Join Our Newsletter:  

You are HERE!: Home -> About

How We Work

Founded in 1987, the Companion Animal Rescue Effort (C.A.R.E.) is a nonprofit, all volunteer, animal rescue organization based in Santa Clara County. We accept owner-relinquished, abandoned, abused, or otherwise-neglected puppies and dogs that would otherwise face uncertain futures. These once homeless animals are taken into our volunteer foster homes where they receive quality nutrition, medical attention, and lots of love and warmth until placed into quality, pre-screened, permanent homes through our adoption center located at 4190 Piper Drive in San Jose.

Because CARE is a "no-kill" animal rescue organization, our animals (barring severe illness) remain in foster care until adopted into quality, loving homes, regardless how long this may take. This long-term care can lead to further expenses over and above the animal's initial expenses.

Since CARE is a non-profit organization that does not receive local or federal funding, we depend on fundraisers along with support from our community to keep us operational. CARE is committed not only to saving the lives of homeless animals but to public education. It is our belief that with knowledge about responsible pet guardianship (in all its forms), we can curb and eventually end, the suffering of neglected animals and the tragedy of pet overpopulation which last year alone resulted in over 13 million pets euthanized in our nation's animal shelters every year.

Other community services provided by CARE include: referrals to low- and no-cost spay/neuter services, grooming referrals, referrals to dog training and behavior classes, informational booths and displays at local community fairs, networking with other rescue groups, shelters, and humane societies and publishing our annual CARE newsletter for our members and adopters.

How Our Process Works

Companion Animal Rescue Effort (CARE) is an all-volunteer, non-profit animal rescue organization that accepts unwanted and otherwise abandoned dogs of all ages from Bay Area humane societies, animal shelters, and from the general public. These animals are taken into our foster home program where they receive quality nutrition and veterinary care along with love and attention.

When CARE animals are ready for adoption, our foster home volunteers bring them to our center during specific adoption hours. There they are viewed by the public and adopted into pre-screened, permanent homes. Because each foster home has learned a little about each animal in their care, they are responsible for interviewing prospective adopters, answering any questions they may have, and taking them through our adoption process.

As animals are adopted to good, permanent homes, new animals come into our foster home program and the cycle repeats itself. Being a patient, avid animal lover is a must to become a CARE foster parent. Those who foster find it very rewarding.Each foster home remains available CARE should new adopters have questions or Volunteering for CARE

Each foster home remains available should new adopters have questions or concerns after bringing their new pet home. Because we believe in quality not quantity, CARE extensively screens all potential adopters to ensure that each pet is perfectly matched into their new home. Due to the tragedy of pet overpopulation, CARE spays and neuters its animals before they leave our hands.

Back to Top

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of pet can I find through C.A.R.E.?

You'll get a pet that needs a home. We have a wide variety of healthy puppies and dogs that are available for adoption. All our pets are spayed or neutered, current on their shots, and have been checked by a veterinarian.

How much is your adoption fee?

Dog and puppy adoption fees vary by dog. Fees start at $250.00. Our adoption fees pay for the animal's vet care and a small portion goes to advertising and equipment. Additionally, there is a two-week money-back return period with every adoption. A service charge will apply to those needing to return animals during the 14-day return period.

How do I find a pet?

Once you have an idea of what breed, size, age, activity level, and grooming requirements you have in mind, take a look at the available animals on our site. We update our site weekly, so check back regularly.

Is there a place where I can see the animals?

We have an adoption center at 4190 Piper Drive, San Jose, CA 95117 in the Maple Leaf Shopping Center at the corner of Saratoga and Piper Ave, across from Helm of Sun Valley in San Jose. We are open with dogs and puppies Saturdays only, from 10:30am-2:00pm. Please check our home page for the most up-to-date information on any cancellations or additional dates and times.

back to top

Credits