The Valley Animal Center was delighted to be able to host this workshop for interested volunteers in the community, and we’re already looking forward to next month’s “Bridging the Communication Gap: Spanish for Shelters” seminar. For more information about these and other educational opportunities at the Valley Animal Center, email Education Coordinator Jessica Handly at Jessica.handly@valleyanimal.org.

Humane Society of the United States - HERE at Our Shelter!!

2008-12-18T15:26:00.000-08:00

We are VERY excited about this one, folks...

For the first time EVER, the Humane Society of the United States of America is journeying out to the Central Valley to offer a special training course here at VAC!

Be prepared to help the animals when a disaster strikes in your community….

Disaster Animal Response Team Training is coming to Fresno!

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) presents Disaster Animal Response Team (DART) which is the premier basic training for animal disaster responders nationwide. This 3-day course is designed to familiarize participants with disaster situations and provide the background necessary to become an effective emergency animal relief responder. The class includes two days of mixed classroom/hands-on instruction and a half-day of specialized tabletop exercises.

This wonderful training opportunity is cosponsored by the Valley Animal Center, and will be held in the Education Room at the Center, located at 3934 N. Hayston in Fresno.

Mark Your Calendars!!!
Friday, Saturday and Sunday January 16-18, 2009
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Friday & Saturday)
8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (Sunday)
Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m. (Friday)

The cost is $125 per person and the registration deadline is coming fast!

For more information, please contact Jessica Handly, Valley Animal Center Humane
Education Coordinator, at (559) 233-8690 Monday-Friday, 9:00 am-5:00 pm
Or by email at Jessica.Handly@valleyanimal.org.

To register for the course, CLICK HERE

Give a dog a bed this Christmas!

2008-12-10T12:18:00.000-08:00

This past Friday, the Valley Animal celebrated an important milestone for homeless dogs in the Valley. On December 5th, we had our official ribbon cutting ceremony with the Clovis Chamber of Commerce for our Dog Adoption Center, now open to the public.

The VAC crew at our Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

The Dog Adoption Center is a state-of-the-art facility that features 32 kennels which can ultimately house up to 200 adoptable canine companions. This includes 17 inside/outside runs, allowing the pups to enjoy fresh air in fair weather.

Now that the Dog Adoption Center is officially open, we need your help providing beds for these precious pets for their stay here with us. You can donate a Kuranda bed, designed specifically for shelters, by following the link below.

Looking for a meaningful and lasting gift for a Pet Lover? Donate a Kuranda dog bed to one of our dogs in the name of a friend or family member. A personalized Gift Card will be mailed to them to inform them of the wonderful gift you have selected for them.
Donate Now

Thank you for your support this holiday season,

The Valley Animal Center Staff

See what's new at the Valley Animal Center!

2008-11-12T16:00:00.000-08:00

Hello to all of the wonderful shelter supporters out there on the web! Whether you've been with us for years, or are visiting our website for the first time - welcome!

We've started a new blog to keep you current on all the exciting things going on here at the Valley Animal Center. Check back every week for updates, animal stories, and the latest shelter news - like this exciting news update for all the kitties in our care.

Today we started installing our outdoor cat enclosures! This is a very exciting time for us all here at the shelter, as this project has been long awaiting completion. Now, the 350 kitties currently residing in our shelter will have access to the "great oudoors" in safe outdoor enclosures. Check out the photos of the enclosures being installed (no kitties yet - we've got to get the roof on).

We are so pleased to be able to show all of you the progress that is being made here as we gear up for the holidays. In case you haven't been by, we've also been moving our canine counterparts into our brand new Dog Adoption Center in anticipation of our Dog Center Grand Opening during our Kitty Christmas and Merry Mutts Holiday Open House on Friday, December 5th from 3 to 8 pm here at the Valley Animal Center. As always, everyone is invited, so please bring a gift for the animals from our wish list, and join us for the party!

To get ready for the party, we're moving in some great dogs who are looking for their forever homes!

Of course, these lucky pups also got the star treatment from Daniel at NV Media, who took some photos for the Fashion Fair Mall plasma TVs. Let's hope these guys find a great home!