Humane Society of the North Bay provides a safe haven for Vallejo’s animals

VALLEJO – In the heart of Vallejo, the Humane Society of the North Bay (HSNB) stands as a testament to community-driven animal welfare. Founded in 1986, this private, nonprofit organization has dedicated nearly four decades to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming stray and surrendered animals. 

At the helm is Kristin Eddy, a former journalist whose journey from neighborhood volunteer to shelter director embodies the organization's mission of compassion and service.

Eddy moved to Vallejo in 2007, settling just a few blocks from the local animal shelter. On quiet mornings, the distant sound of dogs barking piqued her curiosity. "I thought, what the heck is that?" she said. Discovering the nearby shelter, she walked in and signed up to volunteer. That was 2008. Over the years, she immersed herself in various roles, from dog walking to board leadership, eventually stepping into the role of shelter director in 2021, just as the organization was navigating post-pandemic challenges.

"I never expected animal welfare to be part of my professional life," Eddy says. "But it became a huge part of who I am."

A Shelter with Heart

HSNB operates as a no-kill shelter, providing a safe haven for animals until they are either reclaimed by their owners or adopted into loving homes. Each year, the team rescues and rehabilitates hundreds of dogs and cats, some arriving as strays, others surrendered by owners facing hardship. The shelter ensures that every animal receives medical attention, vaccinations, and, most importantly, affection.

Beyond adoption, HSNB supports both animals and their owners through services like a pet food pantry, humane education, and fostering opportunities for animals who may not cope well in the busy shelter environment. Some animals, especially very young, sick, or stressed ones, benefit from being placed in temporary foster homes where they can recover or grow in a more stable setting. At the same time, the shelter works directly with pet owners to help them keep their animals at home whenever possible. "We try to offer people options before they feel like they have to surrender their pets," Eddy explains. "Sometimes a little support or a conversation with a trainer makes all the difference."

Much of this work is made possible by volunteers like Lisa Szucs, a photojournalist who began donating her time and talents to the shelter 11 years ago. "I looked at their website and saw these dark, blurry animal photos, one cat photo was even sideways," she jokes. "I knew I could help."

Since then, Lisa has become a fixture at the shelter, mentoring new volunteers, photographing animals for adoption profiles, and helping manage social media. "I have a full-time job that pays the bills," she says, "but this place truly feeds my soul."

The Broader Landscape: Animal Welfare in California

HSNB's efforts are part of a larger network of animal welfare organizations across California. According to the ASPCA, approximately 4.1 million shelter animals are adopted each year in the United States, with about 920,000 animals euthanized annually. These numbers highlight the critical importance of spaces like HSNB in providing alternatives to euthanasia through adoption and community support.

In Solano County, HSNB works in partnership with the Solano County Sheriff’s Animal Control division to manage the intake of stray dogs and cats found in Vallejo. Through a contract with the City of Vallejo, stray animals are first brought to HSNB, giving owners an opportunity to reclaim them. 

If HSNB’s kennels are full, animals are transferred to the county shelter. While the two organizations collaborate on intake, each operates its own separate adoption program. The county also emphasizes the importance of spaying and neutering pets to reduce overpopulation and encourages residents to microchip their animals to facilitate returns if they become lost.

Operating a shelter in Vallejo presents unique challenges. While the city provides limited funding for stray intake, the bulk of HSNB’s budget must be raised through donations and fundraising. "We don’t have the same wealth base as shelters in Marin or Berkeley," Eddy notes. "But what we do have is heart, and a community that deeply cares about animals."

Despite economic hurdles, according to Eddy, HSNB consistently adopts out more than 500 animals a year. While the shelter is based in Vallejo, it serves adopters from across Solano County and beyond. “We’re glad to be an adoption resource for any good home, wherever the adopters live, even out of state,” Eddy explains. 

However, every member of a potential adopter’s household must attend the meet-and-greet, including any resident dogs. That policy means adopters from outside the Bay Area need to be fully committed to the in-person process. “It’s important to us that we meet everyone involved to ensure a good fit, for both the family and the animal,” added Eddy. HSNB does not transport animals to unfamiliar homes, prioritizing meaningful connections over speed or convenience.   

As the organization approaches its 40th anniversary in 2026, its goals are ambitious but grounded: expand community outreach, improve the aging facility, and build stronger educational programs for youth. Eddy envisions a future where HSNB is not only a shelter but a center of compassion and advocacy for all of Vallejo.

"We want people to be proud that we’re here," she says. "And we want to continue proving why this work matters."