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Pets Lifeline

OUR HISTORY

Before 1982 there were no local animal shelters or resources available to help the Sonoma Community cope with the problem of stray and abandoned animals. This lack of animal services motivated a handful of dedicated animal lovers to join together to create a local animal welfare organization.

Thanks to the support and dedication of this unique community, the shelter property on Eighth Street East was purchased, and Pets Lifeline was established. During its first years of growth, animals were housed in makeshift quarters or placed in temporary foster care. Our main effort was to find new homes for stray dogs and cats (those not lucky enough to be reunited with their owners). Adoptions were scheduled "by appointment only" because of limited resources.

The Shelter as we know it today was built and opened in 1987 to accommodate 13 dogs and 40 to 50 cats. With the help of foster care volunteers we are able to help many more animals than our licensed capacity allows. Visitors are encouraged to come to the Shelter to see our dogs and to socialize with the cats and kittens in our two community cats rooms.

To learn more, visit Pet's Lifeline

2011 Star Award Winner

Elfriede Whitcher has been a dedicated volunteer for over 15 years and continues to lead the charge in a number of fundraising activities at the Shelter.   She is the key coordinator of a volunteer group called the Crafters, a talented bunch of women who make discarded items into treasures.   Elfriede’s commitment to Pets Lifeline is bigger than life.

Elfriede (second from the left) is pictured here with Monica Dashwood (far left) and Nancy King (second from the right), Pets Lifeline's Executive Director.

2010 Star Award Winner

 

Kassandra Miller (on the left) accepting the SVF's 2010 Star Award along with George Bradley, Pets Lifeline's Board Vice President (right).

Kassandra volunteers as a Canine Handler, Adoption Center staff, Event Volunteer, offsite Adoption Counselor and with Foster Home. She has flourished as a mentor in our Canine Handling program and attended many of PLL’s continuing education workshops. She encourages our youth volunteers and supports the staff with unique grace and wisdom.